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5 Pre-Draft Questions That Could Impact Rams' Picks

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  • #1

    5 Pre-Draft Questions That Could Impact Rams' Picks

    We're coming down to the wire, but there are still a few questions floating around out there that could impact the Rams' draft.

    Here are 5 that I'll be keeping an eye on:

    1. Will Ben Roethlisberger Be Charged/Suspended
    If the Rams are seriously considering passing on Sam Bradford in favor of taking Ndamukong Suh (or Gerald McCoy) and waiting until the 33rd pick to take a QB, they'll have to project which teams in Round 1 might take a QB. If the Ben Roethlisberger is charged with a crime on Monday (when the D.A. is scheduled to announce the results of the investigation), or is supended by the league, the Steelers could be in that market.

    2. Will Jason Campbell be traded?
    Campbell's status could impact the Rams in two ways. First, if he is traded to a team that might otherwise take a QB in Round 1, it enhances the likelihood that Colt McCoy or even Jimmy Clausen might fall to pick #33. If he is not traded, he could be a fail-safe plan for the Rams if they pass on Bradford and Clausen and McCoy are selected before the Rams' second pick.

    3. Will Marc Bulger be signed?
    Like Campbell, any team that obtains Bulger is less likely to take a QB in Round 1, which enhances the Rams' chance of pulling off a DT/QB first two rounds.

    4. How will Demaryius Thomas run on 4/18?
    Thomas has scheduled and eleventh-hour workout to show he has the speed to merit a first round selection. He likely won't be 100%. The result could determine whether he might be available to the Rams at #33 (I think he'd be a great option there), or if he might push down other WRs to the second round.

    5. How will negotiations with Bradford's agent go?
    At this point, both sides have leverage. Bradford's camp knows that the Rams want Sam. The Rams know that Bradford probably drops all the way to pick #7 (Cleveland) if the Rams pass on him. It will be interesting to see if the parties reach an agreement by Bradford's April 19 visit to Rams Park. If the parties are far apart at that time, could we see another Reggie Bush/Mario Williams scenario?

    Stay tuned, sports fans!
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: 5 Pre-Draft Questions That Could Impact Rams' Picks

    Ive heard on 101 ESPN Roethlisberger will not be charged, not sure if he will suffer a short term suspension. Regardless, the Steelers are definetely not picking a QB in the first round, if at all.

    I can't see the Rams choosing an unpolished to the tenth degree receiver to add to their relatively inexperienced receivers. He has great upside yes, but picking him at 33 is a luxury the Rams do not in any shape or form have. I'm about as certain he is not an option for us at 33 that i can be without having a clue.

    We'll get Damian Williams before we get Thomas I think.

    I don't see the Rams passing on their franchise QB in Bradford because they couldn't reach a deal super quick. That sounds like foolish impatience to me. Every indication is that the Rams and Bradford should come to a reasonably quick deal. Condon is familiar with the Rams, Bradford is a good guy who has no reservations for playing with the Rams, Demoff is a smart and reasonable negoiator.

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: 5 Pre-Draft Questions That Could Impact Rams' Picks

      Originally posted by AvengerRam View Post
      We're coming down to the wire, but there are still a few questions floating around out there that could impact the Rams' draft.

      Here are 5 that I'll be keeping an eye on:

      1. Will Ben Roethlisberger Be Charged/Suspended
      If the Rams are seriously considering passing on Sam Bradford in favor of taking Ndamukong Suh (or Gerald McCoy) and waiting until the 33rd pick to take a QB, they'll have to project which teams in Round 1 might take a QB. If the Ben Roethlisberger is charged with a crime on Monday (when the D.A. is scheduled to announce the results of the investigation), or is supended by the league, the Steelers could be in that market.

      2. Will Jason Campbell be traded?
      Campbell's status could impact the Rams in two ways. First, if he is traded to a team that might otherwise take a QB in Round 1, it enhances the likelihood that Colt McCoy or even Jimmy Clausen might fall to pick #33. If he is not traded, he could be a fail-safe plan for the Rams if they pass on Bradford and Clausen and McCoy are selected before the Rams' second pick.

      3. Will Marc Bulger be signed?
      Like Campbell, any team that obtains Bulger is less likely to take a QB in Round 1, which enhances the Rams' chance of pulling off a DT/QB first two rounds.

