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Trading down would be the right move for Rams
Columnist Jeff Gordon
STLTODAY.COM SPORTS COLUMNIST
04/16/2010
If the Cleveland Browns want to trade up for the first overall pick to grab Sam Bradford, Rams general manager Billy Devaney should wave ‘em on. That would be the right move for so many reasons.
Let’s set aside the obvious Rams ownership concerns for the moment and just look at the football equation.
Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo set out to build a program based on strong line play, shutdown defense and a power running game. The first year was a bit rough -– a 1-15 finish, with the Rams fighting just to keep the scores close -– but the original plan made sense.
Cleveland picks seventh. The Rams could move down to that pick, collect the 38th overall pick and some combination of additional picks (the Browns have three in the third round) and players.
Browns president Mike Holmgren tried to downplay the possibility of a major play for Bradford.
“I don't want to pull the rug out from everybody on our first draft choice,” he told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “He's a coveted young man. To be able to go up and change somebody's mind ahead of us, you'd have to mortgage the ranch. I don't think in the real world -- I absolutely love the player, as do a lot of people -- in the real world, we're probably going to go in a different direction.”
Yeah, but Rams fans can always dream. Here is how this trade could help move this program forward:
* Gambling giant money on Bradford makes little sense for a franchise attempting to rebuild with defense and a ground attack. The Rams wouldn’t ask Bradford to do too much as a rookie in this conservative scheme, but it’s also true the team could find somebody to take this damage-control assignment for a lot less.
Like, say, the current starter-by-default, A.J. Feeley.
* At No. 7 overall, the Rams could address needs that fit Spags’ plan. Perhaps left tackle Russell Okung would be there. He could step right in and allow Jason Smith to stay at right tackle, where his run-blocking strengths are better served.
Or the Rams could take running back C.J. Spiller, who would join Steven Jackson as a ferocious 1-2 punch. Or maybe the Rams could take pass-rushing defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who could become Chris Long’s long-range bookend.
The Rams wouldn’t get one of the two impact defensive tackles at No. 7, but the team could still address one of their myriad needs in a big way.
* With a pile 'o picks, the Rams could remain on red alert as the draft unfolds. If quarterback Colt McCoy started dropping toward the bottom of the first round, the Rams could burn a pick to move up and snag him. McCoy seems like a good fit for this ball-control offense.
* Surplus picks will have giant value for the Rams, who need help almost everywhere. In a deep draft, there will be value on the board from start to finish. Devaney did OK rounding up depth on the fly last season, but this franchise needs to create serious job competition for the next training camp.
We’re all sick of hearing that the Rams don’t have the players to do this or that. GO GET SOME PLAYERS!
Moving out of the top pick would be unpopular with many fans, since Bradford could be a rather handsome Face of the Franchise. If Bradford went to Cleveland and developed into a star for the Holmgren regime, fans would squawk about this for years.
And Bradford really could become a star, if given the time, coaching and supporting cast he will need to develop fully. He is a bright guy and a natural leader. He has excellent physical tools.
But how would Bradford fare for the rebuilding Rams? Could this team be as patient as the Browns could be?
If Holmgren wants Bradford -– and is willing to pay the high price to get him -– the Rams should jump at that opportunity and never, ever look back.
Other quarterbacks are available in this draft. Other quarterbacks will come out next year and every year after that.
Spags did not set out to build an Air Martz-like program dependent on great quarterback play. He set out to build a team capable of muscling up on both sides of the ball. In his dream scenario, the Rams quarterback would be an efficient game manager who minimizes mistakes and capitalizes on opportunities.
That doesn’t scream “Bradford!” His philosophy demands that the Rams trade down if the right deal is there.
Columnist Jeff Gordon
STLTODAY.COM SPORTS COLUMNIST
04/16/2010
If the Cleveland Browns want to trade up for the first overall pick to grab Sam Bradford, Rams general manager Billy Devaney should wave ‘em on. That would be the right move for so many reasons.
Let’s set aside the obvious Rams ownership concerns for the moment and just look at the football equation.
Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo set out to build a program based on strong line play, shutdown defense and a power running game. The first year was a bit rough -– a 1-15 finish, with the Rams fighting just to keep the scores close -– but the original plan made sense.
Cleveland picks seventh. The Rams could move down to that pick, collect the 38th overall pick and some combination of additional picks (the Browns have three in the third round) and players.
Browns president Mike Holmgren tried to downplay the possibility of a major play for Bradford.
“I don't want to pull the rug out from everybody on our first draft choice,” he told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “He's a coveted young man. To be able to go up and change somebody's mind ahead of us, you'd have to mortgage the ranch. I don't think in the real world -- I absolutely love the player, as do a lot of people -- in the real world, we're probably going to go in a different direction.”
Yeah, but Rams fans can always dream. Here is how this trade could help move this program forward:
* Gambling giant money on Bradford makes little sense for a franchise attempting to rebuild with defense and a ground attack. The Rams wouldn’t ask Bradford to do too much as a rookie in this conservative scheme, but it’s also true the team could find somebody to take this damage-control assignment for a lot less.
Like, say, the current starter-by-default, A.J. Feeley.
* At No. 7 overall, the Rams could address needs that fit Spags’ plan. Perhaps left tackle Russell Okung would be there. He could step right in and allow Jason Smith to stay at right tackle, where his run-blocking strengths are better served.
Or the Rams could take running back C.J. Spiller, who would join Steven Jackson as a ferocious 1-2 punch. Or maybe the Rams could take pass-rushing defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who could become Chris Long’s long-range bookend.
The Rams wouldn’t get one of the two impact defensive tackles at No. 7, but the team could still address one of their myriad needs in a big way.
* With a pile 'o picks, the Rams could remain on red alert as the draft unfolds. If quarterback Colt McCoy started dropping toward the bottom of the first round, the Rams could burn a pick to move up and snag him. McCoy seems like a good fit for this ball-control offense.
* Surplus picks will have giant value for the Rams, who need help almost everywhere. In a deep draft, there will be value on the board from start to finish. Devaney did OK rounding up depth on the fly last season, but this franchise needs to create serious job competition for the next training camp.
We’re all sick of hearing that the Rams don’t have the players to do this or that. GO GET SOME PLAYERS!
Moving out of the top pick would be unpopular with many fans, since Bradford could be a rather handsome Face of the Franchise. If Bradford went to Cleveland and developed into a star for the Holmgren regime, fans would squawk about this for years.
And Bradford really could become a star, if given the time, coaching and supporting cast he will need to develop fully. He is a bright guy and a natural leader. He has excellent physical tools.
But how would Bradford fare for the rebuilding Rams? Could this team be as patient as the Browns could be?
If Holmgren wants Bradford -– and is willing to pay the high price to get him -– the Rams should jump at that opportunity and never, ever look back.
Other quarterbacks are available in this draft. Other quarterbacks will come out next year and every year after that.
Spags did not set out to build an Air Martz-like program dependent on great quarterback play. He set out to build a team capable of muscling up on both sides of the ball. In his dream scenario, the Rams quarterback would be an efficient game manager who minimizes mistakes and capitalizes on opportunities.
That doesn’t scream “Bradford!” His philosophy demands that the Rams trade down if the right deal is there.
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