The Hair has spoken! Will teams heed his dictums of draft wisdom, nuggets like Jimmy Clausen is the top quarterback in the 2010 draft? Mel Kiper rolled out his first 2012 NFL Mock Draft, and there's a familiar refrain for the St. Louis Rams.
Who did the hair mock to St. Louis? And is it the right call?
There's a clear value question here, because I think St. Louis could leverage this position to trade down for more picks for 2012 and into the future, and then still target Blackmon perhaps a few spots later. But if the Rams can't find a dance partner for a trade, Blackmon still represents precisely what this offense needs. Sam Bradford took a step back in 2011, but he got little help, and Blackmon is a big target, a great route runner and a workaholic who could transition and learn the pro game quickly. St. Louis also could try to shore up an offensive line that took a step back, but Blackmon right now represents the top wide receiver in the draft and fills a big need for the Rams. It should be noted there are a number of teams drafting behind St. Louis that need an elite wide receiver.
There's a question to be asked here. Blackmon is good, but he doesn't look to be the same level of talent as A.J. Green or Julio Jones. And he probably shouldn't be higher on draft boards that USC OT Matt Kalil.
For as much as the Rams need the best receivers, it would be hard to pass up on a tackle like Kalil, and the Rams could use both.
What to do?
0 recs | 136 comments
I think this is a prime example of Need vs BPA
Need in this would be Blackmon because everybody can see that even when Sam got time in the pocket, the only reliable option out there was Lloyd and if Lloyd was covered then he couldn’t count on any other receiver to be open. I think this is another reason why he locked onto Lloyd.
BPA would be Kalil and sure the line is a major problem.
I think this could be traced back to a couple of years ago when the Rams had to choose between Sam (need) or Suh (BPA). Either way they go will fill a need but which one do we need in the first round.
Another thing to take into account is just how much this team has invested in the oline and compare that to the wr corps. To go back and dump yet another first round pick on this oline is wasteful IMO and would be neglecting a postion that’s been a need for years and has been put on the back burner. Trying to be settled with later round picks, neither methods have worked.
In all realness, if we stay at the 2 spot Kalil would be better value but Blackmon would put more people in seats and probably also make an immediate impact. If we trade back to the 4 spot Blackmon is and should be the pick..
RG31 - January 18, 2012
my opinion rg...
i think that jason smith being cut is just the beginning, i dont think he will be the only one. dont be suprised if bell, and brown are gone too. and dont be suprised if the rams go all offensive line in the first round if they do trade down. hell, i would rather see kalil, AND martin, go in the 1st with the rams picks.
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
Yea
Line is the better choice in the equation, Blackmon is just the sexier pick but can’t blame people for dreaming haha
RG31 - January 18, 2012
its either or for me
would rather have kalil, but am not upset with blackmon. but with smith facing a cut and our oline being so bad already.. we dam sure better sign a legit LT with ALL of our FA money…
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
i mean...
look what it did for the niners when they drafted iupati, and goodwin, they strengthened that line, and made alex smith look all-pro in there 3rd seasons. i want that for sam bradford. hell, even iupati made the freakin pro-bowl!
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
the blackmon love by analysts and fans is getting tiring
how do we threaten to cut one of our lineman… who was ALREADY BAD and ppl still say “nope we need blackmmon”.
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
thats what im saying..
like RG said…its the sexy pick right now, but the rams have more pressing needs than a freakin wr.
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
im just saying
i dont even think blackmon is that great (i just like em cause we need him). but HOW IS IT SENSIBLE TO TO HAVE THE WORST OLINE IN THE LEAGUE, CUT ONE OF THE BAD OLINEMAN, AND NOT REPLACE HIM?!?!? wtf kiper.
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
lol he lost his brain in that hair helmet somewhere....
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
funny how mcshay and kiper have there different views?
kiper has blackmon, and mcshay has kalil.
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
mcshay has had kalil since october lol
and he is way better than kiper IMO
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
My rationale is
If we take Blackmon instead of beefing up the O-line with Kalil or someone else, there is no guarantee that Sam can get the ball to Blackmon because of the shotty O-line. The truth is that we need to beef up the O-line with good talent and a good coach so that Sam can sit back in the pocket and barbecue some burgers and drink a couple beers before he throws the ball. Even with the receivers we have they should be able to get open if we give Sam enough time.
