With the second pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams have two questions to answer. First, can they trade the pick? Many believe that Robert Griffin III will ignite a bidding war for the Rams' pick in the first round. If they keep the pick, there's nothing to say that the Vikings could just as easily trade their third pick, the Rams have to ask which direction they go with it.
The two most popular picks if the Rams do stay in the second spot are USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil and Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. There's a compelling case to be made for both players.
In a mock draft over at the National Football Post, draft guru Wes Bunting predicts the Rams going with the playmaking Blackmon.
It's very possible the Rams will at look at USC OT Matt Kalil here. However, they have invested a ton of money on the offensive line in recent years and getting a big-play receiver for quarterback Sam Bradford and then looking to fix the offensive line later on might be a better play.
After watching the Rams offense struggle in the last few seasons, I'm really leaning in this direction. With just $10 million in cap space for 2012, the Rams would have very limited options for signing a free agent. Once franchise tags are handed out and teams re-sign their potential free agents, the pool is likely to be pretty shallow. Blackmon might be the best receiver available in the draft or free agency, and with the new rookie salary structure, he might also be the most cost-effective way for the Rams to add a top tier receiver.
0 recs | 152 comments
im a blackmon
supporter, but the only reason we should keep the 2nd pick is if we are set on taking kalil…
Rando - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Blackmon
Blackmon is the real deal. Bradford needs weapons. We need weapons to regain the title of the greatest show on turf
fearsomefoursum - January 4, 2012
What Im thinking:
Blackmon IMO is a top 5 pick right now, if he puts up a great combine he is worthy of our number 2 pick, just IMO though.
RG31 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
maybe at 6-10 yes
1. luck
2. kalil
3. claiborne
4. richardson
5. coples
6. martin
7. kirkpatrick
8. reiff
9. griffin III
10. blackmon
mcshays new big board. passing up on too many big talents for blackmon (although i dnt mind him over coples kirkpatrick and claiborne). i want a LT
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
RG3 is number nine on that list
But he’s very likely to go in the top 3, so your point is?
RG31 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
rg3 is a QB which is the most important position in allll of sports
Wr is only the the third best position on offense alone. my point is that with jason smiths concussion issues and roger saffold not looking like a LT, even if we get blackmon, who is going to protect sam
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
Like Ive said plenty
Going either Kalil or Blackmon doesn’t hurt, but there is alot to be done between now and the draft. Ya act like Kalil is perfect but he’s not. Kalil is also small for the position and I’ve heard plenty that he’s not very good with the run, so he’s not a done deal for us..
RG31 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
but kalil is still called the second most safe pick in the draft so what does that say about blackmon?
and you didnt answer my question. who plays LT for us next year? with an online that sam got sacked four times a game?
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
Read dude
Our line played pretty good for a certain extent before saffolds got hurt, that tells me they were getting the scheme down, our wrs on the other hand still played like shit.
Ryan leaf was a safe pick, right? So was Russell and so was the soft head we have now. I don’t take none of that to the head before they play.
RG31 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
leaf wasnt a safe pick thats why the colts PASSED ON HIM
before saffolds injury sam was sacked 3.4 times per game so i dunno where this developing line came from. and these debates with you are fun and all but no need to act like a dick … k?
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
Yes because SJax rushed 100 yards a game
3 games in a row by himself before saffold got hurt. I agree our line has been bad but so has out wr corps. We’ve invested bug in our line over the last years and what do we have to show for it? Just asking for you to stay open minded..
RG31 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
u can ask without being a douche
and yea we have spent too much on this online but that doesn’t mean u milk it dry at the expense of your qb’s health. kalil (if he is the real deal) would cost a hell of a lot less than a free agent LT (which teams never let go anyway). ive said a million times that i am a fan of blackmon( BIG FAN). but drafting him top 5 means that you can expect 1300 yards and 12 td’s from him on a constant basis. do you know how rare that is? if justin blackmon gets drafted at fourth and only gives us 1000 yards and 8 tds a season he would be a dissapointment as a top 5 pick when compared to calvin andre fitz. no doubt in my mind that he willl be good. but how positive are u that he will be a top 5 WR in this league?
