Which 2011 NFL draft pick could have the biggest impact for the Rams?

by Ryan Van Bibber on May 4, 2011 2:13 PM CDT in 2011 NFL Draft

Mocking the Draft has a look at five players from the 2011 NFL Draft that they predict could have a big impact as rookies. None of the St. Louis Rams' picks are on the list, though it's hard to argue that the Rams haven't gotten plenty of impact from their rookies lately in light of Sam Bradford and Rodger Saffold's performance last year and James Laurinaitis the year before that.

Three of their five picks are defensive players; the other two are offensive tackles. There's not a hard and fast rule as to how much impact any rookie or any position will have in their first year. You have to think Nick Fairley benefits from playing next to Ndamukong Suh. I'm still not sure how Von Miller works in Denver with their change to a 3-4 defense, but it's not my problem to figure out. So what about the St. Louis Rams' draft picks, which of the eight new players is likely to have the biggest impact in year one?

No offense to the late-round picks, but I'm going to rule them out. Some may contribute, but they won't have an impact per se. The leading candidates are:

DE Robert Quinn: The UNC product lands in a set of circumstances, studying under the master, playing behind James Hall and Chris Long, with no need to press his development. Quinn will get to be a situational pass rusher, with offensive linemen focused on the more established Long and Hall. A better Rams pass rush should spell big things for the team this year.

TE Lance Kendricks: Which of the offensive players is most ready to contribute right off the bat? It's hard to say from this vantage point. We have a sort-of point of comparison in New England's use of two TEs last year, with 4th round pick Aaron Hernandez playing the role McDaniels has in mind for Kendricks. Hernandez caught 45 passes for 563 yards and 6 TDs last year, and by all accounts Kendricks is seen as the better prospect heading into the league. No Rams receiver had more than 3 TDs last year, and Steven Jackson led the team with 6 total.

WR Austin Pettis: His size, hands and smarts make him a candidate to compete right away. Having a QB like Bradford throwing the ball should only make it easier.

WR Greg Salas: Some really saw Salas as the big upside pick in the draft, but outside of working the slot, he might need some seasoning at the other positions.

Van's take: I believe Pettis might have the biggest impact overall this year. If he lives up to his billing, he could be one of the team's top three receivers, and with enough targets around him on the field, he won't be relied upon too heavily either. Anyone of these guys could surprise you though.

Poll

Which Rams draft pick will have the biggest impact as a rookie?

Robert Quinn

310 votes

Lance Kendricks

213 votes

Austin Pettis

116 votes

Greg Salas

90 votes

729 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

As a rookie I almost feel obligated to choose Quinn

But over time I’m liking Pettis for us.

by ramswo85 on May 4, 2011 2:24 PM CDT reply actions

I feel just the opposite

I think over time, Quinn is clearly gonna have the most impact. But rookie year, I really like Pettis. Smart kid, good hands. And Sam just makes people better

by Rick Siegel on May 4, 2011 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions

I picked Pettis...

Quinn is a Super Stud, no doubt! I love this pick. But I am expecting him to be a little bit rusty considering the year he sat out. Expect for him to start as a rotational Defensive End at first and be phased into James Hall’s spot. Also, the guy is 20 YEARS OLD!!! We can afford to let him take a year to develop into a Quarterback Terrorist!

I am liking Austin Pettis more and more. The guy’s hands are constantly covered in glue and he should definitely help our team get better in the RedZone at the very least…

By the way, I love how young our stars are. With the exception of Steven Jackson, Ron Bartell, and Chris Long, our core talent now is 25 and younger. We are building towards a bright future and it feels good!

by Jigzsaw on May 4, 2011 2:36 PM CDT reply actions

yeah-if this keeps going, we'll give out Pampers instead of jock straps!

by Knoxfan on May 4, 2011 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Just couldn't be a post without the negativity.... huh?

Get some impact players!!

by RG31 on May 4, 2011 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Funny how that works-

You grow up starting in Pampers, graduate to jock straps, grow old and you’re back in Pampers—-hmmmmmmmm

by Knoxfan on May 4, 2011 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Yelp pretty much

Kinda depressing uh?

Get some impact players!!

by RG31 on May 4, 2011 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions

I picked Kendricks

I wasn’t pleased with the pick at the time, but he’s definitely our most athletic TE and I think he has the proper skill set to be a productive player. I think he could become Sam’s safety target, and I’m sure McDaniels will find a way to get him some looks in the endzone.

For me, Pettis came a close second. He’s a smart, reliable player that appears to be able to step right in and help out the offense. I’m just not sure he’ll get as many looks as Kendricks with all the other receivers in the mix.

