What the Mark Clayton Trade Means
When the Rams traded for Mark Clayton of the Baltimore Ravens today, they currently had 6 receivers on the active 53 man roster: Laurent Robinson, Danny Amendola, Mardy Gilyard, Dominique Curry, Brandon Gibson, and Keenan Burton.
Now the Rams have 7 receivers and 54 men. This probably means that one of the receivers has to go, and there are 2 options:
1) Put Dominique Curry on the practice squad. The Rams currently have 7 of 8 guys on it. Curry has upside and can be called up at any time if a Rams' receiver is hurt, or Brandon McRae, or Danario Alexander.
2) Cut Keenan Burton. Besides Curry, he is the next worst receiver in the group. He has really underachieved since being drafted and struggled and couldn't stay healthy. He went from number 2nd or 3rd receiver last season to 5th or 6th receiver this season.
If either Option 1 or 2 happens, Clayton is in the mix.
Today, I was told by a relative that is a very loyal Ravens fan that Clayton: "May be short but is a pretty good route runner that got screwed when the Ravens brought in Housh, Boldin, and Stallworth. He was also screwed because the Ravens have always been a run happy team."
The key words in that description of him was pretty good route runner. The Rams truly lack good route runners and guys who can get separation in the passing game.
Clayton also brings much needed experience at the wide receiver position, he has played for a winning team, and he is entering his 6th season. That is very important, as you see below:
Laurent Robinson: entering 4th season (but 2 were injury filled)
Danny Amendola: entering 3rd season
Brandon Gibson: entering 2nd season
Mardy Gilyard: entering 1st season
Keenan Burton: entering 3rd season
Donnie Avery: was entering 3rd season
Dominique Curry: entering 1st season
Brandon McRae: entering 1st season
Danario Alexander: entering 1st season
Clearly, Clayton brings a lot to the table in terms of leadership and experience. Also ability.
Great trade Billy Devaney!
Leave any comments.
5 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Not completely unsold on Burton
He has trouble staying healthy, but is a good possession receiver with a lot of heart.
Im uneasy about releasing Burton
eventhough i agree he is probably gone. He showed some potential this preseason, but in the end we cant get any weaker at other important positions. This leaves room for the rams to grab a released RB or trade for someone like Tashard Choice, then move curry to the practice squad.
or....
Drop one of the tight ends (fells) … just a thought, not nessisarily supporting droping fells and keeping burton, or curry on the active roster…just another option
I think the best move would be to cut Burton
So far this off season, the Rams F.O. has been gaining my confidence with some solid decisions. Keeping Lewis over Null, hanging on to our solid tight ends, keeping the solid dline guys like Selvie and Cudjo, cutting Brooks Foster, hanging on to Vobora and Hull and cutting Quincy Butler. I cant believe we actually worked a deal to fill a position of need with a quality player like Mark Clayton for such a low price. Kudos to the Kroenke/Devaney/Spagnuolo Trio. I get the feeling our backup running back and offensive line depth is next to be addressed.

by 

























