With the sacraficial Rams getting slaughtered on Monday Night Football to the amusement of the football gods, it’s clear there’s no real silver lining for the team. The sooner the season is over, the better. Unlike the hopeless and dismal team performances, each off-season inspires dreams of team-altering draft picks.
Nevermind the team’s front office is seemingly worse the the poor product it puts on the field. One or two proper calls on draft day can instantly propel an awful team like the Rams into playoff contention. And with owner Stan Kroenke expected to make many front office changes following the season, whomever is running the draft will surely have their work cut out for them.
So armed with pure, granulated speculation, these are four guys the Rams could benefit from drafting with their high lottery pick (likely 2nd or 3rd):
1. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Wide receiver is undoubtedly the Rams most dire need. With Brandon Lloyd likely to leave for a playoff contender and Danny Amendola coming off injury, the Rams will be entering the off-season with no proven, healthy receivers on the roster.
The 6’1″, 215lb. Blackmon is one of the best playmakers available in this year’s draft and the premier wide receiver. He helped the OSU Cowboys’ offense continue to flourish after Dez Bryant went to the pros. His numbers have been off-the-charts at OSU, but all ‘spread offense’ players from college are looked at with a critical eye. Right or wrong, his official combine numbers will go a long way to determine how high he’s drafted.
2. Southern Cal OT Matt Kalil
The Rams offensive line has been atrocious this season, making stud-in-the-making QB Sam Bradford catching a case of Marc Bulger-itis. He’s getting destroyed in the pocket and if the team wants to protect its long-term investment, it will have to find some suitable lineman who can stay healthy.
Some scouts have deemed Kalil as the best LT prospect since the Miami Dolphins’ Jake Long. The problem is, the Rams have spent countless high picks on linemen (offensive and defensive) who have not panned out. Plus linemen don’t fill the seats, which the Rams will need to do during their upteenth rebuilding process. But if the Rams want to end the revolving door at left tackle, Kalil will get a long look, assuming he’s still on the board.
3. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
The Rams’ secondary has been decimated by injury this season. Five defensive backs have been placed on injured reserve. They desperately need a playmaking cornerback to help the defense rebound from a frustrating season.
Claiborne is the concensus top DB in this year’s draft. He has good size, excellent speed and sees the ball very well. He would be a very welcomed addition to a team with has struggled with covering top receivers.
4. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Sure the Rams have Steven Jackson roaming the backfield right now. Jackson is a stellar, vastly-underrated back. But at 28 years old, Jackson is inching closely to the dreaded 30 year old mark, which usually spells a steep decline for NFL running backs.
By drafting Richardson, St. Louis can bring him along slowly or unleash a frightening two-back attack to punish defenses and help create throwing lanes for Sam Bradford and his receivers.
