The latest and greatest 2012 NFL Mock Draft is out at SB Nation. This version is the last one that will not include all the changes happening to draft boards at the Combine this week. As for the St. Louis Rams, this version takes builds on the latest speculation that Cleveland is the most likely trading partner for the second pick. And with two first rounders to give, the pick is Cleveland's if they want it.
What could the Rams do with those two picks? Let's look at the supposition after the jump.
With pick #4 the Rams select Alabama RB Trent Richardson.
At his introductory press conference, Rams new GM Les Snead told a story about the most important personnel move he made as Thomas Dimitroff's chief lieutenant in Atlanta. It was the acquisition of running back Michael Turner, whom he signed with an eye toward drafting and developing quarterback Matt Ryan. Snead also stated a preference for explosive players, and Richardson is the most explosive, complete offensive skill player, beyond the two quarterbacks, in the draft. Plus, Jeff Fisher likes to run, and Richardson will be an understudy to Steven Jackson, who has almost 800 touches in his last two seasons.
Somewhere, 3k just snapped a pencil. Listen, don't rule this one out. Fisher has drafted running backs before, and the Rams could use help behind Steven Jackson, as well as a potential replacement. Richardson is a special talent, not just a one-dimensional running back. The Michael Turner story Les Snead told in his press conference as well as his stated penchant for explosive players lines up well with this pick. That said, they would probably be better served taking Riley Reiff in the fourth spot.
With pick #22 the Rams select Ohio State OT Mike Adams.
The Rams will once again have to rebuild their offensive line, possibly replacing tackle Jason Smith, a pricey draft bust from 2009. Inconsistency plagues Adams' draft stock, and he can assuage his critics and woo his suitors with a strong spring showing. Paul Boudreau, Jeff Fisher's offensive line coach, can iron out whatever inconsistencies have prevented Adams from being considered higher up the draft board.
This could easily be flipped, if they get the two picks from Cleveland, taking a tackle at the top of the round and an offensive skill player here. Don't rule out a defensive lineman once the big board starts taking shape too.
Alright, this should set off a firestorm. Have at it!
0 recs | 66 comments
Can't say I agree with either pick.
jmo53 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
This wouldn't bother me
I mean, Richardson is every bit as good a prospect as the other guys we talk about, and as Ryan mentioned, perhaps rb is BPA for Fisher and Snead. I think this becomes more likely if a WR is targeted in free agency. Still not sold on Adams though.
RamHock - February 20, 2012
I've read quite a few post from Ohio State fans and
they’re not sold on Adams, either. In fact I haven’t read any posts from OSU fans that stated that Adams was a good offensive tackle.
Guitpik - February 20, 2012
I like it!
WRs in free agency.
OkieWXman - February 20, 2012 via iPhone app
Hell No!
If we take a rb there should be a riot in St. Louis..
RG31 - February 20, 2012 via mobile
And a curious crime spree in Vancouver WA
dbcouver - February 20, 2012
And a shady bum fighting ring in Anchorage AK
sergey606 - February 20, 2012
And a thought-out, reasonable, political debate in Timbuktu.
thisguy - February 20, 2012
And multiple arsassin attacks in New Jersey.
linus98 - February 20, 2012
I'm surprised
I’m really surprised this hasn’t come up before. Look at Adrian P. and Mendenhall….we are only one ACL away from being F’d at the RB position. In a league that is going RB by committee. Look at NO. I didn’t like how Richardson, (away from his 34 yard td run, with under five minutes left in the championship game, up 15-0) averaged was only 3 yards a carry? True, LSU will draft 6-7 defenders this April,,,,,,,but still….its disconcerting. very,,,,, for a second pick in the 2012 draft. Its a hit and miss, could be huge for Mr. Fisher, run first down, second down coach… Maybe Richardsons championship 30+ run is the milk from mother we will be expecting….. Its a good argument. STJ39 needs a protege. Kiper has him at #3 overall. FA some WMD for Bradford, draft Richardson….I’m on board.
