Stephen Dunn - Getty Images
6 months ago: LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Curtis McNeal #22 of the USC Trojans is sandwiched between tackle Matt Kalil #75 and tight end Randall Telfer #82 as they celebrate McNeal's 79 yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the Washington Huskies at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 12, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. USC won 40-17. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Earlier this week, Dan Kadar at Mocking the Draft rolled out his post-Senior Bowl 2012 NFL mock draft. Unlike so many others, there were the St. Louis Rams sitting comfortably in the number two spot in the first round. It's almost assumed that the Rams will trade that pick to a team hungry for a franchise quarterback in Robert Griffin III. That's a very distinct possibility. But Dan's pick for the Rams presents something of a dilemma for the team in developing their franchise quarterback, Sam Bradford.
The pick in Dan's draft is Matt Kalil, OT, USC.
Here's what Dan says about the pick:
The Rams will be taking several phone calls to trade out of this pick. While adding picks would be nice for the Rams, having a franchise left tackle is the most important piece this team can add. If the Rams trade down to a team wanting Robert Griffin III, they won't be able to get a player as good as Kalil. That's what the Rams will be choosing between. If they want Sam Bradford to develop, they need Kalil more than anything else. He would start at left tackle with Rodger Saffold shifting to the right side.
Kalil is considered by most one of the best young left tackles in the draft since Jake Long. He's easily the best pass blocker in the draft, and a ready-made starter on the left side in the NFL.
Where Kalil still needs work is as a run blocker, using power to push defenders off the line and out of the way. Some of the draft's other tackles have him beat in that department, Iowa's Riley Reiff for instance, but Kalil has the talent to develop that part of his game.
But here's the dilemma for the Rams: which is more important in getting Sam Bradford over the hump, a cornerstone left tackle or a true #1 wide receiver like Justin Blackmon?
Head coach Jeff Fisher was pretty clear that protecting the quarterback will be a top priority for his Rams. Brian Schottenheimer said the same thing.
Trading down wouldn't rule out the Rams getting other tackles, but none of the other would have the kind of instant impact that Kalil would ... maybe Reiff, but he's probably a top ten pick, creating the same dilemma if the Rams trade down with Washington or Cleveland.
What do you think?
0 recs | 112 comments
Just look at the past few years...
The Rams have already seen what happens when you continually draft O lineman high and WRs in the mid rounds — failure. Why not switch it up? Some say the definition of insanity is, well, you know…
OkieWXman - February 3, 2012
Do you really think it's insane to draft a left tackle
Simply because we tried that before and the guys we drafted were failures. You can look at it different ways. Continue not protecting our QB and expect that this year it will be different. That insanity quote is a sure sign of argumentative futility.
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
What about this hypothesis?
We always talk about the line giving the QB and WR time…but…what about a WR that can get open quickly and make himself available fast? That may help the OL, as they won’t have to hold their blocks as long anymore.
We need playmakers to open things up offensively.
Oski Bear - February 3, 2012
The problem with that
Is that even the best “playmaking” wide receivers only touch the ball at MOST 10 times a game. And all but larry Fitzgerald have good #2 receivers. That is the big difference between getting kalil or blackmon, a guy who will make an impact 10 plays out of 75+ or get a guy who will help most of not all plays on every down.
Valley Ram - February 3, 2012
Yeah, but...
Just because he isn’t thrown to doesn’t mean he’s not involved in the play! Come on now…a good receiver helps open his side of the field, draw an extra defender, make defenders cheat, which opens running lanes and leaves other WR’s open a bit more.
He doesn’t have to catch a pass to have an impact on a play.
Oski Bear - February 3, 2012
You are right
But even still wide recievers can be addressed a whole lot easier in FA then a LT, give this year as an example, there are a few good WR in FA that can fill our #1 role(including re-signing lloyd) if u can name me one left tackle in free agency that can start every game i might change my mind, also note that signing such LT will cost more than a FA WR.
Valley Ram - February 3, 2012
demetrice bell
jpcisco - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Thats not necessarily true...
The elite WRs are getting anywhere from 7-10 catches a game, thats not even factoring in dropped passes. Theres ‘catches’ and theres ‘looks’. Just because an elite wide-out isn’t thrown to doesn’t mean that there wasn’t an attempt to throw his way. Maybe the QB continued through his progression and hit another receiver due to his primary WR being double covered. Thats what an elite WR brings to an offense, the ability to get open or the ability to allow other receivers to get open due to mismatches. And an elite receiver does make a difference in protection. The Rams often had 7 and 8 man blitzes coming at them because no one respected our receiving core. Theres not an offensive line out there, Kahlil or not, thats gonna survive that type of pressure. If anything it tells me we need Blackmon and a good blocking RB.
