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I'm going to do five of these (one each month) between now and the draft. As this is my first official board, here are a few ground rules. First, I am, at this stage, projecting that certain underclassmen will declare. Second, I see two scenarios here: (1) draft a franchise QB in Round 1, or (2) draft a DL in Round 1 and wait until Round 2 or 3 to take a QB. I'm still straddling that fence, as you will soon see.
So, with those thoughts in mind, here is my Top 10:
1. Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Right now, I see Locker as the only potential franchise QB in the draft. He has elite physical tools. His production has not been overwhelming. The question that must be answered through due diligence is whether his lack of production is the product of underdeveloped skills or poor talent around him. His grasp on my top spot is tenuous, at best.
2. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
He could be a definite difference maker on the DL, and he fits the mold of quick DTs who peformed well in Spagnuolo's Giant defenses. At this point, he's probably the most certain top 3 pick among all prospects.
3. Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Surprised? Trust me, you won't be in the coming months. This guy has the size (6'4, 272) and productivity (12 sacks so far this year) you look for in a pass rushing prospect. He also seems to have the intangibles the Rams will be looking for, which will elevate him above guys like Carlos Dunlap and Greg Hardy. Look for him to be a star at the Combine.
4. Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
This is a good year at the top of the draft for DTs. McCoy rates only a hair or two below Suh, and could be just as good as a pro. A sure fire top 5 pick absent a major bump in the evaluation process.
5. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
But, Av... you said there was only one potential franchise QB in the draft. Yes, that is what I believe. But I could be wrong. I want to see how Clausen measures (is he really 6'3?) and what the scouts really think of his arm strength. His game films and stats are impressive, though.
6. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
But, Aaaaavvvvvvvvv.... Yeah, yeah, I know. Look, when this season started Bradford was the concensus No. 1 overall. If he's healthy and tests well, you can't count him out. Still, that whole spread offense against Big 12 defenses thing worries me.
7. C.J.Spiller, RB, Clemson
Yes, I know the Rams don't really need a RB (at least not a starter). But Spiller, in my opinion, is much more than just a RB. I think he can do everything that Percy Harvin can do, and more. He's that good.
8. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
This would be a different approach, but if the Rams win a few more games and are picking in the 7-10 range, Bryant would be a very good option. He could really elevate the WR corps and make the QB's job much easier.
9. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Call this the O.J. Atogwe contingency plan. If the Rams don't sign Atogwe, and use his cap $ to fill another need in FA, then a guy like Berry, who is a great prospect, would make a lot of sense.
10. Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
Massive run stuffer. As with any guy his size (365 lbs.), conditioning will always be a factor. Still, if there is one thing that most great LBs have in common, its a big fat immovable slob taking up blockers in front of them.
So, with those thoughts in mind, here is my Top 10:
1. Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Right now, I see Locker as the only potential franchise QB in the draft. He has elite physical tools. His production has not been overwhelming. The question that must be answered through due diligence is whether his lack of production is the product of underdeveloped skills or poor talent around him. His grasp on my top spot is tenuous, at best.
2. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
He could be a definite difference maker on the DL, and he fits the mold of quick DTs who peformed well in Spagnuolo's Giant defenses. At this point, he's probably the most certain top 3 pick among all prospects.
3. Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Surprised? Trust me, you won't be in the coming months. This guy has the size (6'4, 272) and productivity (12 sacks so far this year) you look for in a pass rushing prospect. He also seems to have the intangibles the Rams will be looking for, which will elevate him above guys like Carlos Dunlap and Greg Hardy. Look for him to be a star at the Combine.
4. Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
This is a good year at the top of the draft for DTs. McCoy rates only a hair or two below Suh, and could be just as good as a pro. A sure fire top 5 pick absent a major bump in the evaluation process.
5. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
But, Av... you said there was only one potential franchise QB in the draft. Yes, that is what I believe. But I could be wrong. I want to see how Clausen measures (is he really 6'3?) and what the scouts really think of his arm strength. His game films and stats are impressive, though.
6. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
But, Aaaaavvvvvvvvv.... Yeah, yeah, I know. Look, when this season started Bradford was the concensus No. 1 overall. If he's healthy and tests well, you can't count him out. Still, that whole spread offense against Big 12 defenses thing worries me.
7. C.J.Spiller, RB, Clemson
Yes, I know the Rams don't really need a RB (at least not a starter). But Spiller, in my opinion, is much more than just a RB. I think he can do everything that Percy Harvin can do, and more. He's that good.
8. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
This would be a different approach, but if the Rams win a few more games and are picking in the 7-10 range, Bryant would be a very good option. He could really elevate the WR corps and make the QB's job much easier.
9. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Call this the O.J. Atogwe contingency plan. If the Rams don't sign Atogwe, and use his cap $ to fill another need in FA, then a guy like Berry, who is a great prospect, would make a lot of sense.
10. Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
Massive run stuffer. As with any guy his size (365 lbs.), conditioning will always be a factor. Still, if there is one thing that most great LBs have in common, its a big fat immovable slob taking up blockers in front of them.
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