The latest and greatest 2012 NFL Mock Draft is out over at SB Nation. Once again, it features the St. Louis Rams trading down, this time with the Washington Redskins, who look like the early favorites to make such a move in order to grab Robert Griffin III.
A trade down is likely to net the Rams Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon, so says the conventional wisdom anyway. Blackmon's draft stock is getting some distinct push back lately. While unquestionably talented, he is not on par with last year's top receivers A.J. Green and Julio Jones. This article at Rotoworld notes a lack of downfield playmaking ability from Blackmon, who thrived on big cushions from Big 12 corners and shorter curl routes.
The sixth pick might be too high for Blackmon.
It is not too high for another prospect, who the Rams select in this mock draft.
This will come as a bit of shocker to conventional wisdom that say the receiver-needy Rams could even take Blackmon with the second pick in the draft, should they forego a swap. Jeff Fisher has said that pass protection is priority one for getting quarterback Sam Bradford back on track. Reiff can slide right into the left tackle spot, moving Rodger Saffold to the right or even inside to guard.
Already, the Rams are seen as a suitor for Vincent Jackson. They could also make an attempt to bring back Brandon Lloyd. In essence, I think they might be better suited to chase a free agent wide receiver, looking for a young receiver in the second round who possesses more potential than either of last year's receiver picks.
Remember, trading with Washington would likely net them an additional second-round pick. Either second-round pick could be paired with other picks to move up into the later part of the first round. They could also wait and see if Mohamed Sanu or Marvin Jones or some other prospect is available with their first pick in the second round.
0 recs | 73 comments
Yes!!!
I completely agree with you Van.
Brick Top - February 13, 2012
I love how when that janitor....err, D coordinator opened his mouth
Or didn’t open it?!? Now they’re the favorite.
And that guy is raising his stock big time! And it’s not even combine time!
sergey606 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
The one thing I wouldn't mind is hearing
Sanuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu at EJD, we need a name like that
sergey606 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
I think Blackmon is a better prospect then Julio
So if we do trade down to six and blackmon is there, get him..
RG31 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
I've never seen Blackmon do this
Brick Top - February 13, 2012
You haven't been watching his film !
VETT - February 13, 2012
I have and he's never jumped that high
I don’t think you appreciate how good this is by Julio
Brick Top - February 13, 2012
For some reason
Watching that very short video does NOT get old for me…..that’s some amazing athleticism!
DCRamFan - February 13, 2012
And see if you say that after the combine
after Blackmon is in the mid 4.5’s and has sub par agility numbers. In my mind, he’s a Hakeem Nicks level player.
Brick Top - February 13, 2012
The combine doesnt always measure how good a play is going to be though
Nor does their speed, speed is highly overrated in the NFL and we both know that, just ask Oakland. I could be wrong about blackmon and if I am I will admit it. But right now he shows the skillset and fire to succeed in the NFL.
RG31 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
Combine is a good measurement tool
the 40 may be useless, but other drills, 3 cone and shuttle are very useful in judging the sill level of a player
Brick Top - February 13, 2012
We'll just have to see how he does
I think Alshon and Floyd may also excel at the combine so just have to see..
RG31 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
40 time useless?
Not to julio. He runs those past defenses in his entire rookie highlights lol seriously that the explosion that blackmon AND green dnt have. youtube it.
Ram_Redemption - February 13, 2012 via mobile
overrated is a better term
shows straight-line speed, but not game speed. In and out of cuts
Brick Top - February 13, 2012
it's good
but the combine produces many busts. You can work out, doesn’t mean you can play
sergey606 - February 13, 2012
Think of the combine like this
Sure players look date and stronger in college but do they have the measures to be elite based on nfl standards. Its just a measuring stick but by no means is it the bible for drafting player
Ram_Redemption - February 13, 2012 via mobile
well it's a pretty shitty stick IMO
if it were that good, we wouldn’t have that many busts. Game tape and attitude are key, not just quickness and strength….Jason Smith don’t have the attitude of a pro, at least not in STL
sergey606 - February 13, 2012
And even 40 is useful
10 and 20 splits are very good predictors of explosiveness in the NFL
Brick Top - February 13, 2012
no he is not, in lasts years mocks, before announcing he was staying
He was a low 1st Round pick. So no. Not even close.
RAMSALLTHEWAY - February 13, 2012 via mobile
Just my opinion
I think he is a better prospect his year than Jones was last year. Also ponder was considered a mid second round last year but went more 1st round so I take projection with a grain of salt. Plus we don’t know how he would have done at the combine..
RG31 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
Ponder was pick high because he was a QB and they are always over drafted
Brick Top - February 13, 2012
Yea but by a whole round?
Probably could have got him in the second..