Da Rams! - February 3, 2012
Read
Above comment
Valley Ram - February 3, 2012
I saw your comment above. I just don't see a major need for LT yet.
Jason Smith needs a year under Fisher. If he buckles under pressure then (and only then) do I say the Rams grab a high round LT. That puts us into the 2013 NFL draft and allows us to address a pressing need like getting the receiver of the future to go with our QB of the future. Also, keep in mind we can easily draft a offensive tackle in rounds 2 or 3 of this year’s draft to take over for Smith next year. We don’t have to have the best LT in the draft. I’m a fan of trading down this year and hopefully getting Blackmon in the process, but if we have to stay put Kalil might be the best option for the value.
Da Rams! - February 3, 2012
dude blackmon isnt the answer!
damn i get tired of hearing his name already. blackmon isnt going to come here to st. louis and magically make the rams contenders. to be honest…the guy reminds me of michael crabtree 2.0. same spread offense, same height, weight, everything. he wont come in and make an immediate impact that kalil would.
Mark Jaramillo - February 3, 2012
What do you think Fisher can do for Smiths concussions?
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
+1000000
jmo53 - February 3, 2012 via Android app
that wont work consistantly
onlyK - February 3, 2012
Gotta get Kalil
I wish we could have him and Floyd
Jae-So - February 3, 2012
It all depends on
next years draft I dont follow college ball much but are there any really good OL or WR becuase this is guna take a couple years at least to turn around so I like the idea of trading the pick for more becuase justb think if we get all the picks Ive been hearning like 2 first and 2 second round picks that is alot of power plus we still have FA in the next two years sooo as a ram fan I think we all need to think of this as a two year project
randyvannram - February 3, 2012
+1
jmo53 - February 3, 2012 via Android app
The argument about past drafts being unsuccessful makes no since to me.
We have a completely new FO and Fisher has been known to draft well. This is not BD, Spags, Linehan, ect.
jmo53 - February 3, 2012 via Android app
I remember the conversations we had when trying to decide between Suh and Bradford in 2010.....
One of the points I tried to make was that by getting Bradford before we had a good line in place would force our hand in the rest of the draft. I was wrong. It actually continues to force our hand, because of the failures of the past regime. We talk about the failures of the Linehan and the Spagnuolo eras but it just doesn’t seem to sink in how hard they screwed us.
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
I believe a wise man once said:
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein
Switch it up, get blackmon, he has the upside and can get our corps over the hump.
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
100% agree
but trading for all those picks has a ton of upside right?
randyvannram - February 3, 2012
Also true
I’m starting to loom at this argument like the Suh vs Bradford debate. I believe that blackmon will blow up his combine (like Bradford blew up his proday) and the rams will have get him because this team needs a franchise wr and that person isn’t on the roster right now or in FA..
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
If it can be done
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
We might be able to do both.
Da Rams! - February 3, 2012
see above, please.
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
Remind me what happened when the Rams took Pace in the first round.
Stop holding past failed picks against the upcoming draft. It makes no sense. Matt Kalil is Matt Kalil, not Jason Smith, Rodger Saffold or anyone else.
Insanity would be drafting a WR with the sole intent of switching it up, rather than weighing each player’s talents. In my view, there’s no comparison at all. If a trade cannot be reached, Kalil is a special player. Blackmon is simply the best player at his position in this given draft.
Abrantes - February 3, 2012
In that case dont compare Kalil to Jake Long
Or any other great LT, he is simply just the best at his position, works both ways huh?
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Nope, in that case you have to do what you always have to do
Be correct when deciding which guy is going to help you the most. Like you, I’ve decided this is turning into Bradford-Suh 2.0. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing, but I know the argument will continue between us until well past the draft and even possibly the next draft.
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
Honestly I look at it like this:
Sure Kalil could change this OLine and I’m not disagreeing with this BUT blackmon will make the biggest change. This line has proved under the right system they can be productive while this corps hasn’t showed nothing but mediocrity, right?
This oline is full with high round picks that still need development while this corps is full with late round failures, FA busts and one success (Lloyd), this corps needs change and blackmon has the potential to do so. This team need playmakers.
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
All good arguments
Can’t deny any of that.
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
This team does need playmakers
But IMO Lloyd is that playmaker we need and amendola is great at the slot. If lloyd is re-signed then there is no other option than to draft kalil. In this situation im kinda even against trading down because how much time kalil will give Bradford. And for my last argument, remember who the 2nd highest paid player on a team is. They are paid giod for a reason
Valley Ram - February 3, 2012
You still ignored my how second part
This oline is fool with high round picks while this corps OS full with late round rejects and FA failures. This line has shown it can be successful and this corps hasn’t. Plus we don’t even know if Lloyd is coming back..