SamsRams - January 18, 2012
Is there any way we could get
Martin-T, Decastro-G, and Konz-C? This would be a great line with Dahl and Saffold. Get a WR in FA(There will be $ after cuts) and resign Lloyd. Lamar Miller in the 2nd. Offensive complete.
jmo53 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
correction
2nd pick would get Konz. Maybe Polk falls to 3rd round?
jmo53 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Take the WR
For those of you who want to waste yet another top pick on an O-lineman take a look at this:
These are the drafts for the past 3 years for 1st and 2nd round WRs and O-Linemen. IMO there is a greater drop off in talent from 1st to 2nd round in WRs than in linemen. Even on the Rams, I know a lot of you don’t like either of them, but who is a better blocker, Saffold or Smith? And in which rounds were they taken? 4 years ago Miami took Jake Long. Great player, but how has that worked out for them as a team? I say take Blackmon and work on the line further down. Blackmon, Lloyd, and a healthy Danny A take a lot more pressure off Sam than one more good blocker.
1st round WRs:
AJ Green CIN
Julio Jones ATL
Jonathan Baldwin KC
Demaryius Thomas DEN
Dez Bryant DAL
Darrius Heyward-Bey OAK
Michael Crabtree SF
Jeremy Maclin PHI
Percy Harvin MIN
Hakeem Nicks NYG
Kenny Britt TEN
2nd Round WR
Titus Young DET
Torrey Smith BAL
Greg Little CLE
Randall Cobb GB
Dexter McCluster KC
Arrelious Benn TB
Golden Tate SEA
Brian Robiskie CLE
Mohamed Massaquoi CLE
1st Round O-Linemen
Tyron Smith DAL
Mike Pouncy MIA
Nate Solder NE
Anthopny Castonzo IND
James Carpenter SEA
Gabe Carimi CHI
Derek Sherrod GB
Trent Williams WAS
Russell Okung SEA
Anthony Davis SF
Mike Iupati SF
Maurkice Pouncey PIT
Bryan Bulaga GB
Jason Smith STL
Andre Smith CIN
Eugene Monroe JAC
Alex Mack CLE
Michael Oher BAL
Eric Wood BUF
2nd Round O-Linemen
Orlando Franklin DEN
Stefen Wisniewski OAK
Ben Ijalana IND
Marcus Gilbert PIT
Rodger Saffold STL
Zane Beadles DEN
Vladimir Ducasse NYJ
Charles Brown NO
Eben Britton JAC
Max Unger SEA
Andy Levitre BUF
Phil Loadholt MIN
Sebastian Vollmer NE
William Beatty NYG
RAMbunctious - January 18, 2012
You should make this a post, good job..
RG31 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
This was my first reply ever here...
Had to make sure it would be the longest.
RAMbunctious - January 18, 2012
You should get together with "papapegasus" and do a series on pro and cons of OT and WR 1st rounders
He posted a comment yesterday that I hope he’ll do a Fanpost on.
Douglas M - January 18, 2012
Welcome to TST! Glad to have you with us!
Douglas M - January 18, 2012
Those Round 2 lineman are mostly terrible
And Jake Long has worked out for them just fine. Its not like Matt Ryan has any more playoff wins
ClaytonW - January 18, 2012
Nice Work!
ValdezY - January 18, 2012
If Khalil is anywhere near
The caliber of Jake Long, we have to take him and not think twice. Franchise LT is much harder to find than Franchise WR…we can get a #1 WR through
JordansDad - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Trade with Browns
Take Blacmon and one of the Stanfurd lineman in the first round.
We haven’t drafted playmakers on offense in the first two rounds for a long time and it shows. We need him even if he’s valued a couple slots lower. If we can’t trade, take him anyway.
Oski Bear - January 18, 2012
Kendricks may be an exception...too early to tell...but first round playmaker needed
Oski Bear - January 18, 2012
ur spelling stanford so wrong lol
and he is expected to be gone in the top 10 .. no LT will be available at 22
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
I spell Stanfurd that way on purpose, since I'm a Cal fan!
Oski Bear - January 18, 2012
The Furd lol
diehardram87 - January 19, 2012
I would almost agree.
At least too close to gamble. I’d rather have the best LT we can pick and maybe pick up Kendall Wright at 22, if he’s there.