RG31 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
He would of been late first
Viks really needed a QB and yes they are over drafted by a round many many times
Brick Top - February 13, 2012
It has been well documented that I disagree with you, but I have to admit that I admire how you stick to your guns.
I might actually feel bad for you when the Rams don’t pick Blackmon.
Midasknight - February 13, 2012
Yea you think my opinion is
Misguided and everything I say is lead by me being from OU but I believe what I say and I think he could be a great 1, until I am proven wrong I will stick with it..
RG31 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
Blackmon wasn't even as good of a prospect as pre-combine Julio last year
and this year he took a step backwards in production.
Yet, for lack of better options i guess, he’s miraculously getting the same level of hype by some people.
TheBirds - February 13, 2012
Pre Combine yes, post combine we dont know
You have your opinion and I have mine..
RG31 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
Honestly get over the comparisons
Why are we obsessed with whether he is Julio Jones or AJ Green, they are different players. you talk about how in the bowl game his TD were broken coverage, ok good point but what about the 180 yards he put up against amukamara? a lot of the people on the site wanted us to draft Amukamara at 14 last year. Most of the plays were deep balls that he flat out, out muscled a first round pick for. I think Blackmon is ready to go right away. I think we are obsessed with this big WR thing, which I don’t get? if Blackmon runs a sub 4.5 40 time i think the pick has to be him even more then it already should be. We need a young WR to pair with Sam, and to speed up Blackmons development I think we should also sign Braylon Edwards. I know I will catch heat for this but he was hurt last year and was most successful in Shottys system. I think he would be a cheaper option plus he would have 2 jobs as WR and tutor. BTW AJ green ran a 4.50, Fitzgerald ran a 4.63, Boldin ran a 4.58, B marshall ran a 4.57, Brandon Loyd ran a 4.62, Dez bryant ran a 4.5? do I have to keep going? This year Blackmon matured into a complete WR he played Slot, he blocked better, he ran decoy routes to get other WR open. He proved his junior year he can get deep, this year he proved he can do all the little things. plus he has the drive to be great, he is not a pre madonna at all. I can’t imagine him not being successful.
miketrap3 - February 13, 2012
I also think we
Should cut Gibson and Alexander and not bother with Loyyd, he is going to be in NE. Maybe we also sign a veteran like Jericho Cotchery or Hines Ward to add some veteran flavor to the depth chart. We should also target a bigger developmental WR in the later rounds, maybe Marvin Jones from Cal, or Brian Quick from App state, maybe Mcnutt from Iowa or fuller from A&M. our depth chart would be.
WR- Edwards, Blackmon, Amendola, Salas, Pettis, Developmental guy, Veteran Flavor.
miketrap3 - February 13, 2012
Edwards?.....as in Braylon?
No way.
Rcoon1307 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
yea I think
he could at least teach the WR the system, I think he will be cheap and lets not forget about the 1300 yards he had for the browns with Derrick Anderson throwing him the ball, and he had 900 yards and 7 td for the Jets with Sanchez throwing him the ball. He played 2 games last year for the 49ers who don’t throw the ball to WR. I really don’t see a problem, talk about character? well aren’t we sick of hearing about character is the reason we didn’t go after a player that could help the team? You want a deep threat well, thats what he does best.
miketrap3 - February 13, 2012
+10000000
RAMSALLTHEWAY - February 13, 2012 via mobile
you know...
this idea really isn’t half bad. Edwards knows schotty. I don’t know his personal feelings, but I’m sure he could be an under the radar signing that wouldn’t break the bank. He has a slight case of the dropsies from time to time but he really played well in his last season with the Jets last year.
fletcherisland - February 13, 2012
Wow, Hines Ward?
I think he USED to be on Offense what Troy P is on defense for the Steelers, but I think he’s used up, he had that done look on the sidelines, but……hummmm
quartermidget - February 13, 2012
"he is not a pre madonna at all"
Yep. I see him more like a post lady gaga…
Le Ram - February 13, 2012
haha I guess pre madonna is a little dated
post lady gaga can work, I think something with Nicki minaj could also work
miketrap3 - February 13, 2012
i think he's trying to say its primma donna not "pre madonna"
fletcherisland - February 13, 2012
BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Completely agree, also the combine is a tool in order for teams to see how the product can produce. I want a ZR1 Vette, OK according to MotorTrend my vette will run a 11.3 in the qtr stock. Now that doesn’t mean I will step in the driver seat and pull out an 11.3 which is done by a professional driver but you see my point.
Blackmon also recored a higher vertical than Bureess who is 4 inches taller still doesn’t necessarily mean he will be better than Burress yet it shows the tools he has. I agree with miketrap3 Blackmon seems to have that drive and intelligence to succeed in the NFL.