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Lloyd can come back
Seeing how it looks like NE wont have the cap space for him. You cant blame the line sucking on failed draft picks. Fact is they tried and those players just arent good. In 2010, Amendola was the reason the line looked good because he would always get open quick so bradford hardly had more than a 3 step drop. But those plays dont result in TDs. We need bradford to have 5 step passes and have time to throw the deep ball(which he does so magically) and we cant count on blackmon to break 3+ tackles every time he catches the ball.
Valley Ram - February 3, 2012
Still remains to be seen on Lloyd
And you pointed out 2 of our wrs, we only have 2 good wrs and one of those is a slot, what happens to the others? They all suck and have showed no promise IMO except Salas and he’s a slot. Blackmon can be a great #1 and doesn’t have to step into the 1 because of Lloyd (who we don’t know is coming back). Our corps needs some attention and spending FA and late round picks has not proven to help that much.
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Blackmon can be a great #1
But if lloyd stays can u say LT is less of a need than WR? If lloyd doesnt stay there is going to be alot more debate about who to pick up. My point is the reason our wr corps sucks is they cant catch the ball. Lloyd is a true #1 that can catch, Amendola is a great slot player who can catch the ball. You say blackmon wouldnt have to be the #1 wr if lloyd re-signs, if thats the situation is a #2 WR a better pick than a career LT?
Valley Ram - February 3, 2012
I say he doesnt have to step into that role yet
But he could if seen fit or over a certain time. Sure I’ve said if we pick Kalil I would be just as happy, but i feel we need to get our wr of the future seeing as the FO investing so much money into the line and I want to see results. Meanwhile our corps is suffering from late round busts and FA failures. Can you atleast admit if Lloyd leaves wr is a bigger need?
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
I can agree that Wr is something that NEEDS to be adressed
But the big difference is that WR can be addressed durring FA, if lloyd leaves then WR is biggest need, but a need that can be filled quickly with the talent at that position available. There are alot of different situations that can pan out before the draft comes. And whichever situation the rams choose is the one i hope will succeed
Valley Ram - February 3, 2012
Might disagree but every level headed
How good do you see Blackmon being and do you think he’s a top 3 pick if he puts up a great combine?
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
In all honestly
I can see him a #5 with a GREAT combine but i see him being no better than steve smith. SMITH is a great player but he has to constantly break tackles. Its just really hard for me to trust recievers like that
Valley Ram - February 3, 2012
We should name this argument BS2
what do you think?
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
Sounds good, BS2
is certainly in progress, so who’s Sam and who’s Suh?
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
I'll take Kalil as Suh, since that was the side I was on then
You and Sam are already tight so you got Sam as Blackmon.
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
Alright sounds good, cant got wrong either way..
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
I'm sure you see the difference in what we're saying.
I never compared Matt Kalil to Jake Long. Not once. That kind of comparison is used by scouts/writers/whoever to provide easily-digestible assessments. Some of them elaborate on the reason for the comparison, while others don’t.
However, that’s not my point. What I’m saying is that the Rams decision should be based on which player they feel is the greater talent, not what position is the greater need or past history. Should the Rams not have drafted Steven Jackson because Trung Canidate was a horrific bust?
The Rams have had success drafting OL early, just as they’ve failed. The “switch it up” argument is dangerously misguided. Just figure out who is the better player and take him. If they happen to think Blackmon is actually superior, pick him for that reason, not because they have to be contrarian.
Abrantes - February 3, 2012
Expanding on the Kalil/Long thing.
What you’re arguing is something else. In one case, a player is used as an indicator of another’s potential. In another, a past player is used to damn another simply by virtue of playing the same position, even if the players are nothing alike. It’s not “working both ways”. We’re arguing two different things.
Abrantes - February 3, 2012
Read above, thats my argument for Blackmon
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Agree to disagree.
At least I can see where you’re coming from with those arguments.
Personally, I don’t think Blackmon is a difference-making WR1, and drafting him as such with the #2 pick would be a waste. Yes, he’s impressive in a vacuum, but compared to the standard for a top NFL WR1, I don’t see him standing out. He’d be fine as a WR1, or great as a WR2, but that’s not the kind of player you take with the second overall pick.
As others have mentioned, it is extremely hard to find quality LTs in free agency, because teams know their value. However, you see quality WRs hit free agency virtually every year.
Abrantes - February 3, 2012
Number 1s come in all shapes and sizes
This is why I don’t place too much into comparisons, if Blackmon does what the coach tells him to and fucks shit up then he will be a successful #2 pick, that’s just the way I see it anyways. We’ve spent so much on this line and I want to see production, not just throw another linemen in there.
RG31 - February 3, 2012
Are ready to put Jason Smith out to pasture?