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
Hmm thats a good question
I think he has a chance of being a very good wr. The only knocks Im him that I know of is his height which he makes up for with his athleticism and I’ve heard that he’s not super fast but he’s is quick, when he has the ball he has breakaway speed. But you do make a good point about yards and tds.
RG31 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
lol yea no doubt he will be an impact player but if he gets drafted at 4th and micael floyd or kendel wright or alshon puts up similar numbers... then we messed up lol
also, you and king sam need to find me . i told yaw my boy bynum was the man! averaging 22 and 17 right now!?!? JESUS!!!
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
Thats true but it all depend on their systems
Also yea he’s good but still not better than Howard haha
RG31 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
lol nah
but keep watching him tho
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
Yezzir.
Seems like only Laker fans know how good that dude can be. Second to Howard, but not that far behind.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
Ryan Leaf wasn't a safe pick.
He was supposed to have a higher ceiling than Peyton is all. There were red flags left and right with Leaf, and everyone knew it.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
Seriously,
I have no frickin’ clue where you’re getting that he’s too small. That blows my mind more than calling him a bad run blocker.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
Wrong one lol.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
We NEED Blackmon
all i got to say is last years first two WR AC Green and some dude called Julio….and you see what this third most important offensive position did for their teams!!!!
fearsomefoursum - January 4, 2012
none of those qb's got sacked 50 times either
besides, julio’s team REGRESSED and i think the qb;s have some say in both of those examples.even if we draft blackmon, he;s gonna need more than 1.5 seconds to get open
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
Blackmon helps us more than Kalil would
1. There’s a bunch of good OL in this draft that we could get later.
2. Without any new weapons teams will continue to send 7, 8 or 9 against us so it doesn’t matter all that much whose blocking. Weapons keep defenses honest, Blackmon drew over the top help all fiesta bowl game; granted the NFL is a diff. level but he’s still better than anything we have. Scoring points will put some life in this team in turn giving players more of an attitude which lifts the o-line anyway. What’s the point of blocking if we never score?? Anyone who’s ever played offense could know that helpless feeling.
Bronx_Bomber26 - January 4, 2012
+1
fearsomefoursum - January 4, 2012
LOL you've heard horribly wrong then.
he’s 6’7 305 (one of the few Kiffin allowed to stay above 300) and he is a very good run blocker. The guy gets to the second level and is solely the reason for a lot of Curtis McNeal’s long touchdown runs, which are mostly to the LEFT.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
I can tell you with confidence, KALIL is as good in the run game as he is protecting the QB.
All our big runs this year were to the left-side with Kalil mauling 2-3 defenders.
TrojanRam - January 4, 2012
Yup, and as for size,
same height as Joe Thomas and Jake Long (top 2 IMO) and only 10 lbs or so lighter, which I’m sure he’ll probably build up either before the combine or before next preseason.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
Claiborne is a far better pro prospect at cornerback.
He’s probably a better cover corner than Patrick Peterson, but not AS physically dominant (still a freak though).
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
I think drafting Blackmon would be a bad move
Do we need a top flight WR? Yes, but if we don’t fix our OL Bradford to Blackmon wouldn’t be as good as drafting Kalil or Martin and then Floyd in the 2nd and watching Bradford to Floyd
ChrisL951 - January 4, 2012
this
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
i voted blackmon
based on the prayer that we get coaches who can develop a line that will protect bradford
i really hope cleveland wants to trade with us so we can get blackmon and then some
hex706f726368 - January 4, 2012
RGIII and force a trade
dbcouver - January 4, 2012
Call me crazy but does anybody else think OT's are slightly overrated in drafts?
I completely understand the logic of drafting a tackle to protect your heavily invested QB. But look around the league at the “best” Left Tackle’s. Joe Thomas, Jake Long, Ryan Clady; all play on very poor teams. This team has invested way too much on Offensive and Defensive Lineman the past 10 years.