BurnoutJoeB. - February 13, 2012
Where's jwsrib
Telling us to sign Randy Moss? Lol
RAMSALLTHEWAY - February 13, 2012 via mobile
jswrib
FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK WE SALUTE YOU!
OakCityRam - February 13, 2012
I love how he gets brought-up in almost every post
so maybe that’s the attention he’s wanted?! If it were me, I wouldn’t want attention by being a douche bag, but hey, it’s just me!
sergey606 - February 13, 2012
"Last time I checked"
Sorry about that. I just copied Herm Edwards in my heading and it always annoys me when he say that. Basically because he ALWAYS says that. That and “at the end of the day” are probably the 2 most common phrases used on ESPN…hate ‘em both.
Anyway, back to my point. Alshon Jeffery has a great set of hands. I’m a buyer if it should come down to choosing him later in the 1st or early in the 2nd. If we’re lucky enough to see him fall that far.
ZamRam - February 13, 2012
and "OH BY THE WAY"
fletcherisland - February 13, 2012
"It is what it is"
We could do a post on these. This is my current MHP
dbcouver - February 13, 2012
Floyd and/or Jeffery...
should be around for 2nd round pickings.
Boofer - February 13, 2012
Sure.
Receivers available at the top of the 2nd round will be much better than the OTs.
1st round OT + 2nd round WR >> 1st round WR + 2nd round OT
By far…
Le Ram - February 13, 2012
+1
exactly.
ECURam87 - February 13, 2012 via Android app
agree there
That is the argument people should be iistening to. The 1st combination has a much higher liklihood of success.
If people disagree and want us to do option B, why not just keep Saffold on the left who himself is a 2nd round OT and use the resources elsewhere. The only reason we should move saffold at all is if we find a player better than him. Sorry, outside of Rieff and Kalil, i don’t think there is a tackle that should push him to the right. His 1st year was great, just last year wasn’t so great.
fletcherisland - February 13, 2012
Solid Plan
Trade down. Cut Smith and use the money for a FA WR. Draft a tackle in the first and a CB/DT/OLB with our number 2 picks. RB in the 3rd. Buy SuperBowl tickets. :)
searam - February 13, 2012
No, Sanu in the second and OLB in the second
DT in 3rd and cb in 4th and we buy playoff tickets
RAMSALLTHEWAY - February 13, 2012 via mobile
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXJKIE2jTL0&feature=related
I’m sold officially. The dude has athletic ability to come out of the backfield or outside and is a downfield blocker. I’m officially on the sanuuuuuuuuuuuuu bandwagon
fletcherisland - February 13, 2012
damn 2:15 was nice
TheBirds - February 13, 2012
Sanu looks to have all the tools to be a #1 WR
I’d take him in the 2nd rnd with no problems. Grear first rnd pick too, Reiff will slide right into LT spot and improve our line by the 1st game.
RamsFan1979 - February 13, 2012
are we positive he is there at the beginning of round 2?
I hope he is… i’ll be watching the draft with bated breath to see if he’ll be there, because that is the most ideal scenario: 1. Rieff 2. Sanu 2. OLB/DT
fletcherisland - February 13, 2012
Nobody's ever sure, we have 32 teams picking and everyone has a different take.
I could see a few teams picking him up: 49’s, #22, NE, NYG. If we owned the Browns #22 pick I’d take him there. I think this kid is a 1st rnd pick and potential true #1 WR.
RamsFan1979 - February 13, 2012
Exactly, the best choice after the best trade.
Reiff will probably be as good as Kalil anyway. You can’t go wrong with a lineman from Iowa.
dbcouver - February 13, 2012
It's a little premature to assume Saffold must be moved to the right side or even guard.
Let’s see who we can get durring free agency. My biggest concern is still at WR but that could change with some good signings.
The important thing for the Rams is to get at the very least three impact players with this draft. I could be OK with this scenario where we trade with Washington and draft Reiff as long as we can sign a FA WR worth a damn.
Let’s also no get so hung up on the offensive line that we forget DT and CB.
Sggladden - February 13, 2012
'Hung up' on protecting Bradford?!
There is much importance in protecting our QB; DT & CB, though important, are of less importance in the 360view of team needs. I think we can find quality DT, LB, & CB’s in the later rounds and there is also the ever so expensive FA market as well.
RamsFan1979 - February 13, 2012
Sanu in the second is a better VALUE than blackmon in the first
The questions you need to ask yourself: is blackmon= megatron? I don’t think he is. But to be drafted that highly, he better be.
