Foundation formula: Next steps for the rebuilding Rams

by VanRam on Oct 30, 2009 10:16 AM CDT Comment 67 comments

Are the Rams ready to take on a rookie QB in 2010?

The St. Louis Rams rebuilding project has so far focused on getting better up front on both sides of the ball. The Rams used the second overall pick in the 2009 draft to take OT Jason Smith and their second round pick to get a much needed MLB in James Laurinaitis, a year after taking DE Chris Long. They used free agency to sign one of the league's bigger centers in Jason Brown, a guy in the upper tier of players at that position.

The offensive line still has some weak points (looking at you Alex Barron), but it improvement is to be expected next season as Smith gets experienced and the group starts to gel. The defensive line still needs talent, but I want to focus on the offense for this post. (because to me the offense is such a huge weakness of this team)

Behind that line, the Rams have one of the league's better running backs in Steven Jackson. For all the abuse he's taken as the lone working component of this terrible offense, he still has a few good years left, though a solid backup remains a team need.

What's next? The most logical next move is to get a franchise QB, the "long-term quarterback" Lions head coach Jim Schwartz mentioned in the PD article today. Some questions to ask ourselves before you order your Matt Stafford Rams jersey:

Is there a QB in the 2010 draft worth a top first round pick? It's a big investment; how do the Rams avoid the next Ryan Leaf or Tony Banks for that matter?
What's the right recipe for a rebuilding team? With a decent line and a good RB do you need to worry about a QB at this point?
Or, is having a solid OL and a good RB the perfect recipe for bringing in a rookie QB, a la Matt Ryan?
Or, do you go the more traditional route of starting a veteran and letting the rookie spend the year as an understudy? Does Bulger have a season left, would a good WR matter for him at this point?

Poll

Assuming the Rams have a top three pick in the 2010 draft, should they draft a QB?

Yes

272 votes

No

157 votes

429 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

alot to consider

but to me im not sold on any player yet. Evreyone saying Bradford, but he got surgery on his shoulder and you know hes going to get banged up on the rams. Theirs still college football to be played and some ram football to be played we might have a guy step up and it may not be a need for the draft, free agency etc. So i’ll wait for the season to end and make an opinion. But this is an intresting topic what do you guys think should be the best route? and queston does anybody know how much cap space we have right now?

by keeperskillz24 on Oct 30, 2009 10:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I voted no but

i feel they need to draft a QB no later than the 4th round. There’s a lot of quality QBs that can be had that late.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 30, 2009 10:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

you think that late?

it’s less of an investment than a first rounder, but higher risk they don’t pan out.

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by VanRam on Oct 30, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

With the concerns I have with the top tier QBs

I don’t think there’s really much drop off. Especially if they are able to build a pretty good line. Look, our line, while it’s underperformed a bit (nothing like last year) is still a very young line. They’ve got great potential (Bell concerns me, so does Barron though).

Anyway, if you develop a really good line then you add in Steven Jackson, I’d think a guy like Lefevour could do really well in the league. And I’m only saying 4th round (as the basement) since I’ve seen him mocked that low (I think he’ll go earlier….so maybe I’d say by the 3rd round).

Now, we gotta develop some recievers. That’s obvious. But, with the right surroundings a guy who isn’t considered “First Round Talent” can succeed. Matt Cassell proved that last year and cashed in big time.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 30, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, but is Matt Cassel a "long term QB"?

Not to argue your larger point, that the Rams could conceivably look past the first round for their guy. But Cassel parachuted out of the “right surroundings” and right now doesn’t look much like a difference maker. And the Rams are a lot closer to KC than to NE in terms of surroundings…

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by taiko on Oct 30, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was my point.

That a lesser quarterback can be elevated by having a solid line and a solid running game which makes the need for drafting a high-profile QB less.

Basically, build a solid team and you don’t need the next Peyton Manning. Look at what Kyle Orton has accomplished in Denver this year. He’s by no means a great QB (and he’s gotten a little lucky this year), but he’s had much more succes this year than people thought he would.

Orton learned after his first game with the Bears (4 INTs, i think) that he was not a gunslinger and was not a big playmaker. So, he figured out to have success he’d have to develop his accuracy and make good decisions. He hardly ever turns the ball over and just gets the ball to his players and lets them do what they can do.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 30, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But if you have a Manning

you can over come so much of what’s missing. The chicken or the egg!