It’s time to stray away from conservative “safe” draft picks and select a risky play maker for once. I agree that Blackmon would certainly help Bradford, but I’d love to see Trent Richardson bursting out of the backfield.
adam2588 - January 4, 2012
You lost me with trent richardson..
RG31 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Totaly agree about the OTs
Outside of Jake Long, what OTs have been taken in the first couple of picks over the last few years? Oh, right, our very own Jason Smith! There are still quality OTs available in the 2nd &3rd rounds if teams are wiling coach them up a bit.
OkieWXman - January 4, 2012
there were 8 olineman in the 2008 draft alone in round one.. all are starters
http://www.nfl.com/combine/story/09000d5d81698c0a/article/recent-draft-history-illustrates-importance-of-offensive-tackles
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
we messed up
the 2008 draft. Oher was the pick
fearsomefoursum - January 4, 2012
yea i think the ravens cut him too tho lol
i was only showing that the league shows how much importance the oline has
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
OK OK OK
I see how the F you in the drive thru….get your facts right Ram_Redump!
OHER has started and starred for the Ravens since being drafted and having a movie made about him. He is gold. geeezzzzzz
fearsomefoursum - January 4, 2012
oher got cut by the ravens and cheifs this year
genius
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
or was that gaither... hmmmm
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
http://www.nfl.com/player/michaeloher/71419/profile
adam2588 - January 4, 2012
oops got my ravens mixed haha
either way oline is too important to pass
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
I wouldn't mind if we signed Jared Gaither this offseason since he's a free agent
diehardram87 - January 4, 2012
considering that he got moved to right tackle
and has committed a ton of penalties (watch any Ravens game and he’ll be flagged two-three times a game for false starts or holding) I wouldn’t say taht Oher has starred for the Ravens.
ZacharyD - January 4, 2012
OK
He is a starter on a 13-3 team with bye, all the while trying to sound out superbowl win.
fearsomefoursum - January 4, 2012
How did the teams with "Sure Thing" left tackles pan out??
Jake Long and Joe Thomas are awesome but how are their teams doing??? Something no one ever talks about in the importance of o lineman draft conversation. Teams win more with stud receivers than stud offensive lineman. Just ask the Packers and Steelers.
Bronx_Bomber26 - January 4, 2012
Really?
I strictly remember a certain 0-16 season with Megatron, and an 1-15 to an 11-5 turnaround a year after the Fins took Long. See, you can’t pin records on strictly those guys just because they had a lack of talent around them.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
I love me some Trent Richardson (and RG31's comment below increases my confidence in my love for him)
… however, like you mentioned about LT’s, aren’t top RB’s more often than not part of a poor team?
If we are going to be a passing team, then we need elite playmakers MORE SO than a top line.
Green Bay’s line nearly got Rodgers killed last year and they won the SuperBowl.
I am torn. I stubbornly want us to have an elite O-line (and D-line) first, but the fact is, top notch playmakers win these days.
I’d rather take Blackmon later than 2 though.
Midasknight - January 4, 2012
*above
Midasknight - January 4, 2012
love for RG31? or TR?
dbcouver - January 4, 2012
TR
RG31 isn’t a Rams fan. He’s an Oklahoma fan (and all things therein).
Midasknight - January 4, 2012
I love Trent Richardson too...
do i need to say no homo?lol
diehardram87 - January 4, 2012
I really like Blackmon, but...
I would like to see the Rams trade down. There are just too many needs to fill. The Rams should really, REALLY consider reuniting WR Ryan Broyles with Bradford if Broyles drops to the 4th round.
OkieWXman - January 4, 2012
The article states that we will have around $10 million in cap space for 2012. I thought we were an attractive coaching spot because of the $40-50 million we have available in cap space for 2012?
adam2588 - January 4, 2012
in 2013 i think
not this upcoming season
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
And after signing some of our own veterans it won't be that much.
dbcouver - January 4, 2012
Imagine if the Rams got Blackman and kalil
VTramsFan - January 4, 2012
trade sam? jk
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
lol don't see that happening
VTramsFan - January 4, 2012
Yes...
if the FO isn’t going to get him weapons to throw to and a strong OL or two to protect him.
