St. Louis Rams team needs
by tjdove123 on Jan 10, 2010 10:00 AM EST
in Mocking the NFC West
47 comments
Having the #1 overall pick can sometimes be more of a curse than a blessing. The St. Louis Rams face a tough choice with that pick. Do they select a sure fire prospect like Ndamukon Suh or focus on need and select one of the top rated quarterbacks? We often hear about different draft strategies like "drafting for need" and "drafting the best available", what will the Rams do?
1. Quarterback
- Marc Bulger is no longer a NFL starting caliber quarterback and Keith Null never was. It has been proven time and time again that you need a good quarterback to be successful in the NFL. The Rams have a dilemma, is either Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen worthy of the #1 overall pick?
2. Cornerback
- There are issues at every level of this defense but the cornerback position has to be the weakest, or the least addressed. Adding a top flight cornerback can help stimulate the pass rush and maybe allow some safety help for the weaker cornerback.
3. Wide Receiver
- Donnie Avery and Brandon Gibson show some promise but if you’re thinking about adding a new quarterback you have to give him so weapons to play with. I am sure Steven Jackson wouldn’t mind having someone that can pull a safety out of the box, providing more running room.
0 recs |
47 comments
| Add comment
|
Email
Print
Comments
Trade
Any thoughts on the Rams trying to trade down? Usually nobody will trade for the top pick because of the price tag, but with Suh there this year and not a high priority need for the Rams, it might make sense.
Bills-fan-who-wants-a-GM
I could see that.
Our new staff at rams park seems to be about aquiring draft picks and not scared to take a chance. If it seems like Suh is that cant miss guy we will be open to the trade possibilities for sure. The price just has to be right
I’ve seen a rumor that had a Rams/Bucs trade which would make sense Bucs get Suh and Rams get Clausen. But this time of year there are alot of smoke screens so who knows if there is any truth to it.
Bears suck, Cubs suck, Bulls suck, Illini suck, who would have thought the Blackhawks would be my best shot at a title.
by tj.hendricks on Jan 10, 2010 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
The Bucs have the ammo to win a bidding war for the first pick
Including IMHO the ability to make us an offer we couldn’t refuse. They have 2 2nds and a high 3rd. With the number of holes we have to fill, we shouldn’t have to draft Clausen for our first overall pick, without getting another 2nd or 3rd.
I would think a trade with Tampa helps you both...
… Moving down 2 spots and getting a #2 (TB from Chicago) allows you to get Claussen and another good player. Win/win.
by Cracker Ball on Jan 12, 2010 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
Then Detroit will trade with Washington and they will get Clausen.
We will be happy with either Gerald McCoy or Eric Berry.
Really now, this stuff is just getting silly.
I don't agree with how the question is worded.
The Rams pick should be for who will give them the most value at their pick. Is Suh the BPA? I’m not sure. Most gurus have been calling Eric Berry that for at least a year. Is there a player more dominant than Mike Iupati? But the positional value must be a part of the decision. So that is how the QB works back into the equation.
Look, the Rams, like my Lions, have many gaping holes and are a long way from respectability. I really don’t think they can go wrong going for any of Suh, Clausen, or Berry.
Position or Best Available
I’ve always ascribed to drafting by Position / Best Available, so if QB is what the Rams need, then best available QB it should be. If the Rams figure they can trade down, pick up extra high round picks and still get best available QB, they should do so. There’s at least 8… no 10… maybe 24 teams that would covet that shot at getting Suh. A trade to Seattle for their two First Rounders would be near perfect for St. Louis…
Relive the shocking NOOOOOOOO of April 25 2009 at Witty's Draft Review and laugh laugh laugh...
That strategy is also known as BOOB
Best On Our Board.
That’s the philosophy that I subscribe to.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will get picked in the first round.
DT
DT is also a team need. The Rams gave up huge rushing days to every team in the NFL this year.
Future Redbirds! www.futureredbirds.net
Rams Gab! www.ramsgab.com
Why the hell would Seattle even consider this?
I’m sure they’d laugh and hang up without saying a word if the Rams actually had the audacity to make such a ridiculous offer.
Holmgren would have drafted Crabtree.
by Fearless Frog on Jan 12, 2010 1:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I honestly think it comes down to money. The question is, is Jimmy Clausen worth 55 million guarenteed? Would Bradford accept less? If they feel that is out of their price range then they go Suh.
Bears suck, Cubs suck, Bulls suck, Illini suck, who would have thought the Blackhawks would be my best shot at a title.
3k from TurfShowTimes
I would disagree with the top 3 for a couple reasons. I know people can look at the standard statistics and say, “Your offense sucks, and teams passed all over you” and come up with that top 3, but it’s not that simple and the readers over at TST would all agree. Here are shortened arguments I would make against that top 3:
1.) Quarterback – The idea that Marc Bulger suddenly became a garbage QB overnight is unfair. His play (and mentality) suffered from years of physical abuse, specifically the 2006-2008 seasons when he was sacked 124 times. The last two years saw him try to operate a passing game with low quality options; making things more difiicult in 2009 was the kind of passing scheme OC Pat Shurmur tried to implement. I’m not sure any QB could have put together respectable seasons in those conditions. Still, I’d agree that it’s time to move on for two main reasons. One – with our new coaching staff and front office, it’s important for the GM & HC to bring in “their guy”, someone they identify as being capable of running whatever system they’re looking to implement. If this season was any indicator, it’s a run-heavy system, but that could have been due to personnel. Two – this next Rams era needs a clean slate, both in terms of the record and roster, but also in terms of mentality. So yes, QB is a significant need, but for me it’s #2.
2.) Cornerback – Most Rams fans wouldn’t even put this in their top 5. Bradley Fletcher was quickly becoming the steal of our 2009 draft until an injury ruined that scenario. Still, with Fletcher and Ron Bartell at CB, and the depth we have behind them, I would probably list CB as our 7th or 8th need.
3.) Wide Receiver – This would be my #4 position. I would argue we only need a top WR. Between Donnie Avery, Brandon Gibson and Laurent Robinson (who had a very impressive start to the season in two and a half games before getting injured), we have a deep WR corps that certainly could use a #1 WR, but has the depth to give teams trouble once the unit gels….and if they could stay healthy.
FWIW, here’s my list:
- - DT
- - QB
- - SLB
- - #1 WR
- - TE
- - WLB
- - DE
- - CB
You don't seem to want to accept the fact you're dealing with an expert in guerrilla warfare, with a man who's the best, with guns, with knives, with his bare hands. A man who's been trained to ignore pain, ignore weather, to live off the land, to eat things that would make a billy goat puke. In *St. Louis* his job was to dispose of enemy personnel. To kill! Period! Win by attrition. Well, *Steven Jackson* was the best.
by 3k on Jan 10, 2010 6:23 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
+1
You couldn’t be more right 3k. CB is way down the list, and will probably only be addressed with a late BPA pick if anything.
Vick
I’ve seen lots of speculation that if Vick were available that the Rams would go after him. How likely is that in your mind?
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will get picked in the first round.
vick
the Rams were never even close to considering Vick last year when he was a free agent, so I think that he won’t be coming to St. Louis.
Future Redbirds! www.futureredbirds.net
Rams Gab! www.ramsgab.com
yes
Absolutely right.
DT is a huge need and also has the best player available at #1. So far, that looks like the smart pick.
My Rams team needs would slide WR up over SLB and slide WLB off the list because I think Vobora could be a NFL starter.
Future Redbirds! www.futureredbirds.net
Rams Gab! www.ramsgab.com
A QB takes more time to groom...
… than a DT , so the Rams need to get one, and try to “learn him the ropes” for next year. A DT you can just plug in there and go.
by Cracker Ball on Jan 12, 2010 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
That is a bit of an oversimplification....ask BJ Raji how that worked out for him in Green Bay.
There is a big step up to the NFL. A lot depends on the player and his intelligence and ability to learn.
rams will draft Suh
and sign Jason Campbell who will be dumped by the Redskins… Shanahan wants a big name QB and will draft Clausen or Bradford to replace Campbell….
then again, I don’t know much about the Rams or their needs (everything except RB lol ), but that’s my guess
Rams draft
If they do draft Suh that makes
Adam Carriker, Ndomukong Suh and Chris Long all first round picks on their D line.
You would think it would finally perform at a high level with all these high first round picks.
Why?
Just because they’re first round picks? With that logic, Detroit would have had one hell of a passing attack by now…
You don't seem to want to accept the fact you're dealing with an expert in guerrilla warfare, with a man who's the best, with guns, with knives, with his bare hands. A man who's been trained to ignore pain, ignore weather, to live off the land, to eat things that would make a billy goat puke. In *St. Louis* his job was to dispose of enemy personnel. To kill! Period! Win by attrition. Well, *Steven Jackson* was the best.
Carriker sucks and has been hurt enough to be labeled as injury-prone.
Chris Long isn’t that great, at least not yet.
Holmgren would have drafted Crabtree.
by Fearless Frog on Jan 12, 2010 1:25 AM EST up reply actions
Suh is overrated
He’s overrated and the Rams already have top-ten money in the defensive line. The Rams should trade the first pick to an AFC team and then load up with later picks.
Quarterback. Pick up Jason Campbell or Michael Vick.
by the way
Trade the #1 pick (Suh) to an AFC team, just in case he turns out to be as good as advertised.
by medicineball on Jan 11, 2010 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
Suh is going to be on of the better DT in the league as soon as he is drafted. A really good DT has as much inpact on a defense as any other position. Look at what Haynesworth did for tennesse and what tommie harris was doing for the bears. A good DT will stop the run and generate pressure up the middle and Suh will do both of these things. It will also help that Spangnola is the head coach b/c he will know how to utilize Suh abilities.
Jon Dove
Dan, No one can live up to the hype that Mr. Suh is receiving.
I don’t think anyone is doubting that he will be a good pro, but if you read the stuff here and on many other SB sites they have him increasing his team’s win total by five to six games, have him slotted into the Pro Bowl for life, and just dominating the NFL.
Do you really think those expectations are realistic?
by NorthLeft12 on Jan 11, 2010 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, I agree but that is the hype that is regularly heard.
The whole “can’t miss prospect” while Gerald McCoy is dubbed a “bust in waiting”.
And again, I too like him as a prospect and hope he is available for my Lions at #2. But I will not be broken hearted if the Rams take him and we take McCoy or Berry.
by NorthLeft12 on Jan 11, 2010 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
Thats a great question for Dan
I’m also curious but what exact talents has Suh showed that are so much more pronounced than McCoy? Is he stronger, better footwork, more agile, better technique? Why is he a can’t miss DT when someone like Gallery missed as a can’t miss OT?
I believe that this guy is one of the top 3 or 4 players. I’m simply asking why he is the best.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Jan 11, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
Gerald McCoy is 99% the DT that Ndamukong Suh is.
Suh has a cool name, I guess.
Holmgren would have drafted Crabtree.
by Fearless Frog on Jan 12, 2010 1:26 AM EST up reply actions
I would say a few things stand out for me. #1 is Suh’s motor and overall drive. Suh goes 100% on every play where i think McCoy has disappeared in some situations. Just look at someone like Ray Lewis his heart, drive, plus talent make him a force everyweek. Randy Moss on the other hand can sometimes disappear on you. Or a defensive comparison is someone like Julius Peppers, sometimes he is a no show. Kind of coupled with this is surrounding talent. Oklahoma has one of the top recruiting classes year in and year out. So opposing offenses have to plan for a whole defensive line rather than just Suh. Dont get me wrong i think McCoy will be a really really good DT but in my mind these are the two main things that separate them.
Jon Dove
I hope you are not comparing McCoy to Moss.
Thanks tjd, for the input. I feel like I have read about a hundred reports [maybe the same one 95 times] on McCoy and Suh and they really come down to Suh is more powerful, versatile, and slightly more “motivated”, while McCoy is very durable and is more explosive moving upfield against the run or pass.
I guess if I had my choice I would go to Suh, as well. It just seems that the difference between these two players has grown very quickly over the last month or so.
Suh or Bradord
Bulger is done and that defense sucks.
For every woman masturbating right now, there is a guy masturbating while imagining that woman masturbate.
2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
Trade down
I believe Suh is such a star right now that if any of those top 3 teams have him available they should trade down for more picks. Picking up a possible star quarterback(who probably isn’t) is not going to help the Rams. However picking up a couple linemen and maybe some CB’s in the second and third round will due them a great service. They can pick up a quarterback later in the draft or someone that is just sitting pine somewhere. Jeff Garcia got released from the Eagles to pick up Vick, so he is out there.
Thats tricky
The popular misbelief is that when a team trades down all the people drafted will start. It just isn’t so. Last year only 15 of the 1st round picks started for a team. Only 15 of the next three rounds started for a team.
That is why the top 5 players are considered so Elite. They are can’t miss starters. And they are projected to play for many years. When you trade down you end up with good players but not necessarily starters.
Your second point about QB’s is also incorrect. Most QB’s drafted in the 2nd round or later do not turn into starting QB’s. Yes they can go with a Garcia but that doesn’t solve their long term QB issue. At some point they have to address the most important position on the field. It is not to often you get that chance with the #1 pick.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Jan 12, 2010 8:46 AM EST up reply actions
QBs can come from any round
Tom Brady – Round 7
Drew Brees – Round 2
Jeff Garcia – Undrafted
Kurt Warner – Undrafted
Joe Montana – Round 3
those guys suck
Ryan Leaf is amazing
Heath Schuler the same
I am not trying to be an smarta$$ but I think the “top quarterbacks” this year are not as elite as most think. Jacksonville started like five of their draft picks this year and they all did very well for them. If you don’t trust your GM then by all means get Suh, he is going to be a pro-bowler. I just think St Louis needs so much help that Jimmy Clausin might not help. Detroit last year went on Matt Stanford, who arguably had an ok year, but that didn’t stop them from getting a 2nd round pick again this year. I just hope jacksonville doesn’t go the #15 mistake.
Stafford has Megatron
The Rams don’t have anybody even close to his skill set. If we get Claussen to whom is he throwing?? A handful of serviceable/decent WR’s, that’s all.
by Brendan W on Jan 12, 2010 11:01 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yes, QBs can
come from any round. But the facts are that they don’t. Only 10% of QB’s drafted out of the first round become “franchise QBs”. Its not that you can’t get a QB that way it ’s just that it will take you many years to find one that way.
You can trust all of the GMs in history but only 10% ever found a franchise guy(QB) from outside of the 1st round.
I get what your saying. Your telling me you don’t think Clausen is a franchise guy. I totally understand that position. I’m just pointing out that if St. Louis does feel he is a franchise guy they will have to consider taking him. You are correct though in that they can’t go wrong with a pro-bowler like SUH. But they could go wrong passing on both and trading down.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Jan 12, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
trade
If they trade down, whos moving up?? I would say that Tampa or Detroit would like to move up to get Suh, maybe KC. However, I doubt KC gives up the draft picks needed b/c they have a lot of holes, but the same could be said for both Tampa and Detroit. St. Louis will be picking #1 so they need to decide qb or Suh
Jon Dove
How about
Seahawks or San Fran with 2 picks in the 1st or Miami. How about New England with 3- 2nd round picks. How about for players and draft picks. Loaded teams (Pittsburg) needing one great guy might be interested.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Jan 13, 2010 6:48 AM EST up reply actions
SLR team needs
With it looking like there will not be CBA this year; allot of FA will not be available. So upgrading some positions will be difficult.
So unless you get a great offer to trade down you take Suh at 1 and take an OLB in rd. 2. There is allot of talent on D this year so many top players will fall because of other team’s needs. I think you draft based on best player available.
Too many injuries last year to evaluate many of the players. Didn’t the Rams have something like 12 starters on IR.
There were some good pickup’s and draft picks by Delvaney & Spags. Unlike the previous GM’s.
Something to say? Choose one of these options to log in.
On Facebook? Use Connect to join SB Nation. Share insights with fans and friends.- » Create a new SB Nation account
- » Already registered with SB Nation? Log in!
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Mocking The Draft
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