New coach. New system. Why not give him one more shot at a tackle position? I’m not sold that we should be bound to drafting at #2 because of Kalil. If anyone can something out of Smith Fisher will. The Rams are better off trading down to get Blackmon, getting extra picks, and using one of those picks to draft a LT or RT so that they can be ready to replace Smith in 2013 if he fails.
Da Rams! - February 3, 2012
I'd LOVE to see a trade.
That would be my favorite scenario, and I imagine most Rams fans would say the same. I’m not dead set on sticking to Kalil. Just arguing against what seemed like poor logic to avoid him.
Abrantes - February 3, 2012
Two reasons why the Rams drafted Pace...
Pace was clearly, above and beyond the best pick in the first round at the time. He was a man playing football with boys in college. Little did we know that Walter Jones would be a slightly better option a little further down in the 1st round. Second, he filled a huge gaping hole in our line. I don’t see the same thing with Kalil. We have options available to patch our line w/o using the #2 pick there. Stick with Smith for one more year and let Fisher coach him up. Draft a tackle in round 2 or 3 as insurance if he doesn’t perform as expected. Start the rookie in 2013 and cut bait on Smith if all else fails.
Da Rams! - February 3, 2012
One more year at 10 million bucks
I rather think not. Now if he takes a pay cut, fine. Problem is he still has a problem with concussions. Does anyone else question the logic of giving an offensive lineman whom is concussion-prone and, whom you’re depending on to protect your 50 million dollar QB, another year?
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
I agree he needs to take a huge pay cut.
But I’d take him over a rookie, concussions or not. At least for one year. He’s not Alex Barron out there.
Da Rams! - February 3, 2012
He's not out there period. Where was he at the end of the season? IR! One more pop in the head and where will he wind up again? He doesn't even have a choice with the new rules on concussions.
Look if you want to pass on Kalil, fine. Don’t bring up Smith as a viable alternative. No Kalil means we go elsewhere for a LT. Second, third round, or later. Free agency maybe, but we have no left tackle right now and we have a QB who costs 50 million, who also didn’t finish the season in uniform.
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
My point was never "Kalil = Pace" or even that the team situations are equal.
I was merely pointing out to fallacy of letting past decisions hamstring future ones.
At the moment, our options to patch up the line are questionable at best. Historically speaking, drafting LTs after the first round has a far lower success rate. It’s not even close. The idea of an insurance LT shouldn’t inspire confidence in anyone.
There’s no guarantee that the Rams will be in position to draft a quality LT in the first round next year. Counting on Fisher’s staff to work a miracle with Jason Smith would be a huge gamble.
Abrantes - February 3, 2012
That can't be true.
“Historically speaking, drafting LTs after the first round has a far lower success rate. It’s not even close.”
Can someone do some research on this? No disrespect, but I find it difficult to believe.
Da Rams! - February 3, 2012
Just look at the 32 teams and the rounds where their LTs were drafted.
Good ones, I mean.
Ideally, it would be true for EVERY position that the first round yields a higher success rate, given that it involves more decorated athletes. I’m arguing that it’s further magnified for the LT position.
Abrantes - February 3, 2012
Smith has played in 52% of games since we drafted him! He can't be counted on even IF his play gets better.
Doesn’t seem worth keeping him even at a discount. I guess we always have Goldberg(sarcasm).
jmo53 - February 3, 2012 via Android app
Rams.....
Would the GSOT Rams had been as great without Orlando Pace or without Torry Holt? My opinion is that without a franchise all-pro left tackle like Orlando Pace the Rams probably would not have been as great as they were. Kurt Warner would have been shell-shocked without that kind of protection. Torry Holt wasn’t as vital to that Rams era as Pace. So I say Kalil is the smart choice here. Sign Brandon Lloyd, maybe go after a WR in the lower rounds. Alshon Jeffery possibly if he’s available. Or sign a WR free agent.
Ricksome - February 3, 2012
the way i see it
Is you take the best player available.
A trade back and getting Reiff seems solid, although Kalil is infinitely better.
Personally, Kalil is just a considerably better prospect in this draft than Blackmon. If we were at 2 last year AJ Green would have HAD to have been the pick. Blackmon is no Green. I fancy our chances with a Jeffrey/Sanu/D Jones in the late first.
Moving back will enable that but we’ll probably miss out on Kalil.
I think it depends on the deal.
If the offer doesn’t give us 3 first round picks or at least 2 and 2 2nd round picks then you gotta take Kalil.
One of those 3 WRs will be there in the 2nd round.
Infemous - February 3, 2012 via mobile
NOT EVEN CLOSE
Matt Kalil, OT, USC. Top 5 pick
Justin Blackmon Top 10 pick
I will take our next Jackie Slater all day long,
We will have plenty of cap space 2 pick up a
Blackmon type in FA.