CFB_fan - January 4, 2012
now your talkin
best case is the 3rd pick wants to jump to 2, THEN 4th wants to jump to three….Its like we got a real good poker hand to play at draft…. and we need to see everyone hands and keep our close to the heart..
fearsomefoursum - January 4, 2012
How is Richardson ranked 4th in a league
where RB means less and less every year. WR is about the hottest commodity right now, outside of QB
VTramsFan - January 4, 2012
i think its based soley on potentiel as a prospect
And nothing to do with the position.. i think
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
+1
fearsomefoursum - January 4, 2012
+1 here
fearsomefoursum - January 4, 2012
I'll take Blackmon
But I still hope we make that Browns move
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
#2 is way to high for blackmon maybe around 7-10 is his range way too high lets trade down and get more picks
kevio3000 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
He won't be there at 7-10
If we say trade with the dolphins: Blackmon won’t make it to us past Vikings, Browns, Panthers, Jaguars.
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
and this is where the dilemma takes place
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
i actually like mike floyd better than blackmon he has better size and he should be around! im for trading with the browns at 4 and 21 and take floyd and lamar miller !
kevio3000 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
This is cap money as of now, not including any we save
when players are cut? When these players are cut we free cap space, correct? So like Gibson, Brown, Bell, & Robbins being cut will save us cap space. It’s not like we are stuck at that number, so there is potential for more space based on off season moves, correct?
RamsFan1979 - January 4, 2012
I just hope RG3 kills at the combine. There are A LOT of teams
needing a franchise QB and a bidding war would be sweet. Think of the teams that would be involved. Browns, Redskins, Dolphins, Seahawks and Broncos could all be in play for RG3. With the right situation we could end up with 2 first rounders and 2 second rounders this year! It all depends on who makes the right and best deal for RG3.
David5264 - January 4, 2012
why is it that every year
like five teams need a franchise qb? cycle of life in the nfl i guess
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
Hopefully it works for the Rams favor this year.
I think the ‘Skins would be able to offer the most and getting Martin from Stanford would be just under Kalil. He is a true Left Tackle and that’s what we need. This is a deep receiver draft and I think a good one can be found in the late 1st early second.
David5264 - January 4, 2012
We dont need a good receiver
We need a potentially great WR and tht is Blackmon or Floyd
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
wnt complain with a good one either
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
True
But I want Blackmon or Floyd or go get Bowe or VJax.
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
me too
but i really want martin or kalil lol
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
Fine, Take Floyd later. The best deal offered will get 2 1st round picks this
year. Take Blackmon if he is till on the board, but There is no one in this draft worth turning down 4 picks in the first 2 rounds for.
David5264 - January 4, 2012
omg no that gm would be fired fast
trade down all day. but im taking martin at 4 and hopefully floyd or jeffery at 21
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
I'll take that
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Perfect. Address defense in 2 (CB then DT IMO)
and go BPA the rest of the way.
David5264 - January 4, 2012
How does Jerel Worthy and Jayron Hosley sound?
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Sounds great. Would prefer Minifield at CB if available but cool.
David5264 - January 4, 2012
I took Hosley cause of the factory for DB talent he plays for
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Understood and I am perfectly fine with him.
David5264 - January 4, 2012
If we come out of this draft with: Martin, Floyd, Hosley/Minnifield, and Worthy
Id be happy. An we still have the 3rd and 4th rounds plus late and UDFA
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
I don't see how we could do much better.
The cool part is that there are going to be some D-tackles, receivers, running backs and o-linemen available in the later rounds that will be worth the money. I think it was Valdezy identifying some last week.
David5264 - January 4, 2012
yea i really like martin too
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
Broncos won't be in play
Crazy fan base + some wins= stuck with Tebow. If you were taking a qb if your them, it has too be a PURE POCKET PASSER. And they aren’t taking Landry
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
I don't know, I could see Elway pulling the trigger on RG3.