Of all our picks, I have the most faith in Quinn, but as others alluded to, I think we’ll really start to see what he’s made of after his first year as he gets stronger and is coached up by Spags. Seeing most of his action on third down will dampen his impact in my opinion.

by jreg88 on May 4, 2011 3:01 PM CDT reply actions

The Schedule Factor!

In addition to the rookies’ performance alone, keep in mind that our first several opponents don’t do us any favors. Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Green Bay aren’t exactly teams where we can coddle our rookies and bring them along slowly. Rookie Confidence may be tough to build during this period. In all seriousness, we are likely to lose most, if not all, of these games unless some dramatic improvements occur between last season and week one.

With that said, If the Rams can somehow start the season at 3-2 or better, we will be in great shape for a playoff run with Seattle (2), Arizona (2), San Fran (2), Cleveland, and Cinci still to come.

by Jigzsaw on May 4, 2011 3:55 PM CDT reply actions

Had to go with Quinn

  He’s the only defensive end with a complete pass rush skill set. More than Chris Long or James Hall, Quinn has the ability to impact our pass defense to a degree that noone else on our roster can duplicate.
  If he gets into the NFL groove in the preseason, he could have not just a huge impact for any rookie, but have a huge impact for a team that has serious aspirations in 2011.
  As an aside, I’m ready for football.

Turf Show Times editor, Mocking the Draft writer, and I gots that Twitter too, yo.
"my keyboard won't corporate, neighter will my smell check." - Knoxfan

by 3k on May 4, 2011 4:00 PM CDT reply actions

I would be inclined to agree but

With 1 year off the field I just don’t see it happening THAT fast

The only thing comparable to a Rams win is a 49er loss!

by DevsLaRams on May 4, 2011 4:11 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Quinn

Is going into the most productive part of the team. One of the three receivers will have a bigger impact on the team. Quinn will really have to produce to make a difference. Kendricks, Pettis, or Salas merely have to catch the ball, once.

by LARams1968 on May 4, 2011 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions

With Kendricks being a hybrid TE

Does that mean he’ll be an every down TE or situational? If he can get a large amount of playing time I’d see him as the front runner for rookie producers

The only thing comparable to a Rams win is a 49er loss!

by DevsLaRams on May 4, 2011 4:02 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Pass situation probably

everydown requires blocking and he isnt really good with that.

"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no PLAYOFFS."
Winston Churchill

by SMASH44 on May 4, 2011 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I think people are short changing Salas

Salas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH94OG2Fcko

Pettis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48ukVKewY9A

Both are going to be great in the red zone. Both seem pretty tough. I see Salas going over the middle more. Time will tell.

by RoyaleWithCheeze on May 4, 2011 4:17 PM CDT reply actions

Nice vids

but on a couple of those I couldn’t help but think, “in the NFL, someone’s going to cause some fumbles on these receivers.” I hope I’m totally wrong.

And I think, at least in these videos, that yeah, Salas looks like the more aggressive receiver.

by Sundowner on May 4, 2011 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Yea, kinda the same problem AD had coming into the league

Get some impact players!!

by RG31 on May 4, 2011 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions

AD fixed his problem by protecting the ball instead of himself

When he is going down. Salas is getting called “on crack” sounds like he will make that adjustment if he needs to

by King Sam Rules! on May 4, 2011 10:00 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I think

you will find that to be true of most college wide receivers. There’s a huge difference in the pros and the good one’s adjust.

by RoyaleWithCheeze on May 4, 2011 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions

kendricks

i see him coming in and starting right away, giving sam a target that will be open early and often, lining up all over the field. The guys got great speed as well, i see him having great numbers his rookie season

by caliramsfan1 on May 4, 2011 4:36 PM CDT reply actions

I see how Kendricks can stretch the field but it appears it doesn’t take more than a touch to bring him down.

by RoyaleWithCheeze on May 4, 2011 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Mighty Quinn

For essentially the same reasons 3k mentioned.

I know I’m not old enough to make a proper Manfred Mann reference… but these things can’t be helped.

"Fac Fortia et Patere"

by FailureDrill on May 4, 2011 6:14 PM CDT reply actions

Good nick - Quinn the Mighty Eskimo

by LARams1968 on May 4, 2011 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Kendricks

Pettis and Salas will be contributing, but will find it tough to have too many catches with a crowded WR depth chart. They’ll contribute in the redzone, but so will Kendricks.

Quinn will be very good, but will take a while to get going – and will be behind James Hall for a while.

Basically, Kendricks will have a chance to be on the field more often (two TE sets and rotating with Hoomanawanui) – meaning he’ll have more chances to make an impact.

by Oski Bear on May 4, 2011 8:17 PM CDT reply actions