RamsFan1979 - January 18, 2012
should be Stanturd
LARams1968 - January 18, 2012
for the billionth time!!
blackmon would be nice, but he ‘s more of a “want”. the rams have way more pressing NEEDS than a wr right now. trading down is the only logical thing to do. theres plenty more wr’s to be drafted in the later rounds. and i Lloyd does come back, the rams wont have to worry about a wr until the later, or 2nd rounds.
what? has everyone soured on salas, and pettis already? lol ill go out on a limb, and reiterate what ive stated since the beginning of the season…this current wr core can be something. not G.S.O.T. eite or anything, but i think with another full yr in the offense, and with bradford, this could be a pretty good core. pettis/sals, amendola, and maybe malcom floyd. so again, the rams dont need blackmon.
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
I agree
I think are wideouts are good. Im on Danario Alexanders band wagon. I think he gone step up and become either a 1 or 2 I belive it.
J-RAD2 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
pardon me for disagreeing
but he can’t say on the field. A 1 or 2 should be able to play the entire season, not once every 3 games
….those knees are done
DCRamFan - January 18, 2012
they don't make ranch dressing good enough
For me to stomach salad and lettuce! (Credit knoxfan)
dbcouver - January 18, 2012 via mobile
What about trading down to put us in blackmon range
Article above says other teams really want him. Why not trade down again for even more picks. There would still be excellant OL picks out there. What about WR picks?
I’m just thinking that by taking lesser OL and WR we can get better DT and LB.
LARams1968 - January 18, 2012
My guess
is that teams are going to be willing to give up more for RG3 than Blackmon. Either one goes in the first 5 or 6, I’d say. Certainly there are more teams that are interested in QB, than pulling a ‘Falcons for Julio’ type of move, no?
DCRamFan - January 18, 2012
It looks possible to trade the pick for RG III and then trade (where we wind up) again to a team
desperate for Blackmon.
I don’t what kind of drop in talent the next WR would bring though.
LARams1968 - January 18, 2012
True dat
I’ve probably said it a million times, but the Browns giving us both first rounders gives us all kinds of options. We could take a stud lineman or receiver at 4, and still end up with great value at 22………a boy can dream, cant he?
DCRamFan - January 18, 2012
Boy, do I agree with you...
A good trade is exactly what we want to do with our #1…Chances are we could still get one of the two players we want if we make the right deal.
stvscharfe - January 19, 2012
What to do?
Draft Blackmon.
ValdezY - January 18, 2012
nope
especially if smith is gone.. we dnt even have enough tackles to play the game.
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
trade down...
draft kalil and martin, kill 2 birds……
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
if we land kalil i can pass on martin for floyd
but kalil will be gone by the fourth pick unless vikings take caliborne (and they really need him btw). martin should be the pick and he WILL be fits fishers run first offense anyway
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
no...
lol.
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
Ask Fisher not us.
OakCityRam - January 18, 2012
Trade down or draft Kalil
Drafting Blackmon at 2 would be travesty. We absolutely need someone like Blackmon. But, we also have several other needs that can be addressed with higher value players. Therefore, like others, I propose the following path….
Option 1: Trade down and acquire more picks. The Browns represent the best option of trading down and still drafting Blackmon. The Redskins and Dolphins look interesting as well. Blackmon would not be available in that scenario. However, that would put us in play for a WR like Wright (I bet he jumps into the top 15 picks), Jeffrey (I’d pass), or Floyd (I’d pass). I would put this option at 30% viable.
Option 2: Stay at #2 and draft Kalil and sign Vincent Jackson… We know that Smith is a bust at tackle. We have seen word today that he will likely be cut. Regardless, we need a stud left tackle. This is our guy. Drafting him would fit the Fisher offensive doctrine (run the ball and protect the QB) by fixing two positions on the OL. We would need a big time FA WR in this scenario. Jackson would be a nice target. I would put drafting Kalil at 70%.
A's fan in Philly - January 18, 2012
Follow the A's because they are from Philly?
LARams1968 - January 18, 2012
What to do?
Let me make the selection.
ValdezY - January 18, 2012
god no
you wouldnt even trade the pick lol
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
Where Is The Trust?
For all you know I might select Kalil! LMAO!!!!!
ValdezY - January 18, 2012
lmao ok u can make the choice
but before u send in that card.. with blackmon’s name on it .. think about me and how i could be watching u make that pick with revenge on my mind lol
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
i have a feeling that fisher is going to revamp that 0-line...
since he does love to pound the ball. he just might address the offensive line right away with the picks.