fearsomefoursum - February 20, 2012
I'm surprised
surprised we haven’t spoke of this before. We are one ACL away from being in deep do doo…..Teams are going to RB by committee. I’m all for this….STJ39 needs a back up. Kiper has Richardson as number three….get best off the board….we do not follow that logic….about time…llook at NO…..lets rock…and roll
fearsomefoursum - February 21, 2012
If we take trent we will trade stee jack no doubt! This dude is not an understudy he is a stud and has to be on the field on all downs! I got luv for jack but trent is an upgrade at this point.
kevio3000 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
Hate both picks
Brick Top - February 20, 2012
I could live with it.
I love Steven Jackson. As an avid fantasy football player however 8 seasons and 2100 career carries are the point where I usually start worrying about RB’s slipping. Jackson already gets hurt a game or two almost every year. Fisher is a run first guy, and there is no one affordable in free agency that has any upside. Figure in all those factors and it makes sense to draft a RB.
Assuming Kalil goes third I love this pick. I’m really not a Blackmon fan though, so I’m sure a lot of people will be screaming. If we could get those two picks and maybe Alshon Jeffery as our first pick of the second I’d consider the draft a great success.
Scato - February 20, 2012
makes sence for a RB but at #4?
I’d rather have Blackmon at #4 and if Richardson falls to #22 then ok. Too much talent to take a RB this high. I’d rather trade further back than take Richardson that high. Maybe the Jags would trade up for Blackmon getting us more picks?
jmo53 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
That makes better sense
if the Rams happen to trade down with Miami, that would be a sensible pick at 8 or 9.
Guitpik - February 20, 2012
Guess I'm one of those guys that doesn't think Blackmon will live up to the hype.
I don’t think Blackmon is a top 10 nfl receiver. He’s not fast. I’ve not seen one highlight of him making a catch where he wasn’t wide open by nfl standards. I’ve not seen him out jump anyone. I haven’t ever seen him make a catch where he was jammed at the line. Some of those things might be lack of opportunities, but until I see him do them I’m not gonna assume he can.
If not Richardson I’d go Claiborne. I really believe both of those guys will be pro bowlers within a few years, while Blackmon is just a huge maybe. Plus Richardson is one of the few all around backs available. The NFL is a passing game now as we like to point out so often. Having a back that can block and catch is huge.
I’ve always been a take the best available player guy. I remember a lot of people throwing fits back when we drafted Torry Holt, when we had a lot more pressing needs than WR. If you believe a guy is special you take him, doubly so now that salary caps for rookies are in place.
Scato - February 20, 2012
How many OSU games did you watch?
Strait 40 times are pointless… see Donnie Avery. It’s hard to quantify from just watching games but where Blackmon appears to excell is in the ability to control his body and maintain his speed throughout the route. He was absolutely fabulous at making guys miss and making huge YAC. I’ve seen several games where he had to pull down balls at the side or back of the end zone. He had his share of balls where he just went down the field and took the ball with defenders in the vicinity. I wouldn’t downgrade a player for having the ability to get wide open. In some ways this is more impressive than the guy that can’t get open but can utilize superior athleticism to take balls away from defenders. The only things that concern me about Blackmon is he got sloppy with the ball and would suffer the occassional strip and occassionally he would drop a ball. I’m not sure where he fits in compared to the other top prospects but I have to believe he’s at least in the conversation.
I tend to agree with the concept of going after the best talent to a degree. I guess I’m not as sold on Richardson but to be honest I hadn’t really paid much attention to picking a top RB with Jackson already on the team. Now Claiborne I’d have no problem with especially with the way the League is going in terms of favoring high powered passing attacks.
One thing I have noticed is there seems to be a tendency to favor the offensive players but I tend to think the best players in the draft are on defense.
Sggladden - February 20, 2012
Sadly didn't watch any OSU games
So I have to base my opinion on his highlights that I can get and they are just so unimpressive. Guys aren’t gonna line up 10 yards back from him in the nfl. Every catch he made at the goal line was a fade route where he didn’t even have to jump and the cb basically had his eyes closed. You might get one or two of those in an entire nfl career, maybe. If he comes to the combine and runs something in the 4.5-4.6 range and has a vertical leap over say 35 maybe I’ll come around a little. He’s just not been tested imo and that’s scary for a #4 pick.
