Random Ramsdom: 3/18/2010

by Eric Nagel on Mar 18, 2010 1:53 AM CDT in St. Louis Rams news

One can only hope the meeting with Willie Parker goes well. I've always liked him, and hopefully he can resurrect his career and help the Rams win a few games as well. Here is some other news from around the interweb:

Mike Sando goes over the NFC West QB situations. You're never gonna guess who he said would be starting this year for the Rams...
Ottoman89 has a post over at Ramsherd talking about picking that other guy: Jimmy Clausen. I'm sure most of you know how I feel about Clausen, but with the way the media rolling with Sam Bradford, I think the Cubs are more likely to win the world series.
Mocking the draft has a scouting report on Brandon LaFell, one of the many WR options for the Rams in the draft. Also, some TEBOW-MANIA!!!
If you are interested, you can watch the Patriots vs. Lions game on Thanksgiving. That ought to be an even match-up...
I wouldn't mind the Rams taking a look at Brian Westbrook. He may not have much left (he did average 4.5 ypc last year...), but if Willie Parker doesn't work out, why not take a chance?
Someone also pointed me to this article: an analysis of the busts rates for QB's and DT's. It's a little old (about a month) but for anyone who isn't sure about who to support in the draft, take a look.

Enjoy Thursday!

0 recs | 20 comments

Comments

I prefer Clausen too

So does Kiper. Not that any of us know a damn thing.

CoachConnors - March 18, 2010 reply

I like Clausen better than Bradford too.

The important difference for me is that Clausen has many less unanswered questions.

He CAN play with a less than stellar supporting cast.

My preference for the #1 pick is still Suh, but my ideal scenario would be to trade down a few spots and still get Clausen.

Le Ram - March 18, 2010 reply

I would love this as well

But IMO the options are limited. Of the teams needing a QB, WAS is a good option. The only thing is they are limited on trades of picks: Rnds 1, 2, 4, 5. 7 is all they have this year. So, we need a player or two included in the deal. Maybe swap D players [Carriker for Carter], swap picks, and we get an O line player [S. Heyer would be my choice] as well or a draft pick 4.

RamsFan1979 - March 18, 2010 reply

Uh huh.

strugglemonkey - March 18, 2010 reply

yikes

coming soon to a store near you: TST branded Speedos!

Ryan Van Bibber - March 18, 2010 reply

Should end all Clausen / Bradford debates

Is this really an option for the face of the franchise? I think not.

strugglemonkey - March 18, 2010 reply

Is that your only argument

against Jimmy Clausen ?

I’m pretty sure you can find stupid pictures of every prospect in the draft…

Le Ram - March 18, 2010 reply

Oh and at least

he looks better than Andre Smith at last years’s combine…

Or this year’s Terrence Cody at the Senior Bowl…

Yikes….

Le Ram - March 18, 2010 reply

link

here’s the missing link…

Le Ram - March 18, 2010 reply

That link was just sick man, sick...

RamsFan1979 - March 18, 2010 reply

No

But I haven’t seen any pictures of Bradford, Suh, or McCoy in speedos on a boat so I digress. I’m not an NFL scout, but McShay & Kiper both have Bradford #1 on their draft boards even though Clausen is one spot higher on Kiper’s big board. No one else (NFL Network, Scout.com) seem to rate Clausen nearly as high on Bradford, and some not even in the first round. These guys do this for a living, so they must know something we do not.

strugglemonkey - March 18, 2010 reply

I suggest you read the piece about draft grades...

or look back at draft picks and see what was said and where those players are at now. Most are not even in the NFL anymore. What did they say about J. Kennedy? lol..

RamsFan1979 - March 18, 2010 reply

I know three scouts that do rank Clausen as high, or higher than Bradford

Most of the media is really interested in covering their ass, and repeating established opinions to not sound stupid, so don’t put too much stock in the overwhelming media chorus behind Bradford.

Here’s three independent scouting reports that are rating Clausen very highly:

Walter Football rates him higher than Bradford (though they believe the Rams will take Bradford anyway)

Summary: Jimmy Clausen is a franchise quarterback. He has carried the spotlight since he was a teenager and has surpassed the hype. He has an outstanding skill set with the elite intangibles you see in the great quarterbacks. Clausen isn’t fazed by tense situations and has great leadership when the game is on the line. He puts in the hours to be a great quarterback and you see it on tape. Clausen will likely be the first quarterback drafted and is a projected top-five draft pick.

And is this a direct sop for Rams fans?

Player Comparison: Kurt Warner. Warner and Clausen both exhibit the same three-quarter release, they get the ball out quickly, and are extremely decisive/intelligent quarterbacks. Clausen has a stronger arm.

Draft Countdown rates Clausen several ticks higher than Bradford, and his #10 prospect overall.

Was essentially groomed to be an NFL quarterback from a very young age and has somehow managed to live up to sky-high expectations in the face of intense scrutiny - The worry is that some of the Jay Cutler-esque qualities of his personality could begin to take their toll in the locker room if he lands in a bad situation or with a dysfunctional franchise - A polished signal caller with an outstanding pedigree and all of the tools to be a top-notch starter at the next level.

New Era Scouting projects Clausen as a top-ten pick.

Final Word: Clausen is a big game QB with a ton of moxie and confidence. His ability to lead late game comebacks and his calmness under fire will excite a lot of NFL teams. He may not be a naturally vocal leader, but his toughness and willingness to play through injuries will earn him the respect of his teammates. He possesses an NFL and elite accuracy that could make him a multiple Pro Bowl player in the NFL if he is allowed to develop slowly and learn in his first few NFL seasons.

Additionally, I’m not sure which part of Scout.com you’re on, but Chris Steuber has him going to the Seahawks with the 5th overall pick on his latest two-round mock.

taiko - March 18, 2010 reply

I'm not sure why some people bag on Clausen

I think he’s as good as prospect as Bradford. It’ll take years to grade that choice, but I really don’t why some people are anti-Clausen, except for the speedo thing. And that’s not even football related.

CoachConnors - March 22, 2010 reply