RAMIFICATION - February 3, 2012
Keep Bradford .....
UPRIGHT!!!!…………Matt Kalil
DeaconJ - February 3, 2012
trade back
we need help… alot of it. we still have undeveloped talent at the lines… we need help at wr DB lb and the line as well. trade back and we help our franchise now and later.
ckphresh89 - February 3, 2012 via Android app
Couple things i want to mention
First off: we need to draft Kalil in the event we cant trade down. He will provide a stability at the LT position that we haven’t had for some time. He can hold off pass rushers and give Sam time to throw the ball.
Second: The offensive philosophy on this team is changing. Schotty already said hes going to implement a 2 back system. If we do that we will be running the ball a lot more than we already are. With that being said, if we can get a solid backfield that can be a legit threat to pound the ball then that will open up passing lanes too. Defenses will want to stop the run and it will allow for some play action plays, and less defenders dropping in coverage. Whats awsome is that if we can create a great running game we still have a pure passer in Bradford, so when Schotty decides to take the lid off sam (with Kalil blocking for him) can put the ball in the hands of any reciver.
onlyK - February 3, 2012
Question is
Can our receivers catch it and if the past is a scale, were screwed..
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
FA is where we find those guys
Our WR corps is so young and inexperienced bringing in another rookie wont make an immediate impact. If we bring in a vet that can catch and help out these young guys it will make a difference. I want Reggie Wayne to join the rams this offseason.
onlyK - February 3, 2012
That is my argument exactly
Execpt i prefer to re-sign lloyd over other FA.
Valley Ram - February 3, 2012
well thats what were all hoping.
onlyK - February 3, 2012
Same argument can be made for our oline..
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
But we can get a franchise LT for half the price as any free agent of his caliber.
WRs come dime a dozen.
onlyK - February 3, 2012
A great wr is not though
Which blackmon has the potential to be. Plus great wrs do more than catch, they take double coverages, makes the defense back off of the line which in turn helps the line and they open up the field for other wrs to make plays. Blackmon could help Sam just as much as Kalil..
RG31 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Can the O-line(especially Lt) really be addressed in FA?
Valley Ram - February 3, 2012
The past is not a scale so were not screwed
The past is a logic-less argument for what to do in the future.
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
I can't believe this is even an argument.....
Matt Kalil is 10 times the prospect Blackmon is. I hate the fact that we have drafted shitty lineman high (smith, barron) but there are two “sure things” in this draft. Andrew Luck and Matt Kalil. Kalil will protect the blindsind for years to come. WR is the hardest position to translate to the NFL. It usually takes 2-3 years for them to become “difference makers”. Sam will be dead by then. Kalil is 110% the choice at 2.
Rcoon1307 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Kalil, franchise LT
The O-line is the biggest weakness on the team. Granted, it’s not a shoe-in he’ll be a franchise LT, but if the front office thinks he can be that, I’ll trust their judgment. Great teams seem to often be built around a franchise LT, and I don’t want to see Bradford get hit like last year.
If front office doesn’t think he’s a franchise LT, then trade down scenario may not be bad. But have to consider if the other linemen grade out similarly or not, and if we can afford to go with less there. I like Saffold, but I’m not convinced he is the answer at LT, more comfortable shifting him to RT. And then draft a guard in a later round.
dzajanc - February 3, 2012
im ok with kalil but
Trading down and grabbing reiff will work as well. Our passing game sucked because the change of system. If we shore up the line resign Lloyd and focus on short outlets we should be fine.
DevsLaRams - February 3, 2012 via mobile
Tell me about...
Kendall Wright. He is a burner. A deadly fast receiver. Could he be the #2 to Lloyd’s #1 while he learns from a veteran?
Jholtmeier - February 3, 2012
well I can tell you that what I saw in 2010 was an oline that protected Bradford and
in 2011 one that didn’t and I think that had more to do with the change in system then anything, you know what else I saw in 2010 a receiving core that couldn’t catch the ball or dropped them in 2011 I saw the receiving core not catch anything and dropping the balls. I read the posts and from what I understand the Rams pretty much ignore the receiving corp. and draft them late or get them in FA I wonder how is that worked so far hmmm. I understand the want to protect Bradford and I want that for him and I think he’ll get that with this current o line with a full off season and time to learn the system, having said that let me ask you how can the team get W’s even if he’s protected without a good wr or 2 or 3? You can protect that QB all day long but with no one able to catch the ball your not going to get any W. I think in my opinion Blackmon would be the receiver that should be picked cause he is capable of at least catching the ball.
Freewheeler2 - February 3, 2012
Don't sweat it...