      4. How will Demaryius Thomas run on 4/18?
      Thomas has scheduled and eleventh-hour workout to show he has the speed to merit a first round selection. He likely won't be 100%. The result could determine whether he might be available to the Rams at #33 (I think he'd be a great option there), or if he might push down other WRs to the second round.

      5. How will negotiations with Bradford's agent go?
      At this point, both sides have leverage. Bradford's camp knows that the Rams want Sam. The Rams know that Bradford probably drops all the way to pick #7 (Cleveland) if the Rams pass on him. It will be interesting to see if the parties reach an agreement by Bradford's April 19 visit to Rams Park. If the parties are far apart at that time, could we see another Reggie Bush/Mario Williams scenario?

      Stay tuned, sports fans!
      1. Initial word from Roger Kosack ESPN legal analyst is he won't be charged so so you never know. Even if he is charged I don't think they will be spending a first rounder on a QB. They have wholes on the O-line and secondary. When big Ben comes back you have a 100 million dollar backup (doubtful) or a first rounder backing up a young Franchise QB

      2. Agreed. Buffalo or Oakland look like good fits

      3. I agree, but if Bulger is signed at all I think it is more likely he will be signed by a team after the draft who doesn't get a QB

      4. Another good question if there isn't an offensive weapon with legit first round talent (Thomas, Gresham, possibly Best or Benn) I think we are going to trade down.

      5. Biggest question IMO. I think (don't know what the front office thinks) they like Bradford enough to keep negotiating with him even if he isn't locked up prior to the draft. Kevin Demoff is a reall good contract guy and I think they will get something done. Condon and crew have locked up former number 1 overall picks prior to the draft in recent years and even though these circumstances are much different I have faith in the Rams and Demoff coming to an agreement with Bradford weather it is before draft and definately before camp.

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: 5 Pre-Draft Questions That Could Impact Rams' Picks

        Originally posted by 39thebeast View Post
        1. Initial word from Roger Kosack ESPN legal analyst is he won't be charged so so you never know. Even if he is charged I don't think they will be spending a first rounder on a QB. They have wholes on the O-line and secondary. When big Ben comes back you have a 100 million dollar backup (doubtful) or a first rounder backing up a young Franchise QB
        I believe I saw this on Sportscenter a couple of hours ago and it's not looking at all like he'll be charged. In my opinion the Steelers have to like what they see from Dennis Dixon as their backup. He looks like a nice fit in their offense and could be a Jim Sorgi/Matt Cassell/Seneca Wallace for the Steelers in that he's a high end backup capable of winning a few games when the starter is out. Admittedly, that's never been proven with Sorgi seeing as Manning has never been hurt, but there has to be a reason the Colts have been keeping him around for all these years.

        Originally posted by AvengerRam View Post
        Here are 5 that I'll be keeping an eye on:

        4. How will Demaryius Thomas run on 4/18?
        Thomas has scheduled and eleventh-hour workout to show he has the speed to merit a first round selection. He likely won't be 100%. The result could determine whether he might be available to the Rams at #33 (I think he'd be a great option there), or if he might push down other WRs to the second round.

        Stay tuned, sports fans!
        I think if we're looking at a WR at the top of the second, we could do a lot worse than Thomas. He has the size and the hands to be a good NFL reciever, and if he can show he has the top-end speed he'd be a worthy pick at 33. It's going to be highly circumstantial at pick 33 because we're going to have any number of options to look at. Personally, I'm hoping for Jared Odrick to fall, though I don't envision it happening.

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: 5 Pre-Draft Questions That Could Impact Rams' Picks

          The trade of Santonio Holmes to the Jets could impact the WR crop available at #33. Many (including myself and, I believe, Nick as well) projected that the Jets would take a WR in the first round. With Braylon Edwards and Holmes now on their roster, I suspect they'll look elsewhere.

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: 5 Pre-Draft Questions That Could Impact Rams' Picks

            Wouldn't just mean that the Steelers might be in the market for a 1st round receiver now as opposed to the Jets? Granted, they need offensive linemen, but now they have 1200 yards missing in receiving.
            I believe!:ram:

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: 5 Pre-Draft Questions That Could Impact Rams' Picks

              Originally posted by TekeRam View Post
              Wouldn't just mean that the Steelers might be in the market for a 1st round receiver now as opposed to the Jets? Granted, they need offensive linemen, but now they have 1200 yards missing in receiving.
              I don't think so. The Steelers still have Hines Ward as #1 and he has indicated he plans to play for a couple of more years. Limas Sweed looks like a bust, but last year's 3rd rounder, Mike Wallace put up 750 and 6 TDs in only 40 catches. I think they expect him to blossom with more playing time. It probably made Holmes expendable. They also recently signed vets Joey Galloway, Arnez Battle and Antwan Randle El.