Blackmon admittedly also has some good moves once he gets the ball. I’m just worried about him getting it with someone actually covering him. Maybe he’s as good as some people say, but I couldn’t find one catch I was impressed with.
I love Claiborne as an option, having a corner that can cover the other teams #1 1v1 gives us so many more blitzing options, which is scary with what we have going with Long/Quinn.
Scato - February 20, 2012
that hasn't been my experience
He is a really good receiver, and potentially a Fitzgerald. I’ve seen tons of plays where he just out works the guy for the ball. And he really cares. He’s not a diva, he’s a hard worker. Last year he was mocked to us often in the first round, and he hasn’t gotten worse, I can promise you that. I’m on board at four. Not at two.At six too, but I don’t think he lasts that long.
RamHock - February 20, 2012
LOVE IT
WE WOULD HAVE TO GET OLB IN EARLY SECOND AND A WR IN THE OTHER SECOND PICK
RAMSALLTHEWAY - February 20, 2012 via mobile
LOVE IT
WE WOULD HAVE TO GET OLB IN EARLY SECOND AND A WR IN THE OTHER SECOND PICK
RAMSALLTHEWAY - February 20, 2012 via mobile
if the trade with cleveland happened
What would some possibilities be at 22?
ramninghere - February 20, 2012
Decastro, Glenn, Konz, Floyd, Wright, Jeffrey, Z Brown, even Richardson.
Look how far Ingram fell last year.
jmo53 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
Ingram and Richardson aren't the same prospect
not even close.
clwxz5 - February 20, 2012
Just saying he was thought to go way higher than he did. That's all.
jmo53 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
Richardson would be amazing
If it happens. Any of these would be incredible to add.
If this team didn’t have so many needs I would love to add a great pass rusher.
I know it’s probably doubtful but any chance of Coples being there at 22? There is no chance the Rams would actually consider that but it would be awesome.
ramninghere - February 21, 2012
Can't say that I like either pick at those spots.
We need Kalil,Reif, Blackmon, or Claiborn if we pick at 4. Now if we trade with the Dolphins and Richardson drops that far then sure, but otherwise I hate this pick. And Adam’s has potential bust written all over him. If he drops to the 2nd round sure take a chance on him but not in the first round.
RamFan284 - February 20, 2012
Exactly
Otherwise we might as well trade with someone else that would be willing to give a better package of picks.
Sggladden - February 20, 2012
A lot of Cleveland fans
do not want to trade up with the Rams. In the contrary, they would rather trade down for more picks, realizing that they have many holes to fill up and down their roster. They don’t feel that Griffin is a proven Franchise QB.
Shurmur has had a season with Bradford, a definite Franchise QB. My question is will he push to get the QB now that they have the opportunity and the ammunition it would take to get him?
Guitpik - February 20, 2012
If we weren't tied into Bradford financially
I’d have zero reservations about trading him and drafting RG3. This kid is something special and my greatest fear is ten years from now we’re kicking ourselves for not drafting him.
If Clevland fans are too stupid to see this… well I mean c’mon they do wear rubber dog mask and eat MilkBones LOL.
Sggladden - February 20, 2012
Good thing the fans don't make the trades.
Of coarse they don’t want to give away all their picks but a GM might see this as their chance to get their franchise QB with only trading up 2 spots.
jmo53 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
Two words about Trent Richardson going 4th overall in the Draft: "Never Happen".
Nbr1RamFan - February 20, 2012
He's higher than blackmon in mel ki.pers big board
And RG3…..LAST TIME I checked
RAMSALLTHEWAY - February 20, 2012 via mobile
you checked?
So you’re the one.
dbcouver - February 20, 2012
And how often has mel ki.pers been right in the past?
