Passing on Crabtree
by VanRam on Feb 20, 2009 6:45 AM CST
in 2009 Off-Season
9 comments
Let me start off the morning playing devil's advocate about Michael Crabtree. First off, this is just a thought, intended to get some more good draft discussion going. The idea of taking Crabtree with the Rams second overall pick in the draft is picking up steam; that's who the Rams took in the latest TST mock draft. It's hard to pass up talent like that, no matter how you prioritize the team's needs, but is it the best way to start the rebuilding process? Wouldn't addressing the o-line and the middle of the defense go further in speeding up the rebuilding process, giving the Rams a real foundation to work from on both the offensive and defensive fronts?
If the Rams don't address the offensive line at OT and C we'll have lots of money tied up in skill players (Steven Jackson, Bulger, and possibly Crabtree) that isn't giving the team much in the way of returns because, well, they're playing behind some version of the same offensive line that's dragged them down for the last two seasons. On the other side of the ball, upgrading the middle of the defense by adding a NT, MLB and SS would complete the improvements to the D-line the Rams have made in the last two drafts, giving them the base for a solid defense for years to come. And, let's face it, teams with a good defense and mediocre offense - which the Rams could have without another WR - can go much further than a teams whose situation is reversed. Don't forget, right now, we don't have a single starter at CB signed for 2009, not a legitimate starter anyway.
The Rams will be hard pressed to address all of their needs through the draft and free agency this season. A few moves, like trading the #2 pick or moving Holt or Pace, would give the Rams a few more options in the draft, but even with two first rounders it would still be hard to fill each position in dire need of an upgrade.
Okay, there's my devil's advocate of the day. Let's discuss.
And now, a few links of note.
- The Rams did not speak with Baylor OT Jason Smith yesterday.
- The Saints will not sign MLB and arrest resistor Jonathan Vilma before the free agent deadline.
- Speaking of Crabtree, he will not run the 40 at the Combine.
- From the same link as above, OT Michael Oher is getting plenty of attention in Indy this week. If this guy proves he can learn a playbook, I think he'll be the top OT in the draft.
- Mocking the Draft has a look at whose stock could rise and fall in Indy as well as who will run the fastest 40.
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The Rams def need to go after Vilma. He is a force in the middle with great size. He did an excellent job for the Saints last year and he was a beast when he was with the Jets. Just because he had an injury doesn’t mean he isn’t good anymore. He’s young and I think Vilma will be a steal for the Rams if he doesn’t come with a high price tag. Then pick up Crabtree with the second pick and an OT in the second round…
by RamsMan83 on Feb 20, 2009 8:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’d love a Vilma signing. Cap space is going to be tough, though.
Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.
by 3k on Feb 20, 2009 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Talking Rams on a podcast...
I’ve been talking with Greg over at Fantasy Sharks and he’s asked if I’d like to be a guest on his podcast this Sunday (Fantasy Sharks on blogtalkradio) to discuss the Rams, the Combine etc…
It’s not 100% as we need to sort out a few things seeing as there is the time diff to consider (me being in the UK and all), but if it does go ahread, any topics you guys think I should raise or mention!!??
Follow my NFL-orientated Twitter Feed http://twitter.com/RossMiles
http://yankeedoodlebrit.tumblr.com
by YankeeDoodleBrit on Feb 20, 2009 12:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Crabtree vs. OT, Bartell, & needs/draft options
Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.
by 3k on Feb 20, 2009 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
podcast
seems I’d have to call in from the UK, which would be super expensive…. might not happen this weekend, possibly another…. will look into it
Follow my NFL-orientated Twitter Feed http://twitter.com/RossMiles
http://yankeedoodlebrit.tumblr.com
by YankeeDoodleBrit on Feb 20, 2009 12:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
where you at in UK?
Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.
by 3k on Feb 20, 2009 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Van
I agree 100. 200, even.
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
by taiko on Feb 20, 2009 3:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Taking Crabtree
An impact player like Michael Crabtree only comes along once in awhile. He could be the next Jerry Rice, and an immediate replacement for the aging Tory Holt. And, Holt probably still has some trade value. He could be swapped for draft picks or a Center, Guard, Tackle, etc. Plus, O-Lineman can be found via free agency, trades or in later rounds of the draft. No, we’ll probably not get a Jake Long this year in the draft, but there should be some worthy OL players left in rounds 2-6. So, if Pace will restructure and can stay healthy for one more year, if Bell earns his pay in 2009, if Incognito is moved back to center and muzzled, and if Alex Barron realizes his jigg is up this season unless he performs better, we’ve already got the makings of a mediocre O-line. Btw, Barron is a classic example that you don’t always get your money’s worth with a high draft pick O-lineman. With talent like Jackson, Darby, Avery, Burton, McMichael AND Crabtree on offense, and if Bulger can regain 1/2 his former ability, the offense coupled with one of the best kicking/punting combos in the league should be able to score more than 14 1/2 points per game. The defense is a whole other problem. Too many holes to fill at once. That’s why I don’t expect the Rams to compete for the NFC West title in 2009. But maybe they can build on Crabtree and the other young guys and play decent by 2010.
by edpjr on Feb 20, 2009 6:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Retraction on Crabtree
The recent revelations of Crabtree’s injured ankle and now broken foot needing a screw made me change my mind about him. He may recover perfectly and be a superstar, but remember the oft injured Brian Bosworth was the greatest draft bust of all time. Also, a never quite mended foot basically ended RB Shaun Alexander’s career. Go for someone healthy in the draft!
by edpjr on Feb 22, 2009 2:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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