Who knew conventional wisdom could be so ominous. A pair of 2012 NFL mock drafts released today at CBSSports.com by Chad Reuter and Rob Rang, have the St. Louis Rams picking third overall. And just who are they taking with that pick?
Both of the respected draft analysts have the Rams taking Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon.
Interestingly enuogh, Blackmon is the first receiver off the board in Rang's mock, ahead of South Carolina's ALshon Jeffery. Why, he doesn't really say, but here's his rationale for the Blackmon pick:
The Rams invested heavily this past season in wide receivers who hopefully will develop some chemistry with young star quarterback, Sam Bradford. If Billy Delaney is once again picking in the top five, however, that plan hasn't worked. As such, it would be tough to pass on the playmaking Blackmon.
Reuter's draft has Jeffery getting picked in the second spot, just ahead of the Rams. How would the Rams choose if it came down to a choice between Blackmon and Jeffery? Who knows. Hopefully, they'll choose better than their recent track record with wide receivers. 3k and Josh both have Jeffery and Blackmon in the first and second spots on their wide receiver big board.
Alabama CB Dre Kirkpatrick is the first cornerback off the board on both mocks; each has him in the top ten. I have to think that he would get serious consideration from the Rams.
Neither one speculates about the possibility of a trade down from the third spot, but it would almost certainly have to be a possibility.