WR’s are commonly thought to take 3 years to really get it. QB’s, it used to be 5 years…I think these days the perception is that you know much sooner if you have quality there or not, but I think that perception is wrong. Despite Flacco, despite Ryan. It still takes a few years to know.

I think to get an All Pro QB, you have someone who was probably drafted very high and still watched with the clipboard, for a season or two, behind someone who knew what they were doing. If you want him you either draft him and develop him, or you go get that same highly drafted and developed guy via trade.

And that lead’s me to: Is Bulger good enough, durable enough to cover us while a high draft holds the clipboard? My answer is yes.

Will Rams fans allow that to happen? Of course not, read this board, it’s covered in “hurry up already”

I say draft a QB in the first 45 picks, and let him learn on the sideline for a year. I know that’s not the most popular idea, but I think it works best in the ling run and that’s what I’d do.

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Oct 30, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with a lot of what you are saying.

Yes, I think it’s better to let a QB sit for a year, but I’m not sure that’s a luxury many teams have anymore. Whether it’s the salary cap and the team can’t afford (or fit) to have that much cap space not contribute or the coach fighting to keep his job, whatever it is, there just isn’t patience anymore.

Anyway, I guess I’m just of the mindset that drafting a QB is kind of a crapshoot. I think we’ve seen too many guys get drafted high and never reach the expectations. We’ve also seen guys drafted a little lower and have just as much success.

Btw, I agree about your assessment of Bulger.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 31, 2009 5:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with the point-

Warner washed out with the Rams, then washed out with the G-men, (because of manning) but has proved his worth when the casts “fit” with the QB style. The coach at Denver saw it with Orton, the Cards saw it with Warner, yada-yada. With just a couple of playmakers, Kull might be a HOFer. Who knows?

by Knoxfan on Oct 30, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hell, if Null could just go out and not make mistakes

he could be a successful QB. And sometimes that’s all it needs.

I think Trent Dilfer finally figured that out (unfortunately for him, a little late in the career) and finally won a SB. And there are plenty of others who got close.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 31, 2009 5:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

First round talent

has a much better chance at succeeding. 16 of the starting QBs in the NFL were drafted in the 1st round.

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by Toddius on Oct 30, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmmmmm

A 50% failure rate? That’s pretty high percentage for the GDP of Finland.

by Knoxfan on Oct 30, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

50% in 14%

I’m not sure what the connection with failure is….it doesn’t say anything about picks that made it or not.

Each one of the seven rounds is a little more than 14% of the whole draft, and he’s saying 50% of the starting QB’s were taken in the top 14% of the draft….and to me, that sounds about what I’d expect, and good enough to take one in the 1st round. What are we paying Devaney for anwyay? He better be able to find someone, that’s his job just as sure as it’s Jackson’s job to run with the ball.

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Oct 30, 2009 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Out of curiosity (I'm writing this down here...

because it’s early and I’m being lazy)…

First round QBs taken since 2001:

2001:
Michael Vick (1) – backup Eagles

2002:
David Carr (1) – backup Giants
Joey Harrington (3) – Released by NO. Hasn’t played since 2007.
Patrick Ramsey (32) – Released by TEN. Worked out for Buf Oct. 27.

2003:
Carson Palmer (1) – Starter CIN
Byron Leftwich (7) – 3rd (inactive) QB in TB. Hasn’t played since 2008.
Kyle Boller (19) – backup StL

2004:
Eli Manning (1) – Starter NYG
Philip Rivers (4) – Starter SD
Ben Roethlisberger – (11) Starter PIT
J.P. Losman (22) – Starter for Las Vegas of the UFL (not a positive…)

2005:
Alex Smith (1) – Starter SF (has been in and out as starter)
Matt Jones (21) – Converted to WR
Aaron Rodgers (24) – Starter GB
Jason Campbell (25) – Starter WAS (on real thin ice)

2006:
Vince Young (3) – Will start this week for TEN (not coach’s decision)
Matt Leinart (10) – Backup and party boy ARI
Jay Cutler (11) – Starter CHI (btw, selected using StL’s pick traded to DEN)

2007:
JaMarcus Russell (1) – Starter OAK (but was benched last week)
Brady Quinn (22) – backup CLE and has virtually no shot at starting

2008:
Matt Ryan (3) – Starter ATL
Joe Flacco (18) – Starter BAL

I’m not going to bother with 2009 since they haven’t had the time to prove anything long term. Frankly, even though Ryan and Flacco both look like keepers at the moment, I’m not going to consider them either…too soon to make a judgement.

