SMITH signing could be telling for #11!

***Krusher*** · -03-31-2006

If the Raonall Smith signing DOES go down, this might suggest we'll NOT see a SLB (Greenway) at #11.

The Rams would have SMITH & CHILLAR to compete at SLB. SMITH is intriguing, coming out of college in the mold of MARK FIELDS. If he stays healthy, he could blossum.

Looks like NGATA will fall, because Bills & Lions would likely prefer BUNKLEY (a 1-gap DT) if they go that route. BUNKLEY, I tell you, is going higher than people think. I think the Rams may covet him!

So NGATA, JIMMY WILLIAMS (who I've always doubted) or trade down. Could KAMERION WIMBLY be a darkhorse?

***Rambos*** · -03-31-2006

Welcome to the Clan.

**HUbison** · -03-31-2006

Chillar is more of a long-term answer to SLB than Smith, and I don't think that's saying much. We will still need a SLB in the draft.

Having said that, this offseason is leading up to an honest-to-goodness BPA draft, IMO. Unless we trade up to get a specific player or trade down to fill several slots, I can see Linehan and company pull whichever name is at the top of their big board when 11 rolls around, regardless of position.

***Krusher*** · -03-31-2006

Originally Posted by Rambos

Welcome to the Clan.

Thanks.

I'm feelin' good. Got a brand new attitude, thanks to these offseason changes.

***Goldenfleece*** · -03-31-2006

I agree about this is shaping up to be very much a BPA draft. It looks to me like the team is trying to set itself up with some flexibility here. I'm not entirely convinced of the merits of a Smith/Chillar competition for the starting slot, but I get the feeling it is a definite possibility. I would hope that we address linebacker at some point, but it has been looking like the best SLBs other than Hawk would likely be taken between our 1st and 2nd picks anyway.

At the moment I'm not altogether sure who is going to be available at 11. If Vernon Davis gets by the *****--and that's a big if--I wouldn't entirely rule out the possibility he might be available. If Huff gets by the Lions, he could still be there for us. I think if either of them or Ngata is still available, the staff would snatch them up in a heartbeat. Personally, I'd be uncomfortable drafting Wimbley that high, but it could happen.