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
im hoping he doesnt give in to the blackmon pressure
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
Looking ahead to the combine
If he blows up the combine, this could get even more interesting…
RG31 - January 18, 2012
prolly doesnt matter at this point
Jeff fisher is threatening to cut smith without even waiting for the combine.. IMO that means he is committed to replacing him .. probably in the draft
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
im sure after watching the game tapes of 2011...
he wont be swyed too much rg for blackmon. after seeing bradford getting blown up every other play.
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
THIS
fisher is a run first guy. o line means more to him then anything
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
LMAO!!!!
On second thought! Iam a fan of “The Godfather” movie. You sound a little bit like Michael! : “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse” ! LMAO! No thanks. I saw how Carlo ended up! LMAO!
ValdezY - January 18, 2012
lmao sooon as u send in the card
the camera will show me in the audience petting a cat lmao
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
I'll say it again
We need to let people know that we are going to take RGIII, put on the pretence that we might trade Sam. We need to trade down and the only way we do that is to let others think the only way they get RGIII is to move up. Otherwise Cleveland will just wait to get him.
johnny scuba - January 18, 2012
u dnt have to draft him to put pressure on
teams are gonna do that themselves like the skins cheifs jets and browns. all it takes is one of thoe teams to show up at rg3’s pro day and everyone else will be looking at us to secure rg3
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
and if they dont bite?
then the rams are stuck with another qb lol. an NO sam isnt going anywhere. thats going to be a great gm of cards during the draft.
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
So you think all those teams would draft a less worthy QB than make us a good deal?
It’s up to Fisher & the GM as to what deal they accept. As long as they’re not greedy, we will be more than OK…as long as RG3 performs as expected in pre draft workouts.
RamsFan1979 - January 18, 2012
Draft Matt Kalil.....please
If the Rams can’t protect Bradford then any WR he’s trying to throw to is moot. We can all watch Blackmon jog back to the huddle while Bradford picks himself off the ground yet again. Draft Matt Kalil. Resign Brandon Lloyd and pick up WR later.
Any solutions for Battered Rams quarterback syndrome? There is……….
halos1974 - January 18, 2012
exactly
we are cutting smith.. and the other tackles on our team werent even good enough to take his spot. good lord sam would die!
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
If we take Kalil and Hue is the next OC
We need DJax in FA..
RG31 - January 18, 2012
and the thing is
if we cut smith .. we got money to do that now RG. thats what has to happen
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
Yes, I say DJax
because Hue’s offense relies on speed and DJax is one of the fastest players let alone Wrs in the league, his speed on the other side of Lloyd is scary to any offense. Add that to Amendola/Salas over the middle with an improving (hopefully) Kendricks and you have a fairly good group..
RG31 - January 18, 2012
better than fairly
when you consider that fisher is all about running the ball. so if he can pressure u wtth the run. it will really open up the pass IF THE OLINE CAN HOLD
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
From what I hear Hue like the PA pass, this could be... great...
RG31 - January 18, 2012
god yes combine that with what fisher does
trying not to get my hopes too high yet tho lol
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
hmm
Sam needs to get better at play action in that case lol, his fakes are pretty bad
Jae-So - January 18, 2012
Agreed
RG31 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
well, that's what happens
when yiu have a shitty oline. you are so scared that you don’t have enough time to go through the whole PA process that you do it quick and the fake handoff doesn’t look as smooth. just a thought. and a QB coach would help point those types of things out to bradford
ECURam87 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
what to do
I say resign Lloyd, pick up V. Jackson if the chargers don’t place a tag on him,which I read the chargers will not put a tag on him this year. Then trade the 2nd pick if given good enough offers. If not then pick Kalil with the 2nd pick. You will have Lloyd, V. Jackson, plus the other returning recievers, a LT( or more picks).
rambro4ever - January 18, 2012
woah daddy worebux!!!
where u gettin all this cash? lol
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
What to do...
Re-Sign Brandon Lloyd and Danny Amendola, Then get a free agent tight end like Greg Olson, Jermichael Finley, Macedes Lewis or Fred Davis. Trade the first pick with the Redskins(I don’t think the Browns are seriously considering giving up their 2 first round picks. They have as many or more needs as the rams)Daniel Snyder will make a stupid deal for RG3. Take the Skins 1st rounder and sign Martin or Reiff at OT, and use the rest of our picks and most of the redskins addressing other needs. In the vast majority of the playoff games, the tight end has played a much bigger role in the passijng game than the “Big Time” receiver.