I propose the following acquisitions a solution:
Rd1 – Alshon Jeffery (WR) 6’4" 230, Rd1 – Vontaze Burfict (OLB) 6’3" 250, Rd2 – Jerel Worthy (DT) 6’3" 292, Rd3 – Nick Toon (WR) 6’3" 212, Rd3 – Bobby Massie (OT) 6’6" 318, Rd4 – Sean Spence (OLB) 6’0" 212, Rd4 – George Iloka (S) 6’3" 222, Rd4 – Cyrus Gray (RB) 5’10" 196, Rd6 – Ryan Miller (OG) 6’8" 320, and Rd7 – Kyle Wilber (OLB) 6’5" 235.
"O-line you say?" Ideal key UFA acquisitions are: D. Bell (BUF) – OT, V. Manuwai (JAC) – OG, K. McKenzie (NYG) – OT, C. Meyers (HOU) – C, M. Bush (OAK) – RB, J. Jones (TEN) – DT, and E. Wright (DET) – CB. This approach is 1) Fits a Jeff Fisher type rebuild base on his football philosophy. (2) Builds the Stl Rams to instant creditability. (3) These key acquisitions could possibly be structured under the salary cap when contracts are stretched out over yrs. (4) With assistants coming on board that are in-tuned to the coach and coordinators philosophy… this would be one enticing group of players. Check out players names and profiles attached to my comments. Ummmm…. Intriguing, "isn’t it?"
StuffDog - February 3, 2012
This FO has not done anything yet!!
It might be insanity to do the same thing over and over and expect different results, but that thinking doesn’t work in this case. First, this FO hasn’t done anything, thereby eliminating the over and over argument. Second, the top of the 2009 draft was SHIT! Jason Smith was far from the only bust in that draft. And expecting him to be a starting LT was premature, as CBS, in their analysis of him at the time, said that he would be best served to start his career at guard, as he didn’t have the skills to be a tackle. It could be argued that the real bust was the O-Line coaching.
mcihaelT - February 3, 2012
+1
jmo53 - February 3, 2012 via Android app
Re: Don't sweat it...
The first thing we need to do in terms of protecting Sam Bradford is to get some OL that’s been around a little and can protect the “Quarterback.” With that buying us 3yrs or so… we can draft and groom some mean son of B
StuffDog - February 3, 2012
A look back at Jason Smith at draft time
Analysis
Positives: Tall, athletic left tackle prospect. Excellent straight-line speed and hustle, getting downfield on screens and long runs. Can pull and trap, running smoothly and adjusting to oncoming defenders. Moves to the second level quickly, using good angles to keep linebackers out of the play. Should work well in zone-blocking schemes with his ability to lock onto defenders and move. Gets down quickly to cut block despite his height. Adjusts well to outside blitzers. Willing to throw his man to the ground and keep him there. Has made significant improvement in terms of technique and strength over the past two years at left tackle.
Negatives: Typically operates out of a two-point stance for Baylor. Raw in his pass-set technique, standing a bit upright and backpedaling instead of sliding to mirror his man. Locks onto his man at first, but eventually loses his balance and grip due to his average upper-body strength and footwork. Does not have much of a punch in pass protection. Can lose the hands battle on the line. Could use a bit more bulk in the lower body to be more effective as a drive blocker. May initially have to be moved inside to left guard for a zone-blocking team.
Compares To: ERIC STEINBACH, Cleveland — Steinbach is an offensive guard, but both have the initial quickness and outstanding athleticism to excel in a zone-blocking scheme as an interior lineman. Smith needs to add at least another 20 pounds of bulk to handle the rigors of playing left tackle at the next level. His lack of great footwork and need to improve his stance could be covered up better playing inside for a year or two because he’s still a neophyte at the left tackle position (19 starts). Once his body matures, his athletic skills will make him a quality left tackle in the mold of another former college tight end, Jason Peters (Buffalo).
Injury Report
2007: Suffered a right knee medial collateral ligament sprain vs. Texas Christian (9/01) in the season opener, missing the next three games vs. Rice (9/08), Texas State (9/15) and Buffalo (9/22)…Returned vs. Texas A&M (9/29), but re-injured his knee the following week vs. Colorado (10/06), sitting out the next two contests vs. Kansas (10/13) and Texas (10/20).
Mister T - February 3, 2012
Right
Like I mentioned above, it was suggested that he be moved to guard because of his lack of experience playing tackle. The coaching, I think, explains a lot of his ineffectiveness. I am not necessarily suggesting that he will improve with better coaching, but it is certainly a possibility. He is not, however, worth his salary, and the concussions seem to be a big problem.
mcihaelT - February 3, 2012
Moral of the Story
Don’t draft guys that are raw and have potential, draft guys that are very good football players now.