He can’t be thrilled with Tebow long term. I have yet to hear anything from the Broncos supporting Tebow outright. If RG3 has a great combine, who knows?
David5264 - January 4, 2012
If you take a different qb in Denver
You have to sell that you are doing it because you want a pro style offense. It can’t be that you just don’t like Tebow with the fans and media
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
If RG3 ends up being as good as projected,
selling the fans will not take long at all. For that matter keep Tebow for third and short or Goal line packages.
David5264 - January 4, 2012
elway would so do that shit
lol
Ram_Redemption - January 4, 2012
Any chance Jeffrey stays until the second round? or any other "top" receiver for that matter?
addnon - January 4, 2012
Maybe Jeffery
But he is really slow, it’s simply true. Do we think his height will be enough to be a #1 in the NFL?
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
it's a huge drop off in WR talent
sergey606 - January 4, 2012
I see Floyd lasted till the 2nd
ChrisL951 - January 4, 2012
No way, he's 6'3 with speed and hands
He might be a top 16 pick
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
who was actually not very productive at all
relative to talent, has character issues, and an injury history.
any one of those things by itself can cause a player to drop – all three together will definitely cause a player to drop in the draft
ZacharyD - January 4, 2012
On a bad team and still putting up the numbers he did gets you into the first round easy
Highlight real catches get you to the first round if you put up any kinda numbers (Jon Baldwin)
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
SERIOUSLY AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
Really are we going through the same argument that we go through EVERY YEAR. I am not a fan of offense and prefer to win simply on defense, but in all reality we have to get a reciever. IMO the problem with our oline is the system not the players. Good lord how many times do we have to use our #1 pick for the oline. Isn’t it obvious by now it’s not the players, ok yes some of it is but still.
Bottom line pick up a reciever Blackmon is a great piece which we need especially in today’s NFL. So let me guess we don’t pick up Blackmon grab another OT and watch Bradford career end due to lack of confidence since nobody can catch the ball and suffer concusions from being sacked to often.
BurnoutJoeB. - January 4, 2012
You know what would be cool?
If playoff teams could rent players. You take two weeks off after the season for rented players to get into the systems. An here’s how it’d work: Packers want SJax, in return for SHax for the playoffs as they go for a SB, we get Randall Cobb and he’s a Ram for the rest of his contract. The best part would be if you use big names on expiring contracts (Bowe, VJax) so at the least you have gotten some player in return for them.
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
+1
Actually that is a good idea!!!!!!!!
BurnoutJoeB. - January 4, 2012
I know, cause then we get back SJax after the playoffs
And have added a dynamic player in Cobb. What would be hilarious is when a team that has fallen apart with injuries or is old and making one last run at it before they have to rebuild, goes on a renting spree.
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
I'm of the opinion that the Rams need more help than any one pick can give them.
I can’t argue that JB is a spectacular WR talent, but the FA pool at WR this year is ridiculously deep. If we can’t trade the pick for a couple of 1st round picks and a 3rd as I’ve read we might be able to do, then I’d like to see us draft a player from a position of need that isn’t going to be as easily filled via free agency.
Desean Jackson
Dwayne Bowe
Vincent Jackson
Stevie Johnson
Wes Welker
M. Colston
Brandon Lloyd
Robert Meachem
Mike Wallace – RFA
Mario Manningham
Reggie Wayne
SqueezePlay - January 4, 2012
Reggie is talking like he won't be going back to the colts
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
he's also shitting in a diaper now
DCRamFan - January 4, 2012
I'll still take him
Be would have had yet another top teir year with a real qb, but since he didn’t have a good year, he will come cheaper
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
I was about to say........he'd better come cheap
because I’d be willing to pay more for either Jackson
DCRamFan - January 4, 2012
I don't wanna jinx the fella......
But Blackmon sure looks like Andre Johnson. I want him.