David5264 - January 18, 2012
I've said this before too, we really only have Kendricks we can rely on.
RamsFan1979 - January 18, 2012
"Rely" is a risky word with Kendricks> I think a good veteran could train him up though.
David5264 - January 18, 2012
My pick
would be Kalil. If we stay at 2 and don’t go Kalil then I would go Claiborne before Blackmon. With heavy blitzing coming our way we better have corners that can cover. Until I see that both Bartell and Fletcher are healthy then we desperately need CBs.
RWRAMS28 - January 18, 2012
problem with claiborne is the same with blackmon
with us cutting smith or turning him into a guard, oline needs to be replaced asap
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
Exactly
thats why my first pick would be Kalil. I am just syaing I would rather have Caliborne than Blackmon.
RWRAMS28 - January 18, 2012
I have two words for Mel Kiper...
Jimmy Clausen.
RamsMan83 - January 18, 2012
lmao +100000
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
If Kiper picked Blackmon, for Gods sake take Kalil!!
David5264 - January 18, 2012
He has Richardson going to Tampa with the #5 pick? "The Hair" is high on hair spray?
Douglas M - January 18, 2012
if ppl needed more reason jason smith needs to be replaced...
From Rotoworld;
Jason Smith – T – Rams Profootballtalk.com reports that Rams RT Jason Smith “will be landing on waivers” if he doesn’t agree to a dramatic salary reduction for 2012.
A league source tells PFT that Smith has received an “ultimatum” from the Rams. His base salary is a whopping $10 million, and only $1 million of it is guaranteed. Since being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 draft, Smith has started only 26 of a possible 48 games. When healthy, Smith has been terrifically poor in pass protection and added very little as a run blocker.
Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports Jan 18 – 11:40 AM
_________________
Read more: http://interact.stltoday.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=10906802&sid=52de53ebb152d14b724ef1cf19ce5bc6#ixzz1jq7F7gA8
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
Makes sense to me.....
Matt Kalil it is:)
halos1974 - January 18, 2012
Even taking into account Luck, RGIII and Blackmon - Kalil, to me, is the closest thing to a "sure" pick in the draft.
Douglas M - January 18, 2012
jswirb wants a kicker.
OakCityRam - January 18, 2012
nah he wants the equipment manager
“HE WILL CONVINCE MOSS TO COME OUT OF RETIREMENT AND JOIN THE RAMS,”
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
Haha
“AND HW WILL BRING OCHOCINCO AND TO WITH HIM”
RG31 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
WE SHOULD HAVE KEPT SPAGS
AND TORRY HOLT
Ram_Redemption - January 18, 2012
The more I read about the upcoming draft...
the more obvious it becomes that the Rams are in the proverbial cat bird’s seat. The Colts are taking Luck. The Rams have numerous holes to fill, but with WR and OL at the top of the list, and no player (with the possibly exceptions of RG3, Kalil and Blackmon) standing out. They should be able to trade the #2 spot to the highest bidder (if any teams fall in love with RG3 or Blackmon and want to trade up) allowing the Rams to pick up 2 or 3 first round caliber players). If none of the other teams come up with a good enough offer, they can take Kalil in the #2 slot and the best WR on the board in the second round.
CFB_fan - January 18, 2012
Guess I'm the only one on here that thinks Blackmon is a must draft.
The Rams have wasted 2 very high 1st round draft picks on bust left tackles. These picks have come at the sacrifice of other just as critical positions. Imagine just how much better this team might be had they drafted players other than Smith and Barron? Not saying Khalil is Smith or Barron, but how many LT’s do you draft in the 1st round before you say enough is enough? If WR is a lesser issue for this team then why did we have so many drops, lack of seperation from coverage, and poor route running? Honestly, if I’m a defensive coordinator I don’t care who’s your best lineman, I can send my safeties and corners in a blitz to overwhelm your line if I’m not afraid of your receivers. Thats the problem that the Rams had all last year. It makes it look like we have a bad offensive line when in reality, defenses didn’t fear our receivers and weren’t afraid of doing zone blitzes or sending their front seven in on a pass rush and going man to man with our receiving core. I’ve said this before, but drafting a great receiver will do a better job of protecting Bradford than Khalil will.