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: 5 Pre-Draft Questions That Could Impact Rams' Picks

                Originally posted by TekeRam View Post
                Wouldn't just mean that the Steelers might be in the market for a 1st round receiver now as opposed to the Jets? Granted, they need offensive linemen, but now they have 1200 yards missing in receiving.
                That's certainly possible, but I suspect they are more likely to take an OT or a DB.

                Comment

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                • npow81
                  For Me...Its Down to Three QBs
                  by npow81
                  After seeing everybody play in Mobile, and keeping everything in mind (estimated draft position, etc.) if we are to draft a qb in this draft I think it comes down to three players.

                  Colt McCoy
                  Tony Pike
                  Dan Lefevour

                  I know the Clausen and Bradford supporters might come out and state their case, but I honestly don't think the value of either supercedes (1) taking the BPA at #1 (or even at #3 as some want), which they certainly are not (2) the difference in ability from the three above players.

                  Personally, while I wouldn't be disappointed seeing us draft McCoy at the top of the second, if he's there, again I think the same principle as above comes into play in the second and there is too little difference in value between McCoy and Pike and Lefevour to bypass the bevy of talent likely available at that slot.

                  Therefore, hoping (and praying) either Pike or Lefevour is available in the third I take the remaining qb in the third and I think we have our qb of the future. Either of which I would be plenty happy with. As always, its a roll of the dice drafting a qb, but I think this situation will maximize value while minimizing the risk associated with drafting a qb and allowing us to fulfill other important holes along the way.
                  -01-31-2010, 02:29 AM
                • r8rh8rmike
                  The Watercooler: Who Are The Rams' Top Draft Options At QB?
                  by r8rh8rmike
                  10.22.2009 12:27 pm
                  Who are Rams’ top draft options at QB?
                  By Roger Hensley

                  THE WATERCOOLER

                  QUESTION: If the St. Louis Rams were to take a quarterback in the first round of next year’s draft, which current college quarterback would you suggest they select?

                  BERNIE MIKLASZ
                  Very tough call, and of course I reserve the right to change my mind later, after these kids play more games and also go through the NFL Scouting Combine. Because a lot can change between now and the draft. But if we are talking right now, I’d go with Washington’s Jake Locker. Big (6-3), strong and athletic, Locker has a plus arm, and a quick release. He’s been thriving in the pro-style offense installed by first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian. Also, Locker is being tutored by one of the best, QBs coach Steve Clarkson, who in the past has worked with Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Leinart and others. Clarkson cleaned up Locker’s mechanics and the improvement was immediate. And keep in mind that Locker is getting it done at Washington, and he’s not surrounded by elite talent. That makes his performance even more impressive.

                  Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen has moved up as an NFL prospect. Clausen has always had the natural talent, but he’s grown at Notre Dame, and is more physically imposing now. Looks like a tough kid, too. He is certainly used to pressure and it doesn’t get to him. The best is yet to come for Clausen. The red flags are out on Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford; it’s not only the shoulder injuries, but the questions of whether he can throw while under pressure, because he doesn’t encounter much of a pass rush at OU. Cincinnati’s Tony Pike could be the steal of the draft; he’s likely to be downgraded and drop down the board because of multiple injuries to his left wrist. But he’s a player. Not sure if Colt McCoy (Texas) has the frame, but he seems like a good fit for a West Coast offense. Jevan Snead (Ole Miss) has been touted by scouts and draftniks, but I haven’t seen enough (yet) to get excited by his NFL future. Again, that could change. All of this could.

                  VAHE GREGORIAN
                  With his bum shoulder this season, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford may be losing stock for the 2010 draft or may even be considering waiting another year to come out. But if he’s available, the Rams would be wise to snap him up. Although he could stand to be more mobile, especially considering the Rams line, last year’s Heisman Trophy winner has all the tools to build a team around: accuracy (67.9 percent of his passes last season), height (6-4) and a leadership presence that makes players want to play better just for him, OU coach Bob Stoops says. Maybe some will see the shoulder injury and apparent aggravation of it last week against Texas as something chronic or signs he is brittle, but sometimes quarterbacks just get hit and hurt. There’s no reason to think it’s anything more with Bradford.