Could Sanu prove to be a good value in the 2nd round? It’s more likely. All the kids dont since he got to rutgers was produce. Now we have rutgers o coord as our qb coach. He may not have a lot of say but i think they are gonna groom him to take over for schotty if he gets a head coaching job. I like what i see in terms of speed and 6’ 2’’ size isn’t too shabby. He seems like a good player.
fletcherisland - February 13, 2012
IDK
As bad as the coaching was been I am not sure who can be coached up or not. The line last year was better with the same player’s go figure. Jason Smith should at least restructure his contract or get tossed, but again he a bust or the coaching. Looking at the players that’s went to other teams and had great seasons leave me questioning the coaching. So, I am on the fence with who we should cut based on who’s a lack of talent or busts.
The only position that I know for a fact we need help in is at WR. So with that feel we should make a strong push for VJax, sign Edwards for cheap, make a good offer to Lloyd. And still draft blackmon. I would only take Lloyd or/and over Edwards. Use FA for line as rookies rarely make an impact right away. Snag a CB and DT in FA, Draft the rest…
SleeplessKingpin - February 13, 2012 via mobile
Hmmm
Sanu looks similar to Hakeem Nicks.
Horcrux7 - February 13, 2012
Our Rams
Our Rams hopely aren’t has bad has our 2 win season; I’ve said along I think the coaches sucked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JW Coop - February 13, 2012
Dump Bradford
I still think we should dump Bradford and draft RGIII. Mobile QBs don’t need the protection someone like the Bradford would, AND if we did get protection, I don’t think Bradford will be a perennial Top 5 QB in this league. He’ll be good to slightly above average at best.
DonovanNeb - February 13, 2012
No one would take on his contract
and most is guaranteed so someone is on the hook for it. Not gunna happen.
jmo53 - February 13, 2012 via Android app
Ask Vick if he needs protection....
Mobile quarterbacks need protection even more on some plays due to the fact they leave the pocket and turn pass blockers into run blockers at the drop of a hat.
Rcoon1307 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
About time
Blackmon I think is a tad bit over rated . H. Jones has top end speed so does A.J Green Blackmon does not look like he has it. I’m so tired of seeing Ram WR’s get no YAC. B.Lloyd went down after every catch, but everyone thinks he is all that. As Rams fans over the yrs we have forgot what play makers look like @ WR. Amendola is not a play maker he is a slot guy who we as Ram fans think is an all pro, put him on edge in see what happens! Bring a Colston,V.jac or a Stevie Jhonson yeah he dropped a few but what Ram wr has’nt as of late.
SHAWN .B - February 13, 2012
Green and Jones were both big play guys in college
Blackmon however, I don’t see how you can expect a guy who averages something 12-13 YPC to do better than that in the NFL. Picking a glorified slot receiver in the top 5 seems crazy. Also I don’t see Blackmon’s upside, where is the room for improvement? His biggest problem is speed and he’s not going to get any faster.
TheBirds - February 13, 2012
Let's put together a BALT type defense ....
… starting in the first round !!!!!!!!!
VETT - February 13, 2012
This would turn some heads
but I’ve always wanted a badass defence.
jmo53 - February 14, 2012 via Android app
Blackmon is more complete.
I think his routes are cleaner and has a better feel for the open areas of the field than Jones did last year. Jones has such a high celing though, being that big and that fast. The only WR who can compare is Larry F., but so far, Jones isn’t a finished product like Fitzgeral was coming into the league. I believe Blackmon is more of a finished product than Jones was. I also don’t think Blackmon can carry the whole offense without Danny A. and at least 1 more premier threat like Lloyd. Those 3 together could really be something for King Sam. I still love Julio Jones’ upside and if he continues to develop, he will be worth every bit of the trade. Green was clearly superior coming into the draft, but I think they will end up both being franchise guys. I also think Blackmon will be a franchise guy—just not quite at that level.
JD70-79 - February 13, 2012
Well said
Rcoon1307 - February 13, 2012 via mobile
That was my recommendation for the TST Community Draft
Last week we were asked for our opinions concerning the TST Community Draft and a possible trade by the Rams.
I said Redskins and than to get Reiff (not Blackmon, also if available).
I am happy at least one man being with me and my opinion making me not looking that stupid.
Thank You.
Mats_DE - February 14, 2012
Everyone says "Well he's good but not as good as other guys at his position before him"
Well that may be true but his talent is there and surefire playmaking ability too…Look he isn’t as fast or tall as Julio Jones but his hands are rated better and he probably isn’t as polished as AJ Green but he was the nations best WR twice in college….No one realistically is going to be the next Megatron or Jerry Rice but he is by far the best WR we could be in line for and way better then what we have already….So yea we can pass on him this year and on Robert Woods next year and Sammy Watkins the year after and every other wideout that doesn’t really compare favorably to some big time players in the league now but where is that gonna leave us?
SMASH44 - February 26, 2012
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