Anyway, between 2001 and 2007 there were 20 QBs taken in the first round and today 9 of them are stating for their team. I’d like to move Vick up to starter status since I think he would be a starter had he not gone to prison. So, let’s say 10 are starters.

But, then you look at Vince Young, Alex Smith, Jason Campbell, and JaMarcus Russell a little differently. Are any of these guys someone you’d want on the Rams? Young is being forced into the starting role by the owner, Smith is starting because Shaun Hill sucks, Washington has no one better than Campbell so he’s holding on to the job, and Russell got benched last week but still has his starting job.

So, if you take those guys off the list (adding Vick to it), that leaves you with 6 out of 20 QBs drafted in the first round between 2001 and 2008 are good starting QBs.

For every Eli, Big Ben and Philip Rivers you’ve got a shit load of Kyle Boller, Brady Quinn, J.P. Losman, David Carr, Joey Harrington, and Patrick Ramsey.

6 out of 20. That’s a 30% success rate in finding a good to great QB in the first round and and if you take out 2004 it drops to 3 of 16 (18.75%). I think I’ll take my chances later in the draft when the guys are cheaper and just as likely to succeed.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 31, 2009 6:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just as likely to succeed?

You can’t make that statement without looking at the total number of QBs taken since Brett Favre — the oldest active QB starting for an NFL team. I seriously doubt the number is anywhere near as high as 30% for QBs taken in rounds 2-7, and undrafted free agents. In fact I’ll bet solid currency that it’s low single digits.

If you make a quarterback change on this Rams team, you need top-flight talent, because we simply don’t — and won’t for year — have the supporting cast necessary to drop in a safety pick.

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by taiko on Oct 31, 2009 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

here's my top 3 QBs

1. Jake Locker
2. Jimmy Clausen
3. Sam Bradford

The Rams need talent at the QB position and that talent can be found at the top of the draft. I’ve always been anti-1st round QB, but now it is time.

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by jroman on Oct 30, 2009 10:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Clausen, are you serious? The guy has been a loser at the hunchback university since they got him, and this year he hasn’t done much either when you consider that 3 of his wins came by scraping by at the end of the game.

by peteyweestro on Oct 30, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clausen

I’d like to see how well Clausen can play without those WR’s of his.

by jb22 on Oct 30, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's exactly why he WILL NOT return for his senior season.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 31, 2009 6:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

QB in the first can be Null-ified

This season is over and we just need to use the remaining weeks we have to evaluate players for our future and I think at some point the rams need to give Keith Null a shot and see if he can be a Tom Brady like, Kurt Warner sleeper. If we don’t give him a chance the we’ll never know. If by any miracle Null is a future pro bowl QB then we won’t have to take a qb in the first, we could draft one of the big DTs(Cody, suh I believe) or wr. The rams IMO need to do some shopping this year and bring in the best possible WR from the free agency.

by revrue914 on Oct 30, 2009 11:16 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Experiment with Null, if he’s not the answer then move on. I think the Rams need to trade out of the first spot as well. NE and a couple of other teams have multiple 1st rounders this year. The Jags want Tebow bad. They could use another DT and a DE to eventually replace Hall and Little. Here is how the draft would look assuming we trade down and pick up a FA WR:

1. DT
1. DE
2. QB
3. OT
4. DE
5. FS
5. OLB
6. OLB
6. OT
7. G

by 81 Witness on Oct 30, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

there will be a WR on the list, i guarantee it

and i don’t think the rams will be able to trade out of the top spot even if they wanted to. if the jags really do want tebow badly (where did you hear this?), they will be happy to trade for the 3-4th spot, where they might end up anyway.

and i do agree that null at least needs to be looked at. i know the coaching staff doesn’t want him banged around because the line sucks and he has no one to throw to, but if he’s the solution he’ll make it work. this season’s a lost cause, might as well give him a shot or two.