Da Rams! - January 18, 2012
how many LT do you draft?
well, considering how bad our previous GMs and Coaches were, this new regime will be fresh, and haven’t picked one yet. Honestly, you keep picking one until you find one that can protect your franchise QB and keep him healthy. a WR can be found in FA or elsewhere in the draft.
ECURam87 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Yea because finding wrs in later rounds has worked in the past for us..
RG31 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
I'm still not sold.
If drafting or trading for a good receiver was so easy we’d have the #1 receiving team in the league right now based off of all the transactions that we’ve made the past 2-3 yrs (free agents and later round draft picks), but we don’t. I still think Jason Smith needs 1 more year under Fisher before this team cuts bait on him. Fisher has a knack of getting the best out of players. Look at how he handled Bell when he was a Titan? I think WR is a higher need than tackle. Draft a WR #1 and get a LT that can be developed later in the draft. Thats a more viable option. The best solution is to get the Browns to trade down with us so we can get more picks, but a receiver should be the top selection on the menu.
Da Rams! - January 18, 2012
so why wouldn't
he be able to get the best out of his young WRs too?
ECURam87 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
I'm sure he can.
But theres a ton of money tied up on the o-line with players that should be able to take on pass rushers / run stuffers. Most, if not all of these guys can be coached up to a much higher level. I can’t necessarily say that about the receivers. You either know how to catch, run a route, shake coverage or you don’t. I’ll give Salas and Pettis a break this year, but the others… no way (other than Lloyd).
Da Rams! - January 18, 2012
I agree we need help at WR
but if we do plan on cutting Smith, and/or Bell/Brown, we will need Oline even more imo
ECURam87 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
One Way
to free up a bunch of money is to cut Smith take Kalil and use Smith’s money to sign a FA WR like Lloyd, Vjax, Bowe ect.
RWRAMS28 - January 18, 2012
Not a bad approach...
However we’d need to keep Lloyd and add a Bowe or Vjax for us to have a decent receiving core. Remember, Pace is a soon to be Hall of Famer left tackle, but the team still struggled in 1998. They didn’t become the Greatest Show on Turf and win the Superbowl until they drafted Holt and got Faulk in free agency. Having good receivers (Bruce, Holt, and Hakim) can make up for a lot of weaknesses on the o-line.
And believe me. I’m not a fan of drafting skill positions high all the time. I agree with the philosphy of building your team around your lines. Last year I was pissed when the Rams bypassed all of those good defensive lineman to get Kendricks, Sallas, and Pettis. Serves Spags and Devaney right for making such stupid moves. As much as I like building the offensive and defensive lines, this year is not the year to begin our draft with that in mind.
Da Rams! - January 18, 2012
But we did need receivers.
They’ll be good players eventually.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 18, 2012
I Agree: The Rams
Would do well to draft Blackmon.
ValdezY - January 18, 2012
we aren't the same team anymore
ALL new coaches, new GM, etc. things change
ECURam87 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
I think we will trade the pick
but my second choice would be Kalil. But I wouldn’t hate a Blackmon pick. can’t wait either way.
ECURam87 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Blackmon or Kalil?
I’d take either one of them. And to say that he’s not as highly heralded as AJ or Julio may be shortsighted. Last year Jones was mocked in the 10-20 range until he blew up the combine. If Blackmon runs a 4.4 he could shoot up draft boards just like Jones did.
I’ll take either one of them, but would prefer to address the OL in free agency and take Blackmon in the 1st. We need playmakers IMO.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 18, 2012
That's true.
If Blackmon runs a sub 4.4 he’s easily a top 5 pick. Based off of last years draft there may be team willing to trade up to get their hands on him, especially if he can distance himself from the 2nd and 3rd best wideouts in the draft.
I’m a BPA sort of fan so if Kalil represents that model then I’ll have to go with him, however if all things are equal I’d rather have Blackmon since he fill a clear need. I’m a fan of trading down to get more value. I’m sure Fisher would like this too so he can grab as many picks as he can get his hands on. God I miss Vermeil and Armey right now.
Da Rams! - January 18, 2012
I'm a fan of trading down too.
In addition, none of the named WRs had anywhere near Blackmon’s productivity for one year, let alone winning the Biletnikoff twice in a row. I know, spread offense, blah blah blah, but still, the dude put up HUGE numbers.