Nbr1RamFan - February 21, 2012
Maybe third.
Wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if someone traded Minnesota for third pick and snagged him. He really does seem to be a special talent.
Scato - February 21, 2012
If we trade down with Cleveland
With Kalil not being there and we don’t take Blackmon, this FO is a bunch of idiots and needs to be fired..
RG31 - February 20, 2012 via mobile
That was quick!!
I know you disagree, but I haven’t seen you get this frustrated at the new FO up to now.
What’s up?
dbcouver - February 20, 2012
This pick is so obvious to make
Which position you think is the biggest draft it and move on. Rb isn’t even a top 4 need and to pick one in the 1st would be ignorant considering who’s there and we can find rb later in the draft. If we are at 4 and blackmon is gone take Kalil and vise versa, period..
RG31 - February 20, 2012 via mobile
What are your feelings if Reif tears it up at the Combine and overtakes Kalil on most boards?
RamFan284 - February 20, 2012
I highly doubt it
But if that were to happens but if it were to happen blackmon is still at least number two on our board or should be. No way we should settle for the second best OT if we have the best wr in the draft fall in our laps (if we did trade down to 4).
RG31 - February 20, 2012 via mobile
I must agree with RG31...taking an RB with a 1st round pick is totally ludicrous!
Nbr1RamFan - February 21, 2012
ha said perfectly!!!!!!
randyvannram - February 20, 2012
With Snead's quote
We have to keep in mind that when Atlanta signed Michael Turner to help develop Matt ryan they already had an established offensive line and Roddy White, I don’t think we can waste this pick on an Rb when we already have Sjax, i think next year is that time maybe the year after that
HOFMFaulk28 - February 20, 2012
I wouldn't be opposed to taking
2 RB in round 6 and 7 and see what happens.
jmo53 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
I had i mock where we took him at six.
linus98 - February 20, 2012
Best WR in Draft
I’m more sold on Kendall Wright than I am Blackmon. If we were to have 4 and 22, I think we’d need to go OT (whether Kalil or Reiff) and then Wright if he were still available.
CodyAllenFTW - February 20, 2012
I wouldn't complain if that were to happen
RamFan284 - February 20, 2012
This is so ideal
franchise left tackle and a deep threat receiver
Ram_Redemption - February 20, 2012 via mobile
if Wright is gone at 22
there’s always Sanu, Floyd, Jeffrey. Maybe even get one at 33?
jmo53 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
Dude stop
Your making me so excited for a cleveland trade lol. Reiff at 4, jenkins at 22, jeffery at 33
Ram_Redemption - February 20, 2012 via mobile
That WOULD be ideal
The Rams do need a go-to every down receiver as well, and a Jeffrey or Sanu there would be WONDERFUL. I just look at the Rams current offense right now and I see no one who we could classify as explosive. That’s why I’m so high on Wright. And we can get possession receivers later in the draft, but I don’t see anyone like Wright later on the board. I do think Wright’s value is gonna continue to rise, though. So we might need to trade the 22 along with something else to move up to around the 15 or 16 spot.
CodyAllenFTW - February 20, 2012
I saw a mock with Wright going to the Jags.
Looks like he’s already rising up some boards.
jmo53 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
I completely agree...
Offensive tackle (I think Kalil will come out of the combine as the best prospect) at #4 and hope Kendall Wright falls to #22. If not, and Richardson is still there… okay, maybe, depending on who’s left.
Jholtmeier - February 20, 2012
Not upset with this scenario.
How about trading down from 4 to around 10 before taking Richardson, though? I’m trade crazy.
Joe Mazzi - February 20, 2012 via mobile
Richardson is a top notch kid in addition to how great he is on the field ...
… I love him, but with the 4th pick …?
I suppose with the extra 1st rounder we could do it …
Would LOVE having him, but really think we need to address the OL first.
Midasknight - February 20, 2012
Sure don't want him going to the SheHawks...
Midasknight - February 20, 2012
What about mike wallace?
Steelers have NO money and it would cost a first round pick. Can we offer him 6.5 and pray the steelers dnt find cap space to match?