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 30, 2009 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if the jags really do want tebow badly (where did you hear this?)

I’ve heard this too, from a couple of guys on the Jags blog that come to the Phinsider fairly regularly. Apparently he’s like some big local hero down there and there’s talk of them taking Tebow to help get some fans coming back to the games.

"Why don't you put that in a memo and entitle it 'Shit I Already Know'!" - Sarge from Red vs. Blue

I can't brain today, I have the dumb.

28 "Phinsider Feud" Points

by Chupathingy on Oct 30, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fair enough. i was honestly just curious.

but the fans aren’t the ones making the decisions. i wouldn’t be surprised for the jags to take tebow to please their fans, but i don’t think it’s the correct football move.

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 30, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't either,

that’s just the rumors that I’ve been hearing.

"Why don't you put that in a memo and entitle it 'Shit I Already Know'!" - Sarge from Red vs. Blue

I can't brain today, I have the dumb.

28 "Phinsider Feud" Points

by Chupathingy on Oct 30, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad to see--

I’m overwhelmed by your optomism for the season. I am a true Rams fan, so I know a lot about misery, longing and suffering. BUT—break out the warm beer and cold hot dogs—cause we’re gonna KICK SOME KITTY_CAT ARSS THIS WEEKEND!!! GO RAMS!!!!!

by Knoxfan on Oct 30, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

dont mean to shit on your dreams

but top3 picks where yall will likley finsh no one will want to trade into and even if you do you wont get 2 1st for it be there 1st and mabe there 2nd

Just Remember matt... what would Daunte do??

by det32 on Oct 30, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I voted no.

Very rarely do 1st round QBs work out very well, especially when a team has as many weak points that need fixing as the Rams do. A lot of people are still riding the Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco high, as was evident in this year’s draft. Stafford hasn’t played completely piss poor, but he is still playing like a rookie.

A lot of people are saying that Snatchez is going to be great, but a lot of that comes from the fact that he went to a Jest team that was already pretty well built and just needing a few more pieces. He isn’t as good as the media is trying to hype him up to be, as his performance against Buffalo showed. He still is making rookie mistakes and has trouble not crumbling when he starts having problems like throwing a pick.

As for this drafts QB class, I’m not really sold on any of them to be honest. Bradford had that shoulder injury and surgery, and not everyone recovers as well from that as Drew Brees does. Tebow is going to be a huge project for any team, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him converted from QB to RB.

In my opinion, I would say that if they feel they have to draft a QB this year, do it in the 3rd-5th rounds. If they want to do some experimenting with Null and feel they can wait till next year to get a QB, then I would do that. Next year’s QB’s look to be a better group than what is available this year. Just my opinion though.

"Why don't you put that in a memo and entitle it 'Shit I Already Know'!" - Sarge from Red vs. Blue

I can't brain today, I have the dumb.

28 "Phinsider Feud" Points

by Chupathingy on Oct 30, 2009 12:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Snatchez!

I lol’d

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by taiko on Oct 30, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Yeah, those weren’t typos, that’s common terms we use for him and the Jets. =P

"Why don't you put that in a memo and entitle it 'Shit I Already Know'!" - Sarge from Red vs. Blue

I can't brain today, I have the dumb.

28 "Phinsider Feud" Points

by Chupathingy on Oct 30, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

QBs do bust

but 1st round QBs work out more often than QBs drafted anywhere else:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/269547-nfl-quarterback-drafting-an-idea

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by Toddius on Oct 30, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really didn't find that article to prove anything.

All he does is list the number of QBs who have succeeded (and I take issue with a couple of those names) and doesn’t list the one’s who haven’t. Then he’s complaining that there should even be another one on the list in Brady Quinn. Really? Quinn has been a failure (for whatever reason).

Loose standards and shoddy reporting IMO.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 31, 2009 6:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too early to call Quinn a failure. Just because Eric Mangini doesn’t like you doesn’t make you terrible.

But I agree with you, this article doesn’t say much.