                  JEFF...
                  -10-22-2009, 04:20 PM
                • AvengerRam_old
                  A common statement I've read about Bradford that makes no sense to me.
                  by AvengerRam_old
                  I've lost track of how many times I've read comments from commentators and fans that have expressed the idea that Bradford is worth the 4th or 5th pick in the draft, but not the 1st.

                  Huh?

                  How does that make sense?

                  From the Rams perspective, if they want to take Bradford, obviously it would be advantageous to trade down, get more picks, and still get him.

                  But what if that option simply is not available? I find it hard to hard to comprehend how anyone can say his combination of size/skill/college production/medical reports/interviews make him good enough to merit the 4th pick, but not the 1st.

                  When I say this, I'm not talking about his value in comparison to other prospects. I have no beef with someone simply saying "he's worth the 4th pick because he's the 4th best player in the draft." That's not the analysis I'm talking about. I'm talking about those who say "he'd be a reach at No. 1" and then turn around and say "he's a good selection at No. 4."

                  Again... huh?

                  A QB selected with the 4th pick in the draft is expected to become the starter no later than his second or third season, and to become a successful starting QB for a decade. If you think QB prospect is good enough to do that, how is he not good enough to warrant the first pick. Isn't a 10 year successful starting QB worth the first pick in the draft?

                  To me, when the Rams look at Bradford, the quesiton should be is he (1) someone they envision as being a "franchise" QB, or (2) not.

                  If the answer is (1), he's worth the first pick (that's not to say he'd necessarily be the best BPA, but he would be a worthy first pick). If the answer is (2), he shouldn't be taken with the first, the third, the fifth or the eleventh pick.
                  -02-25-2010, 05:58 PM
                • Barry Waller
                  Not a Good Day For QB
                  by Barry Waller
                  The idea of the Rams taking a quarterback in round one next year seems to be getting less attractive, as today bot Colt McCoy of Texas and Sam Bradford of Oklahoma saw their fortunes take a hit, literally in the case of Bradford, thought by some to be the only one worthy of a top five selection. Just back a week ago from a shoulder injury, Bradford landed on the same one early in the game, his throwing side, and left for what appears to be another extended period.



                  McCoy wasn't hurt, but he was contained by Oklahoma's defense all day. With Jevon Snead having at least one bad day this season against a top opponent, it's going to take a lot from someone to move up draft boards, and whether Bradford will even get the chance, rem,ains to be seen.
                  -10-17-2009, 08:47 PM
                • Nick
                  Don't count out Holmgren to make a push for No. 1
                  by Nick
                  Don't count out Holmgren to make a push for No. 1
                  Posted on: April 13, 2010 1:51 pm
                  NFL Draft Blog by Rob Rang

                  As much as it would seem a lock for the Rams to just keep the first pick and fulfill their need for a young quarterback with Sam Bradford, league sources tell me that the Cleveland Browns are internally discussing making a significant offer in an attempt to get the first pick and take Bradford, themselves.

                  Trading out of the No. 1 pick is rarely feasible. The financial constraints that come with having the first pick are so much that teams are usually hesitant to even consider the possibility.

                  The 2010 draft, however, is unique in several ways.

                  The talent in this class means that the Rams could truly rebuild their roster quickly if they were to get an offer of 3-4 high draft selections in exchange for the No. 1 pick.

                  Next, you have a team president in Mike Holmgren who is looking to make a splash... and with five picks among this year's first 100 (7, 38, 71, 85 and 92) he has plenty of flexibility.

                  Perhaps most importantly, while almost all talent evaluators believe that Bradford is the clear cut top QB and that there is a significant gap between he and the other QBs in this class there is talk that the Rams don't feel this way. They are thought to be quite high on a few of the other quarterbacks of this class, especially Texas' Colt McCoy.

                  Mike Holmgren and his hand-picked general manager Tom Heckert, however, are thought to be exceptionally high on Bradford.

                  The most realistic scenario remains the Rams staying put and taking Bradford.

                  They're remaining at No. 1 is not the mortal lock, I'm told, that having this pick typically is...
                  -04-13-2010, 12:50 PM
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