Ram_Redemption - February 20, 2012 via mobile
Not enough money.
Wallace is at least on par with Colston and Vincent. And he’s younger. If he’s signed away it will probably be a front loaded contract around 10mil a year, but frontloaded for 12-15 in the first year.
Not to mention we’d have to pick up a late first round pick, before the draft, because there’s no way were giving up a top 10 pick for him.
I was wanting to try this scenario last week when people were saying cutting Smith gives us another 9 mil or so, but in reality he gives us 2.5mil. We’d have to cut way too many players to realistically have a shot at signing him.
Scato - February 20, 2012
TRENT RICHARDSON-YES YES YES
HELLLLLLL NO to the pick of Mike Adams. You can get tackles in later rounds and develop them with good coaches (which we now have). Use that pick on more skill positions, whether that be at CB or WR. Janoris Jenkins or Rueben Randle would be MUCH better choices, IMO.
Richardson is the way to go in this draft, considering the philosophical changes to our offensive scheme, as well as the presence of a nearing 30 Steven Jackson, who is still very much a high-level player, but will not play forever. He is the most elite running back since Adrian Peterson. So just think about it this way, would you use a top 5 pick on AP? Obviously. So to me it is pretty clear cut- Richardson is worth the #4. SH!T, we could use the #2 on him and hed still be WELL worth it. WHY?:
1. He is an extremely hard worker. Weight room junkie. Will be in good shape, always.
2. He is physically ELITE, even when measured agaisnt other high level backs. Squat and stacked, he is built like a slow downhill back, but has agility and accelleration skills of a small speed back. His straight line speed is also top end. (High 4.3, low 4.4). But most of all (think AP here) HE IS STROOOOOONG. He breaks tackles like its his job and is always looking to gain extra yards. YAC is important especially at the NFL level.
3. What better mentor for a hardworking, speedy big back with power than Steven Jackson? Jackson’s presence and work ethic would certainly fuel TR, and vice versa. These two would be a power/speed tandem, and eventually TRich would take over as the primary franchise back
4. He is a family man. As a father of two young ones, TRich will always remain motivated and will avoid problematic sitations or circumstances. He is focused on provididng for those he loves, and thus will remain dedicated to his craft.
And if you still doubt, heres some video goodness:
(TOP 3 RUNS)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHiSQ9TlxaY&feature=related
(BEASTING, GOING HAM)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5D70hJrb8o&feature=related
omega_gator - February 20, 2012
460 on the bench and wanted more weight but coach said no!
Holy Sh!t
jmo53 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
Great post
All my talk about why Blackmon would be a bad pick up above, I forgot to say why Trent was such a great pick.
Scato - February 20, 2012
There's a huge elephant in the room that is NOT addressed in any of your reasons.
The problem is no RB, not even Dickerson, Bettis, Faulk or AD would be able to do much on the field with our O-line. And how many effective O-linemen do you think we can afford to sign in FA. Do you think we can make the improvements we need to make with lower round picks simply because we swapped out our coaching staff? Great ! Let’s see how we did first. If I’m wrong and we should have picked a RB, then we’ll be in position to grab one next draft in Marcus Lattimore
We don’t need TR to go out on the field and push weights. We need him to blow through holes. Right now we have NO holes to blow through. You say SJax is elite yet you think Richardson can come in and do something SJax can’t. I’m sorry but until 5-7th round RBs stop coming in and finding starting jobs with teams who have good O-lines I can never justify picking a RB before the 4th, until SJax is no longer here.
dbcouver - February 21, 2012
Richardson
I do see all the upside to Richardson, but it still seems to be a headscratcher to me. Even if he is as good as advertised, look at the Vikings offense this year (even when AP was healthy). And they have better WR talent right now than our current roster. I think we’re too WR deficient and 1 lineman short of a good line to be spending on another running back that will have to run against 8 in the box whenever he’s in.
CodyAllenFTW - February 20, 2012
take him
fearsomefoursum - February 21, 2012
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