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by taiko on Oct 31, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's over 200 picks not in the 1st round

and only 32 starting QB spots in the NFL, while there are 32 picks in the first round. So of course the number of QBs drafted else where will be lower (assuming you mean percentage-wise)

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by Carneros on Oct 31, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sign a QB, don't draft one that high

I don’t feel any of this year’s top QBs warrant a Top 3 pick, or I may have said yes. I think we need to sign or trade a young QB and develop Null to be his primary back up. Wouldn’t you guys be for trading a 2nd rd pick for the Eagles Kevin Kolb? He makes the most sense to me in our system.

by bigwood25 on Oct 30, 2009 12:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Kolb is an interesting name

Yesterday, Randy Karraker (the biggest bullshitter on the radio, but interesting at times) gave the same argument, and reeled off a whole list of names that the Rams might trade for, including Kolb, Vince Young and Dennis Dixon. Kolb probably makes the most sense, but also probably carries the biggest price tag.

Although, if Witherspoon carries the Eagles to a SB win, Devaney can call up and say “hey, remember that? how about a deal.”

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by taiko on Oct 30, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still think we need to improve our defense early in the draft

We have Jackson at RB, and I actually think Robinson/Avery/Burton/Gibson/Amendola could be a good group for us going forward. Our o-line still needs a piece, but is on the rise. Our defense? We need a stud DT, another LB to go with Laurinaitis, and another good d-back.

by bigwood25 on Oct 30, 2009 12:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd rank DE ahead of DT & LB

Spags’ scheme is making up for our lack of DT and OLB talent, with pretty decent results in run-stopping. We should be looking for a multi-technique pass rusher from the DE slot, to replace Little —who will be what, 37 next year? and is still our best pass rusher? Given that Spags likes to line up 3 or 4 DEs on his line, the big body DT isn’t the biggest need for this scheme.

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by taiko on Oct 30, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but it's

hard to pass up on Suh. He has loads of upside and his work ethic is incredible, something the current coaching staff holds in high regards. We don’t NEED a DT, but do we want to pass on him? Reggie Bush or Mario Williams… neither is a ‘bad choice’ per say, but one is obviously on the field more and has made the pro bowl.

by RamsFan1979 on Oct 30, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

Suh looks like a great choice right now. Not sure of his injury record but i watched him play the other week and he is always causing trouble for the offense. Unless someone really steps up i think id like him because Blitzing would be alot more efficient if we got the front four to get some push and penetration. then im sure we could find a OLB in the 2nd day to fit in just right. Really too early for me to talk about the draft. Also think about Dunlap freakish athlete but im not looking for athleticism im looking for a productive ball player who is consistent and can make a big play when he’s in position too.

by keeperskillz24 on Oct 30, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yea

I want someone who can make an immediate impact. Chris Long was/is a freakish athlete and he hasn’t made a big impact just yet. Not saying that that has anything to do with Dunlap, but he does not always try on every play either, which doesn’t help him.

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by Carneros on Oct 31, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

These questions don't have answers, just more questions

  A lot of it depends on your approach to drafting QBs. Sure, the guys at the top have the raw talents; that’s why they’re there, but it’s nearly impossible to gauge how their intangibles will play out at the NFL level – composure, field vision, mental strength, consistency, resiliency, etc.
  Given how many positions we could use help at, I would rather see us go after a Dan LeFevour or Tony Pike (pending his reaction to his injury) and spend our top pick on Suh or Dunlap. I really think we have to give Spags another D-line weapon given his history with the Giants’ D-line.
  I wouldn’t be terribly upset if we used our top picks to get, say, Suh, Terrance Toliver and Sean Weatherspoon, and either rolled with Bulger/Boller for another season or added a FA, but the risk in doing that is ignoring the bottom line: in 2011, the Rams simply cannot have Marc Bulger as their starting QB.

Your uncle molests collies.

by 3k on Oct 30, 2009 1:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

DT

I keep hearing people say take the DT from Nebraska and I don’t know if its just me but I am tired of the rams taking DT’s in the first round I mean its kind of like the lions taking receivers in the first round it hasn’t worked out well. But hey I guess if you take 6 then hopefully one will pan out and yea our offense definilty doesn’t need a new QB.

by bobhugehands on Oct 30, 2009 1:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I recognize it's frustrating

but I don’t think you should limit yourself based on your past failures. Had the Lions taken this approach, they would have missed on Calvin Johnson, and he’s a beast. Arizona used successive first round picks on WRs; the second time, they got Larry Fitz. Same with Houston and Mario Williams.
But believe me, I share you frustration. We just have to be a better organization when it comes to player evaluation in the draft.