But I won’t be disappointed with Kalil or a trade down either. We got more than one hole to fill.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 4, 2012
Totally different than Andre
But I love the dude. He’s a beast who’s the best receiver in college history
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
the "best receiver in college history"
doesn’t get shut down in the second half by a second team all conference player.
ZacharyD - January 4, 2012
What was that?
I didn’t hear you over his 130 yrds and 3 tds
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Watch the Oklahoma State-Iowa State game
Leonard Johnson – a second team all Big 12 player almost completely shut Blackmon down covering one on one in the second half – Blackmon caught a couple of wideout screens tackled for a short loss, Johnson also made an interception.
ZacharyD - January 4, 2012
short gain
rather than loss – but you should get the point.
ZacharyD - January 4, 2012
Yeah, 2nd half?
Since I’m a human, I literally threw out the entire second half of that game. They were emotionally drained (all of them). No one should expect kids to come out and beat a team that was hot down the stretch on a day that they took that kind of emotional blow
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Fair enough
but outside of one big play, he didn’t do much in the first half other than catching very short passes either.
Plus, Oklahoma State still put up a riduculous number of yards in that second half – they just couldn’t drive the ball with their big plays being taken away.
ZacharyD - January 6, 2012
Blackmon still had 10 catches for 99 yards.
While it wasn’t one of his better games, I don’t know if I’d call that “being shutdown”.
CFB_fan - January 4, 2012
+1
fearsomefoursum - January 4, 2012
that is why you have to watch the games
and not just go by stats and highlights.
Outside of one riduculous catch in blanket coverage, he didn’t catch anything thrown downfield – short passes only and mainly wide receiver screens.
Yes, ten catches for 99 yards looks like a lot, but the down field passing game was taken away
ZacharyD - January 6, 2012
He is one of the best of all-time in college.
I believe he is the second player to win two Biletnikoff Awards. The other way to look at it is Crabtree is also one of the greatest college receivers in the world and that hasn’t done much for him in the NFL. Blackmon is definitely a harder worker though.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
I don't see how you can really say he's the best WR in college history
diehardram87 - January 4, 2012
Matt Kalil
Who would throw the ball 2 Justin Blackmon? with Bradford on the sideline.
RAMIFICATION - January 4, 2012
if we do the trade with the browns we would have 3 of the 1st 34 picks in the draft. almost impossible to fuck that up!
kevio3000 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Just curious, why exactly would the Browns trade up?
We won’t take RG3, The Vikings think they have the future with Ponder, and then it is their pick regardless. Are we even sure they have completely given up on Colt McCoy? I just don’t see them giving up much to move up.
David5264 - January 4, 2012
I've gotta wonder if they're sold on Ponder
And I doubt that McCoy is a Brown next year
DCRamFan - January 4, 2012
The point is they need our pick so that the Dolphins, Skins, etc. can't have RG3
King Sam Rules! - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Reading the Browns Board
They are not talking about the draft, so we cannot find out what their feelings are. Would they really make the trade of moving up to our spot or are we just dreaming.
learning - January 4, 2012
to take that even further
the browns may not value RG3 enough to offer the picks the rams new FO would want or other teams (redskins, etc.) may be more desperate for a qb and offer more
or everyone looks past the rams and just works with the vikings because they are only concerned with getting in front of the browns
hex706f726368 - January 4, 2012
I totally agree with
Adam and Okie! Although I don’t undervalue the importance of a solid LT, I don’t believe taking one with the 2nd pick of a draft is smart. You want a playmaker in that draft position and lord knows we have a shortage of playmakers.
There are OT’s in the 2nd and 3rd rounds who should have nice NFL careers.
If any of us think the talent evaluators in the NFL are spot on with LT’s you can look no further than the career of Jared Gaither. He was a two year starter for the Ravens on 08 & 09, did not play in 2010 and didn’t start the beginning of the year for the Chiefs. He came in for an injured player and made the “extremely fortuitous” procedure penalty against the Steelers on his first play and was later cut after the game. He was quickly signed by the Chargers and he went on to protect Phillip Rivers blindside the rest of the season and we all no what happened to that team. The Chargers are calling it one of the best waiver wire pick ups ever. Too bad Devaney didn’t nab him.