Mister T - February 3, 2012
Quality WRs come in all shapes and sizes(and draft positions); Quality LTs do not
How do you define a “#1” WR? Calvin Johnson? Andre Johnson? 6’4" 230? First of all, Blackmon doesn’t fit that description. I’m not suggesting that he won’t be good, or great, but my point is that it is hard to define the elusive “#1” WR.
Statistically, the top 5 WRs in the league this year were: 1) Johnson; 2) Welker; 3) Cruz; 4) Fitz; 5) S. Smith. Round each was drafted: 1) 1st; 2) Non; 3) Non; 4) 1st; 5) 3rd.
In an article I read—you may disagree with this list—they rated the top LTs in the NFL as such: 1) Jake Long; 2) Joe Thomas; 3) Ryan Clady; 4) D’Brickashaw Ferguson; 5) Jordan Gross. Round each was drafted: 1) 1st; 2) 1st; 3) 1st; 4) 1st; 5) 1st.
mcihaelT - February 3, 2012
@ Quality LTs no not come in all shapes and sizes
So true but the Rams are on life support. Ideal key UFA acquisitions are: D. Bell (BUF) – OT, V. Manuwai (JAC) – OG, K. McKenzie (NYG) – OT, and C. Meyers (HOU) – C for the O-line can give us immediate relief. These players shouldn’t break the bank either. We do have some flexibility in salary cap over next couple of yrs.
StuffDog - February 3, 2012
For my money
I’d rather draft Kalil and spend the money you suggest they spend on Bell, Manuwai(who didn’t play in 2011), and McKenzie—after cutting the Jasons—on Nicks/Grubbs and Meyers. Thereby, the O-Line would be, from left to right: Kalil, Nicks, Meyers, Dahl, Saffold. Holy shit could that be an awesome line!
mcihaelT - February 3, 2012
Draft Blackmon... End Of Story!!!!!!
Ramzman18 - February 3, 2012 via mobile
At #2 ?
Big mistake…
Le Ram - February 3, 2012
everyone seem's to think that improving the o-line will magically make thing's better
but it won’t not without a good WR core. I read the post’s and people sound like a broken record get an OT first and WR second well the Rams have done that and it hasn’t worked out too well for them has it. I think if you want a good example of how much a good receiver can impact a game look no further then the carolina panther’s and Cam Newton, Carolina had a horrible O-line but a good receiver thanks to some scrambling he was able to throw it to a receiver that got open and was able to catch the ball and take it in for a TD. I know Bradford is capable of scrambling cause that is what he did in 2010 to keep alive and he was able to toss it to Amendola who was the only one able to catch the ball so I think Blackmon should be the choice.
Freewheeler2 - February 3, 2012
I say it all depends on FA.
If we sign a #1 WR free agent. Do we resign Lloy. If this happens then no problem…draft Kalil, trade down and drat Reiff. If not go the WR route.
crashoveride01 - February 3, 2012
My thoughts
Most of this is speculation. We as fans are only going off what websites and some evaluators inform us. But Fisher and whomever is hired as GM will have to evaluate who is the best player for the Rams. And of course what decision is to be made, trade down or keep the #2. Every year there is a new ‘franchise’ LT or ‘#1 WR’. In all honesty, they pan out about half the time. For every Jake Long, Joe Thomas or Orlando Pace there is a Jason Smith, Robert Gallery, Tony Mandarich. For every Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald there is a Charles Rodgers or Michael Crabtree. You could go on and on. And many times the best player of a draft come later in the first round. Think Michael Irvin or Emmit Smith just to name a few. Point is, you don’t know. The coach and GM must evaluate who is the best players or players and make the decisions accordingly.
In my opinion, I think it would be wise to trade down as many times as possible and collect as many picks this year and next as possible. If Cleveland wants #2 and offers #4 and #22 plus a 3rd rounder, I’d be hard pressed not to take it. I’d even trade down again out of #4 if possible. If Cleveland doesn’t want #2 for that price, see what Washington will do, or Miami. Anyone with an interest in RG. I think the ultimate goal would be to manuever your way through the draft. Accumulating picks. Trading down and then back up to nab the player or players you deem appropriate. In doing so, if the Rams could end up with some combination in the first two rounds of Michael Floyd, Mike Adams, Lamar Miller, Chris Polk, Zach Brown, Alameda Ta’amu or whoever else the brass deems appropriate, I think you’d be nuts not to work towards that outcome. If they could walk with 3 or 4 picks in the first two rounds, then you have to go that route, IMO. To me, Blackmon seems like an amazing player. But damn, so does Michael Floyd. Why wouldn’t Floyd become a better pro? He had no QB to work with hardly, great hands, goes up and gets the ball, etc…what is the difference other than better stats in the pass happy scheme at Okla St? I mean Adams has the body and weight that plays better in the NFL than Kahil. Kahil may get pushed around at 298. You just never know who is better suited and it is up to the Fisher and the GM to determine it.