Your uncle molests collies.

by 3k on Oct 30, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats exactly right

We can’t afford not to be. I’m in the trade down camp. But if it’s not so then we need our QB, then all D.

by dbcouver on Oct 31, 2009 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lewis, Kennedy, Incognito...

Suh could be our Calvin Williams.

by RamsFan1979 on Oct 30, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I voted yes

But what I really think is that we should draft a top rate prospect. Not necessarily in the first round, but we definitely need a young talented signal caller. Clausen seems to be impressive…Locker seems to be going to high for his true value. Bradford is good, but I’m interested to see how his shoulder heals.

I believe in 2010

by ram_rod on Oct 30, 2009 2:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

First 45!

That’s my comfort level for the top prospect. Could be at the 2nd round since we’ll pick so early in the second anyway, 33rd pick overall is still very high.

I have always said let’s play Null and find out what we have this season though, so we could make a more informed choice about that big ol’ bucket of “Need”. There’s plenty of examples of good QB’s who were 3rd – 6th rounders, and we don’t know what we have in him yet.

I see no reason at all the keep Justin Smith off the left side, and no reason at all why Null shouldn’t be a QB2 right now and maybe starting soon.

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Oct 30, 2009 4:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

that makes alot of sense coach

you pretty much summed up what i was trying to write except you use better grammar punctuation and sentence structure. I was kinda getting tired of draft talks but you look at successful teams they always have good drafts and not only do they draft good players they sign great un drafted players as wel, we need to start digging for these diamonds.

by keeperskillz24 on Oct 30, 2009 4:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I say we try the Monkey with the dart board approach to the draft next year...

….and the names on the board are only the best available QB’s or D-Linemen. We might be OK at WR if Robinson comes back healthy along with Avery, Burton and Amendola.

by edpjr on Oct 30, 2009 6:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i agree

d-lineman and QBs should be tops on the rams draft board next year, along with maybe cornerback. the wideout position seems to be settled at least for now.

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 30, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Monkey!

love that word, sorry

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Oct 30, 2009 6:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It's not easy describing draft days of late

Without using the words monkey or a ball.

by dbcouver on Oct 31, 2009 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

we never

have won the battle of the trenches in the draft yet… Carriker is dead to me just about. I like chris long and he still has upside plus i like him because i drive a Chevy truck. And Smith still looks promising. But quarterback i think a 2nd rounder would be a nice time to pick up one if we find the right guy. 1st round i think we need a future pro bowler regardless of what position he is. Quarterback is a hard position to pick because it’s the hardest position to go from college level to pro in my opinion. so by drafting in a later round it’s less of a risk plus we do need a guy who is used to being rushed and is still somewhat productive. So usually a guy like that isn’t from Texas Florida or even usc and Oklahoma. I think a OT should be signed as well a receiver. Get some guys that we know can perform and can fit into are system. Because one good player doesn’t make a team, But he sure as hell helps.

by keeperskillz24 on Oct 30, 2009 6:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

JaMarcus Russell anyone....

We can give the Raiders the draft pick we got from Phili.

by RamsFan1979 on Oct 30, 2009 7:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Trust me, please trust me on this one

Absolutely not.

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Oct 30, 2009 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it his lack

of motivation? I think he has skills, but giving millions to an unproven commodity shows how ‘lazy n rich’ some athletes get. Incentive based contract is all he needs; you want to make millions, then perform like you deserve it. Of course this will never happen…

by RamsFan1979 on Oct 31, 2009 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At one point this season he was 5-30 when passing to wr’s. the guy can throw the ball 60 yards, but can’t throw it 10-15, if you know what i mean.

by stlfan on Oct 31, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

suh the rams need to draft a qb bad

by Habte E on Oct 30, 2009 7:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Take Suh in the first round, then if they feel Null won’t work out then go QB in the next round

by peteyweestro on Oct 30, 2009 7:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ndamukong Suh...