6’1" is fine. Andre Johnson is that height and he’s the best WR in the game. And I don’t know Holt’s measurements, but he couldn’t have been over 6’.
It’s 6 in one hand and a halfa dozen in the other with those two. I can easily see both arguements. But if we can trade down to Cleveland and still end up with one of them, well that’s a no brainer.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 18, 2012
If the fans on the Browns site is any indication, they look like they want to trade DOWN with there #4 pick, not UP.
I think the RGIII to Cleveland talk is just that: Talk. I think the player they most covet is Blackmon, and no one else. They believe the cost of a pick swap with Min will cost less than a swap with us, and they think MIN wants Kalil and that we will swap with a team that wants RGIII. I see Holmgren making a deal to move up, with MIN as their smartest move or to just stand pat at the top of the draft.
Any trading partner we find will be more like Washington, or Miami (possibly Dallas or Balt.?)
Douglas M - January 18, 2012
I visited their site about two weeks ago and saw the same thing
Non-interest in trading up with us! With that being said, we made it pretty clear that we want Hue Jackson over Schotty, and I’m worried that poll that I took .03416 seconds to fill out is going to prove worthless
Perfect world: We get to draft a WR and OL at #4 and #22 this season, and whatever the hell we want at #33
DCRamFan - January 18, 2012
Interesting about Cleveland.
But I prefer your perfect world strategy.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 19, 2012
Interesting take.
I hadn’t heard that one before.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 19, 2012
Sign R Broyles
He caughts everything throw at him; not the biggest name receiver but one of the best.
JW Coop - January 18, 2012
If we could get floyd/blackmon in the first pending on trade down or stay
And then get broyles in the 4th (will drop thanks to injury) that would be great..
RG31 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Decastro and Floyd??
With the number 2 pick it would be ideal to get a sure fire tackle to protect Sam in Matt Kalil but with that said, I don’t think our team is one tackle or player away from being a decent team. I think the best scenario IMO would be to trade back in the top 10 and draft David Decastro who has tremendous ceiling with great value. Then with an additional pick in the first, get Micheal Floyd who I think could be better than blackmon and plus he has the best hands in college football or we could go the Alshon Jeffrey route who has the highest ceiling of them all. Remember if Jeffrey would have came out last year there were talks of him being the first receiver selected. I think this is a great draft position for the rams and trading back will still offer top 10 talents filling out the holes on the team
kemo.rose - January 18, 2012
My only problem with Jeffrey is that he seems to catch far too many passes against his body (a la Pettis?)
I think his stock will go down a bit at the combine because of it. I personally think the only valid 1st round WR is Blackmon, with the rest as second round or later talent. I do think the closer we get to the draft we’ll see some WRs rise in stock from where they are now, but none into the 1st round. Just my opinion…
Douglas M - January 18, 2012
Pettis caught the ball pretty good for us this year IMO.
Just sayin’
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 18, 2012
I almost forgot! Welcome to TST! I see you joined Jan. 4, so glad to have you with us!
There are so many great people joining TST right now, I hope those that don’t get a welcome to our community won’t take it the wrong way.
Douglas M - January 18, 2012
Thanks
I was always reading the post and comments dating back to last year and it was good to read fellow passionate RAM fans so I made it an priority to join this year instead of just reading and not being able to share my thoughts
kemo.rose - January 18, 2012
Welcome!
DCRamFan - January 18, 2012
I love the Decastro idea.
But am lukewarm on Jeffery. Wouldn’t kill me, just lukewarm.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 18, 2012
NICE
That sounds good, thats if we dont trade with Cleveland at #4, I’m good with DeCastro later in the top 10….. It would be hard to pass up on Floyd or Jeffrey if they are avail…I’m still liking Hightower or Upshaw to pair with Laurinaitis….
poonjabbers2010 - January 18, 2012
picture Blackmon on another team next season
while the Rams have their first pick o-lineman doing who-knows-what. Again, Picture Blackmon catching passes from another team’s QB, getting talked about and praised on ESPN and Fox Sports TV, and seeing him pictured Yahoo sports’ homepage in some other NFL uniform making a great catch for a TD for that other team with some cool headline about him being a great addition to that team, and the chemistry he has with his new NFL QB. Picture him being a standout factor his rookie season. Now picture the Rams again, 2012 season, no #1 WR, “maybe” we still have Lloyd and some “eh” free agency moves at WR, but hey we have that big O-lineman rookie to wave againts the new star rookie WR on another team who’s scoring for his team, which was smart and went with a #1 WR in the first round. Please take the opportunity we missed out on last season (no offense Quinn) when the two #1 WRs in the draft were gone when it was the Rams’ turn…GET BLACKMON.