Anyway, I am all over trading our 2nd picks and getting a boatload of picks in exchange but if I have to choose between Kalil and Blackmon I go for the playmaker everytime!
RamTeaPartier - January 4, 2012
Receivers and running backs
aren’t taken high anymore. Well, running backs aren’t taken high anymore recently and receivers were never seen to be top 3 picks. Thanks to the Lions’ past decade of drafting them high, that hasn’t helped much.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
A J Green and Julio? First rounders that had talent
WMDs we need WMDs!
fearsomefoursum - January 4, 2012
I'm pretty sure I pointed that out.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
2nd pick of the 1rst round.
RamTeaPartier - January 4, 2012
I am definitely in favor of Blackmon
over Kalil. If you look at the really good teams in recent years, lots of them have mediocre lines. the one thing almost all of them have in common is at least one elite playmaker. Just look at this years playoff teams: Detroit has Calvin Johnson, Houston has Andre Johnson, the Steelers have Mike wallace, San Francisco has Vernon Davis and crabtree, green bay has several, the saints have tons, Atlanta has Roddy White and Julio Jones, etc. etc…..
Honestly the only playoff team that doesn’t really have explosive players is Denver, and they barely count.
Several of those teams have lines that are just ok.
For God’s sake, please take the playmaker.
ViperLjs - January 4, 2012 via Android app
What do the Saints, Packers, Falcons, and Niners also have in common?
At least one Pro Bowl lineman. Saints with two this year.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
remember though
that the saints, packers, and falcons all have elite quarterbacks and receivers, which helps the line look better.
ViperLjs - January 4, 2012 via Android app
I'm not sure they make the line look better.
They make it look worse in the Packers case, just like Mike Martz’ offense made the Rams’ offensive line look far worse during the GSOT because of how long the QB has to hold the ball.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
Honestly,
I’d rather take Mohamed Sanu in the 2nd. 34th pick? I like our chances.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
douchiedude - I thought
all the Packer tackles went down with injuries!
RamTeaPartier - January 4, 2012
We had two WR's
taken in the top 6 last year!
RamTeaPartier - January 4, 2012
And they were some of the most elite prospects at their positions in recent years.
The year before that there were none in the top 20 because there was no Julio Jones-type physical monster or AJ Green-type playmaker.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
Agreed that 2010 was not
a good draft for receivers but Dez should have gone a lot higher than #22. In 2009 you had two receivers taken in the Top 10 and a total of 6 in the 1rst round. Bottom-line is you are right about the RB position but I think top end receivers are still very much valued in the NFL.
RamTeaPartier - January 4, 2012
The other side of your comment was saying
left tackles aren’t worth high picks. Why don’t you take a look at that one again?
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
Not with the 1rst or 2nd pick
in the entire draft IMO. If we trade down a bit and pick up someone like Reiff and added picks I am ok with that. I just don’t like using such a high pick in the draft with “this team” which is clearly void of playmakers. I agree with you that RB’s aren’t what they used to be in the NFL. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 of the last three drafts:
OT’s – 6 ( 3 of which are either on the reserve or suspended list )
WR’s -4 (2010 was likely a non-tradional year for WR’s)
RB’s – 1
My point is if you have the 1rst or 2nd pick in the draft on a team void of playmakers you take the playmaker to avoid either a bust or an injury (which is happening with more frequency) at OT with the hopes of filling your OT need in the 2nd or 3rd round.
RamTeaPartier - January 4, 2012
Go back further than the last three drafts and continue to look at how many tackles
are tare taken higher.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
I
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
am just saying that OT is far more valuable to a GM than a WR is high in the draft.
douchiedude - January 4, 2012
I'd take Matt Kalil
But if we can trade down with the Browns or something and get some more picks and still pick Blackmon, then I’m taking that option instead.
oplaid - January 4, 2012
I’d take Justin Blackmon
sportsking234 - January 5, 2012
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