But if it were up to me, trading around to land some combo of OT, WR, OLB, RB, and DT would be most appropriate.
GSOT - February 3, 2012
Except for the title of the post implies the debate to be between options which don't include trading down
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
Good Point
That is true. In which case Kahil is the pick for me. Without question. More important position. Has what appears to be a better grade. Still would trade down though if the option presented itself. And pass on both Kahil and Blackmon.
GSOT - February 3, 2012
Yes sir
I concur
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
Sure I'm not the first one to make this comparison
Blackmon: 6’1" 214 lbs.; Proj. 40-time: 4.54; 2-time Biletnikoff winner
Crabtree: 6’1" 215 lbs.; Proj. 40-time: 4.54; 2-time Biletnikoff winner
mcihaelT - February 3, 2012
thank you!
now are they both the same in play? who knows…all im saying that theres more pressing needs for the rams than a freakin wr. i just wished that more people would get it. everyones entitled to there opinions and i highly respect that, but like i said, im not high on blackmon at all!
Mark Jaramillo - February 3, 2012
How many FA WRs would you rather have than Blackmon? How many FA LTs would you rather have than Kalil?
mcihaelT - February 3, 2012
any questions?
None here
DevsLaRams - February 3, 2012 via mobile
The Rams won a Super Bowl...
….with Tucker at RT (5th rd pick maybe)….and went to another with Miller at RT (6th rd pick I’m pretty sure). You can win without stud tackles. They had Holt and Bruce (1st and 2nd rd picks respectively). Interesting anyway. You can win with late round picks at WR also (Pittsburgh does it….NE has done it). You just need to identify the right players for your system. Plain and simple.
GSOT - February 3, 2012
But, there was that guy Orlando at LT...
mcihaelT - February 3, 2012
Yeah....no one talking about right tackle here
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
Is there not going to be a combine this year?
It sure seems like the draft talk is taking a higher level of intensity pre-Super Bowl than in previous years. I mean, Kalil is as much of a sure bet as could be. But I’d still like to see what Blackmon does at the combine, does he stand head and shoulders above the others, as well qs how well the #2, 3 and 4 O-linemen look. Call me nuts, but with the #2 pick I think we can get a WR and OL worthy of a 1st round pick.
CFB_fan - February 3, 2012
welcome to mediocrity
the level of draft talk is directly proportional to the shittiness of ones team
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
Gosh this is fun!!!!!!
dbcouver - February 3, 2012
Trade to Number 3 Spot
Why not trade down to the third pick and grab an extra second rounder, maybe even an additional pick too? The Vikings could go for it because they could trade the number 2 pick and get more picks than they lose. That way, the Rams could still get the tackle they need, plus pick up extra picks.
Bubba Hotep - February 3, 2012
not gunna happen though it’d be nice
jmo53 - February 3, 2012 via Android app
If the Vikings want to trade up
it will be because they’re afraid that we’ll take Kalil. Not only did they just draft Ponder in last years 1st rd, Ponder looks like he has potential.
mcihaelT - February 3, 2012
IMO The Rams
Should look at as many options as possible. I do not agree with the notion that a team has to take this player or that player b/c he is presumed to be or will be a franchise player. The truth is no one truly knows how any of these players will work out. I do believe that Kalil and Blackmon both have a better than 50% chance of being excellent pros. All I have to validate my opinion is their college performances, measurables, their game preparation( Both have been touted as having an excellent worth ethic), and competiveness.
Regardless of opinion; every team should do what is in their best interest, and think independently. The Rams have a lot of needs. I hope they look at multiple options. Trading back for additional picks is an option to keep on the table. Trading back for a compensation package that includes players and draft picks is another potential option.
I would choose Blackmon over Kalil b/c IMO; the biggest problem with the O-Line was the offensive scheme. In 2010; The O-Line did not have to concern itself with sustaining blocks for extended periods of time. Bradford did not have to use all those deep step drops. The offensive personnel did not fit the scheme the OC tried to implement.
Put Saffold in a WCO and he works out well at LOT. Free agent possibilities for OT include: Anthony Gaither, Chargers, Anthony Collins, Bengals, and Demetrius Bell, Bills. With the extra draft picks; Cordy Glenn, Georgia is a player that should be considered IMO. His versatility to play both OG and OT could prove valuable.
ValdezY - February 3, 2012
This is what I was talking about in the e-mail I sent you. Put something like this at the beginning of your posts!
While I like the Idea of Cordy Glenn, he isn’t a true LT. Love the concept of his dual purpose nature, but I would hope that kind of player would be a RT.
Douglas M - February 3, 2012
Thanks For The Encouragement Doug
I truly appreciate it!
ValdezY - February 3, 2012
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