SooneRams Fan - January 18, 2012
i still cant shake the pictures and stories...
on espn, fox sports tv, and what have you, showing bradford getting sandwiched/slammed, thrown, or running for his life from last yr…ill pass on your wr.
Mark Jaramillo - January 18, 2012
#1
this
ECURam87 - January 19, 2012 via Android app
yes you are right
that’s been the story for Bradford the majority of the time, and the O-line does not need to be negelcted. The Majority of the draft/FA empasis needs to be on the O-line no doubt. But taking Kalil instead of Blackmon does not fix that. It gets us an expected great lineman and some left-over receivers. WRs CAN be playmakers as indivuduals. Linemen cannot. Even IF Kalil is as great as hoped right off the bat, from game one and forever, he is only one guy on the line. He holds his own, gives Sam a couple seconds to make a pass aaaaaaand nobody is open orrrrrrrrrr the pass is dropped.
SooneRams Fan - January 19, 2012
I'm saying use the high pick for the WR
then concentrate on that line and the secondary. And hey, IF somehow we can work a trade up/down with the Browns adn still get Blackmon and the other 1st round pick than i’m all for that, but it’s not likely going to happen that way.
SooneRams Fan - January 19, 2012
You will here me say this a billion times before the draft comes
but Blackmon should not be the pick. Drafting him at number two would be a huge mistake.
Josh Wehrle - January 18, 2012
Trade down!
If we cant trade out of #2….draft Kalil….If we do trade out of #2 and pick up extra picks (ie Cleveland), Blackmon would be a nice addition to our WR’s at #4 or #6. When healthy, our Wr’s arent that bad…Salas was showing promise, don’t forget Amendola was gone for most of the year. …not to mention if we bring Lloyd back……Give Bradford some time, and some weapons…maybe Lamichael James later in the draft, and he’ll return to form this year…
poonjabbers2010 - January 18, 2012
Hopefully
I’m dreaming, but maybe Stanford’s DeCastro falls to #22 (Clevelands 2nd 1st rounder)……What about another playmaker on D…imagine having Upshaw or Hightower next to Laurinaitis…..
poonjabbers2010 - January 18, 2012
Alshon
I think Alshon will make a lot of noise at the combine along with Floyd and close the gap. Blackmon is beast don’t get me wrong but I don’t think he is that much greater than Floyd or Jeffrey. The best corner back IMO in this year draft class is jenoris Jenkins I think he has great technique, and watch the tape when alshon and Jenkins went at it. It shows how alshon is almost unstoppable even tho Jenkins played great. Then watch the tape against kirkpatrick (who I dnt think is a good corner but has talent) where he made him look like a little boy. I think with a strong coaching staff with fisher he could be an Andre caliber type as long as they install the work in him to be a good pro.
kemo.rose - January 18, 2012
Blackman,
In a trade down and find a tackle in FA, if not, in the 2nd round.
look closer - January 18, 2012
yes
agreed, get the WR then the tackle
SooneRams Fan - January 19, 2012
Any LT not named Khalil
Is a wasted pick in the first round. Stay at 2 and take him, so we won’t have to worry about it for the next 10-12 years……..hopefully.
JordansDad - January 18, 2012 via mobile
I have to agree w/ Mel Kiper
IF the Rams can get a “well known” good wide reciever in FA,then the Rams should target an OF lineman in the draft & maybe trade down “IF” it is great for the team????,If no trade comes about & a FA reciever is “not” signed in the off season!!,then the Rams “need to!!” draft Blackmon!! only!!,and re-sign Brandon Lloyd!!,Sam “NEEDS” a big wide reciever like Blackmon!!,he’s strong & fast & is 6’ 5" tall he can go up and get those balls in the end zone!!,Brandon can sneak around the end zone area & also catch TD’s he does have great hands!!,then we need to really shake up the OF line!!!,they ALL sucked!!,protecting Sam!!,pitifull & awful!!,and alot of those OF lineman were at one time rated A++’s,but their “money” went to their heads!!, BLOCK for our QB!!!!,GOOO RAMS!!!!!,in 2012!!
DarrinzRamzG35 - January 19, 2012
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