…is too impressive to pass up. He would help every aspect of the defense, mainly Long/Laurinaitis. I’m sure we can still get a good QB prospect in round 2, but I’m not sure WR isn’t the more important position to upgrade. Hopefully we can do that through free agency, and draft a QB in round 2.

"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."

"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."

-Kobe Bryant

A mantra for all athletes.

by TrojanRam on Oct 30, 2009 9:34 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Suh

I agree that he has looked good but I am just not sold on him and like others have said spags system doesn’t need a stud DT so why would we draft one that high when the system doesn’t need one. The only way I would agree with them taking him in the first round is if they traded down but he probably wouldn’t be available if they trade down. We have to many needs at more pressing areas to take a DT.

by bobhugehands on Oct 31, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HUH??

He is, so far, the most consistently dominating defensive player in college football. The only way I wouldn’t choose him would be medical related. Too much of a gamble if the team Dr’s don’t sign off on him or have doubt. I think of this like Carriker; great player who can’t develop due to injuries. I’d rather choose a player that will play.

by RamsFan1979 on Oct 31, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HUH??

what do you mean most consistent player oh wait yea if you are playing teams like Arkansas state and Louisiana-Lafayette and only one good team in Virginia Tech so your right lets just take him because he is consistent and not look at the level of talent he is going up against.

by bobhugehands on Oct 31, 2009 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK, who

do you think is a better defensive line player? This should be good…

by RamsFan1979 on Nov 1, 2009 8:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

As I have said earlier from what I have seen he does look good but when a team like the rams is going to be picking as high as they are why would you take someone that has just looked good and he may be the best defesive lineman when the draft roles around but right now I would not take him, and I don’t care about who is a better lineman because I believe we should draft a QB.

by bobhugehands on Nov 1, 2009 9:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fair Judgement

My question is what is the success rates of Quarterbacks in other rounds not just round 1.

Forget other positions and other players your QB is the first player to touch the ball after the snap and therefore give you a chance to turn a game at any time. The Rams are set at Center with Jason Brown. At QB they are looking for a starter. Heres my list in no particular order iv just sorted them by their current QB rating to make it easier, of QB’s id be happy to start an NFL game who have come into the league since 98.

Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Donovan McNabb, Ben Roethlisberger (personally i thinks he’s overrated he’s no where near Manning or Brady), Tom Brady, Phillip Rivers, Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, Eli Manning, Jay Cutler. Possible Carson Palmer and of course Kurt Warner must be mentioned as a Rams fan. Others iv not listed such as Romo(need to see a good end of season and playoff improvement first), Matt Schaub (more consistency and injury prone), Orton (gotta see more than this)

Thats about a dozen QB’s in a league with 32 teams who actually have a quarterback id be happy to have as my starting QB in the NFL. Less than 40% actually, so the position is never going to be a good chance no matter how you acquire them.

10 were first round picks since 1998 if include Palmer. 30 qbs have been selected in rd 1. 33% success rate

1 was a 2nd rounder (Brees) out of 12QBs selected in round 2. Only notables in rd 2 henne, kolb, tarvaris jackson. None are really threatening.

0 in rd 3. Notables brian griese, trent edwards, matt schaub. Schaub is a good QB but has played a max of 11 games in a season. 16 QB’s have been selected in rd 3.

0 in rd 4. Notables Garrard, Orton. 11 Quarterbacks have been selected in this round.

0 in rd 5. Notables no one has been very good in this round, not judging 08 yet though, best is maybe AJ Feeley

1 in rd 6. Brady. Notables Matt Hasselback, Bulger, Derek Anderson. 20 QB’s selected. Had to include Bulger and Anderson just for a laugh.

0 in rd 7. Cassel, Fitzpatrick. 25 picked in rd 7 since 98.

The fact the only decent QBs id want who aren’t from rd 1 are Warner, Brady, Brees, Schaub, Orton, Romo, Garrard and Hasselback is not a good sign. Either you draft a franchise guy in rd 1 at 33% success rate, or have a 8.3% success in rd 2 or a 5% chance in round 6 or sign a UDFA or FA. Any other round has been pretty mediocre to say the least. We aint looking for a backup we are looking for a starter. To me you have to make a decision you are either going QB or the CLEAR CUT BEST PLAYER regardless of position.

by BrandonT on Nov 1, 2009 11:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs