In my view, there are only 4 candidates for the No. 2 pick.

[AvengerRam]

Now that we have our head coach, I feel confident that there are only four candidates for the Rams first pick if they stay at No. 2.

They are:

"The Obvious Choice" - Justin Blackmon, WR, OSU
Since Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt left, the Rams have failed to obtain a true playmaking threat at the WR spot. This is not surprising, as the Rams have only used on "premium" draft pick on a WR (Donnie Avery). If you look at Blackmon's game film, you'll see a special player. It will be tough to pass him up.

"The Safe Choice" - Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Take the top OT, plug him in on the left side for the next 10 years. With some exceptions (Jason Smith), that is generally a safe formula for teams with a high pick. Kalil has all the measurable, pedigree and experience you look for in a LT. While he would not be a "sexy" choice, he could be a very good choice.

"The Intriguing Choice" - Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Fans don't typically get excited about CBs on draft day, but when FA rolls around, they are among the most expensive players on the market. Why? Because a true "cover corner," who can lock down his man will little help, has a HUGE impact on a defense. Claiborne is arguably a better cover corner prospect than Patrick Peterson (though he is not Peterson's equal as a return man). If the Rams make headway in improving the OL and WR corps in FA, this could be the smartest way to go.

"The Wild Card" - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Jeff Fisher likes depth at RB. In his tenure at Tennessee, the Titans used a pick in the first three rounds on a RB six times (including two first rounders, Eddie George and Chris Johnson). While many would question taking Richardson given the presence of SJax, two years from now those same people might be thrilled with the pick.

[laram0]

The wild card pick reminds of when we had Marshall Faulk and drafted Steven Jackson.

[hill_Bartell=Probowl]

Is it Ryan Kalil Or Matt Kalil?

[Bald_81]

He mixed him up with his brother in Carolina. It's Matt Kalil.

And to many observers who aren't Rams fans, Kalil would fall under the "Obvious Choice" category more so than Blackmon.

[npow81]

In my view there is only one thing that should be done, trade the pick, among Cleveland, Washington, and Miami one of the three will want RGIII enough to come up, then hope for one of these guys

[AvengerRam]

The wild card pick reminds of when we had Marshall Faulk and drafted Steven Jackson.

Exactly. And if you look at the 2004 draft, apart from three QBs (Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger) and Larry Fitzgerald, SJax has arguably been the biggest impact player at any position.

[mde8352gorams]

I agree with your synopsis. You could make a case that Trent Richardson is as much a safe choice as Kalil. Now don't kill me as I took plenty of 'hits" when I suggested last week that we could trade S-Jax for extra picks and free up cap space. That is only a potential scenario. Look at your final comment on Trent Richardson. I cannot lose sight of JF's offensive preference, plus the addition of B. Schottenheimer as the probable new OC. Having said all this I firmly believe we'll be trading the #2 pick, which doesn't necessarily rule out Blackmon or Richardson as they could be around in the 6-10 round 1 pick range.

Go Rams!

[Nick]

The wild card pick reminds of when we had Marshall Faulk and drafted Steven Jackson.

Perhaps, though the Rams made that pick in the mid-20s of the draft order after Faulk had spent two seasons declining.

Meanwhile, some would argue that Jackson looked as sharp as ever at times this year, and obviously the Rams are picking second overall this time around rather than in the late first round where luxury picks are more viable.

[AvengerRam]

Perhaps, though the Rams made that pick in the mid-20s of the draft order after Faulk had spent two seasons declining.

Meanwhile, some would argue that Jackson looked as sharp as ever at times this year, and obviously the Rams are picking second overall this time around rather than in the late first round where luxury picks are more viable.

That's true, but a 29 year old RB (which SJax will be at the start of next season) has a short shelf life.

The question is whether Richardson is a first round RB, or a Top 10 RB. The latter is a rare commodity, but if he is viewed in that light, there's an argument to be made for giving him some consideration.

[sjacksonrules]

We don't need to worry. In DeSpags we trust remember.

O wait...

[39WillRunYaOva]

The obvious choice is what i been preaching for months and nothing has changed my view and i doubt anything will barring some crazy move we make in FA.

[richtree]

This draft is going to be great for the Rams because we have options and the ability to sign free agents in a full off season..

I think Blackmon would be a clear pick over Richardson only because the NFL is a Quarterback and Pass-catching league...so go WR or RB especially if he isn't super-versatile.