2012 NFL Mock Draft: A Trade And Some Controversy

by Ryan Van Bibber on Jan 13, 2012 8:26 AM CST in 2012 NFL Draft

The idea of Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III being drafted anywhere beyond the second pick looks more and more far fetched with each day. That notion is starting to play out in the 2012 NFL mock draft corners of the internet. What actually happens remains to be seen, but the idea of the Rams trading down presents them with lots of options.

The latest mock draft over at Walter Football will particularly shock you.

This mock considers the idea that the Rams trade down with Washington, a team desperate for a quarterback and perhaps a more likely suitor than the Browns.

With Washington's sixth pick the Rams select ...

Trent RIchardson, RB, Alabama

That sound you heard was 3k losing his breakfast at the idea of a running back in the first round. But here's the thing, the Rams need offensive talent, lots of it. With Justin Blackmon off the board in this scenario, Richardson just might be the most talented offensive player on the board. Remember, the Rams had Mark Ingram highly rated on their board last year ... under a different regime.

Richardson is like Steven Jackson, very much like Steven Jackson. Drafting him and keeping Jackson would give the Rams a powerful, diverse running game. And a replacement when the 29-year old Jackson's $7 million salary becomes more burden than help to the team's cap.

But they need a wide receiver more, much more. Michael Floyd or Alshon Jeffery would be a better pick here ... except they aren't as highly ranked as Richardson. I think they both will be with the Combine and offseason workouts.

In the deal, the Rams would pick up Washington's first-round pick in 2013, second-round pick this year and more.

The second round, armed with two picks, the Rams address two big needs with good players.

Their first pick in the second round is Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina, who would be a significant talent upgrade at weakside linebacker, something the team desperately needs.

The Rams take (sort of) Florida State OT Zebrie Sanders with their second pick in the second round. He's raw, but has the athleticism to play on the left side. Here's a scouting report.

A few others I would consider with that pick: WR Dwight Jones, DT Brandon Thompson and CB Josh Robinson.

In the third round of this mock, the Rams pick Texas A&M WR Jeff Fuller. Here's some prospect notes from Mocking the Draft.

In the fourth round, they project Ohio State C Michael Brewster, who would also fill a huge need for the Rams. More on Brewster here from MtD who tabs him as a very good interior OL prospect.

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Comments

I think it would be neat

to see them trade down again, out of the 4 or the 6 or whatever high first rounder they end up with after trading out of 2. There maybe some options, perhaps another run on QB’s a la Christian Ponder/Blaine Gabbert last year. Continue to stockpile picks for years to come!

by TransplantedRamsFan on Jan 13, 2012 8:39 AM CST reply actions

The price isn't right

At a minimum I would want 3 1st in exchange for RG3 if it would cause us to miss out on Blackmon. Also I’m not keen on selecting a RB with other positions of need hanging out there. This move wouldn’t help the Rams in 2012 thus in my opinion it just can’t be made.

At least they got the fact we’ll trade right.

by Sggladden on Jan 13, 2012 8:43 AM CST via mobile reply actions

FUCK THAT!

I would go to st Louis with pitch forks and furze if we pick him! Waste of a pick..

Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware

by RG31 on Jan 13, 2012 8:43 AM CST via mobile reply actions

I would take Richardson at #12 with a trade to Seatle for a Shit Load of picks.

by jmo53 on Jan 13, 2012 9:16 AM CST via Android app reply actions

I like it, for the most part.

I know the Rams greatest need isn’t at RB, but it will be in a few years. Plus, the Rams could line Richardson up in the slot. He has better hands than most of the current Rams WRs.

Two second round picks could get a good OT and good CB, then spend $$$ to get Colston in FA.

by OkieWXman on Jan 13, 2012 9:29 AM CST reply actions

I would be pissed at this

SJ has a few more years to go, so we should be drafting a back up who one day will take over for him. But not with our first pick, we have other holes to fill. Should draft Reiff or Martin. Also got to little from Washington for the #2 pick

by ChrisL951 on Jan 13, 2012 10:05 AM CST reply actions

I've never seen WF trade in his mocks.

"Vick’s 100x the player Warner was.
Desean’s not quite at Holts level.
McCoy’s giving Faulk a run for his money.
Maclin’s better than Bruce.
Warner never took over games."
Signed, wild_eagle - the most delusional person in the entire universe.

by douchiedude on Jan 13, 2012 10:56 AM CST reply actions

I like Richardson but...

I really can’t see how we could go another year without drafting a playmaker at WR. I hate the idea of taking a WR with number 2 as much as the next guy but I starting to think that may have to be the choice here. All assuming we dont find a number 1 in FA

by stumpf32 on Jan 13, 2012 11:16 AM CST reply actions

Aggie Fan

Loves Jeff Fuller in round 4 or later. I’ve been watching him for 3 years now, and he’s good, but not high 3rd round good. His problems are nagging injuries, a small case of dropsy and and a moderate work ethic. His hands are great and his catch circle is amazing. I think his early QB threw a higher lofted fade whereas Tannehill kind of zings it in there. Could be a huge potential there, but I expect a little more consistency from a third rounder

by JD70-79 on Jan 13, 2012 11:36 AM CST reply actions

Another trade down

Would get us to the 8 or 12 pick and we should easily pick up Floyd or Alshon at that level. The extra picks help us probably more than the franchise WR.

by JD70-79 on Jan 13, 2012 11:39 AM CST reply actions

+1

by jmo53 on Jan 14, 2012 9:03 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

It will be interesting to

see if Brockers enters the discussion @22 if we are able to trade down with the Browns and grab their #4 and #22. 3K thought a few days ago there was no way Brockers would declare and guess what, “here he is.” Now Devon Still and Brockers appear to be surefire 1rst rounders and the debate starts now on who is the better prospect. I don’t recall ever seeing a mock draft with Brockers name on it so he is going to be the new “hot name” entering the mocks from here on out.
I for one would be pleased with Blackmon at #4 and Brockers at #22 (assuming he lasts that long).

by RamTeaPartier on Jan 13, 2012 12:33 PM CST reply actions

Did I miss it.

I only see 1 pick in th 2nd round did we just say here you can have it back?

by Ramfan4life on Jan 13, 2012 12:37 PM CST reply actions

I like the idea

Of drafting Trent then grab Dwight Jones in the second round he’s a good receiver we could groom him. I belive we should plan for the future I know we don’t need a RB now, but two years from now we will.

(Love by many hated by most) St. Louis Rams

by J-RAD2 on Jan 13, 2012 1:10 PM CST via mobile reply actions

I agree the Rams hold the trump card and they should hold it for the highest bidder. My dream scenario that I don’t think is to far fetched would be trading pick #2 and our third round pick for both of Cleveland’s # 1 picks and their 2nd round pick. Go far the bank.

by Mikestl on Jan 13, 2012 7:19 PM CST reply actions