2012 NFL Draft: Rams Big Board Top 20
by Brick Top on Jan 30, 2012 10:22 AM CST
in 2012 NFL Draft
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PrintIt's that time of year. NFL experts and bloggers from all around the web flock to their computers to make that perfect mock draft. They know the needs of all teams and the players who can fill those needs. Hell, some are ballsy enough to predict trades in their mocks. Thousands are made that are read by millions. A great deal of time of effort from sports writers goes into these mocks. There's one problem. Every one of them is wrong.
I never been a huge supporter of mock drafts. Are they entertaining and thought provoking? Absolutely, but when are they ever actually right? Never. No one knows how the draft is going to unfold, what trades will occur, what reaches or falls will happen. Mock drafts are very fun to read and they start good discussion, but in the end, they are utterly useless.
What I prefer is the method teams use in the draft; the Big Board. Every team goes through the process of creating the board, which will become the end all be all guide for the draft. These are harder to make and they require more work, but in the end, they lead to a better quality piece that isn't some crapshoot projection.
The basis for my big board isn't to rank the best 20 players, but to rank the 20 players that I believe should be highest on the Rams draft board. Hit the jump to read my board and to start the discussion.
The big debate for Rams' fans lately is Justin Blackmon or Matt Kalil. There are major needs at both spots. Both guys can fill those needs, so who do the Rams take? It's almost 1 and 1A between them. For my money, the number one guy on the board should be....
1. Matt Kalil- OT, USC
I have to go with Matt Kalil for now. The reason being, I think protecting Sam Bradford is of the upmost importance, and with the current offensive line, that can't happen. Kalil will dramatically improve the pass protection. I agree that the Rams also need weapons for Bradford, but what good would those weapons do if he's under pressure every passing down?
2. Justin Blackmon- WR, Oklahoma St.
Blackmon is easily the best WR on the board. His skill set would greatly benefit the Rams offense. He could even move up to number one on my board if he goes Julio Jones mode at the combine.
3. Morris Claiborne- CB, LSU
He was outshines this year by the Honey Badger, but make no mistake, he has the skill set to be an elite shutdown corner in the NFL. I hate this cliché, but he's the "safest" pick in the draft.
4. Riley Reiff- OT, Iowa
Reiff isn't that far off from Kalil. He's a better run blocker but he isn't as skilled a pass protector. The combine will be huge for him because playing in the Big Ten, he never matched up against elite pass rushers (didn't play Illinois and DE Whitney Mercillus this season).
5. Jonathan Martin- OT, Stanford
Wow, is this draft loaded with offensive linemen!! Martin was a terrific run blocker for Stanford and protected the blindside of Andrew Luck. Standford's offense was based on running the ball and play action passes, thus, it's hard to judge how his pass protection will translate to the passing league of the NFL. I actually see him as a RT in the NFL.
6. Dre Kirkpatrick- CB, Alabama
Dre Kirkpatrick isn't on the level of Claiborne, but he is still a very good corner. His ability to shut down LSU WR Reuben Randle was key in Alabama shutting down LSU in the national championship game. The Rams have question marks at corner back. Bartell, Fletcher and Murphy are all coming off injury. Kirkpatrick or Claiborne would help bring stability to the secondary.
7. David DeCasto- OG, Stanford
Before the new rookie cap system, there would of been no way I would of had him this high on the board. Picking him in the top 15 picks would mean he would be one of the top paid interior linemen as a rookie, but thanks to the new cap rules, his salary will be very reasonable. He was dominate in college and is compared to All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson by many.
8. Courtney Upshaw- DE/OLB, Alabama
Some may question him being this high, but the impact he would have is unquestioned. Yes he may not be a true 4-3 OLB, but he can be used as a pass rushing weapon. By moving him along the line and playing him in multiple positions where his pass rushing skills are maximized (a la Von Miller), he can have great impact.
9. Michael Floyd- WR, Notre Dame
He would be a top ten pick without question, but character concerns have dropped his stock. He is still the only other WR in the draft that I can see developing into a great player who can be the answer for the Rams' woes at WR.
10. Devon Still- DT, Penn St
This is the type of player that the Rams desperately need in the middle of the defense. He simply dominated games in college. Has a great size and speed combo that helps him constantly get in the backfield. He is also very versatile which will help in Gregg Williams' defense that constantly changes fronts and formations.
11. Peter Konz- C, Wisconsin
He is the second best interior linemen behind DeCasto, an area of desperate need for the Rams. He was the best run blocker on an offensive line that Montee Ball ran for 1923 yards and 33 TDs. He will be an instant fix at C for the Rams, an area that a high priced free agent, Jason Brown, couldn't fix.
12. Trent Richardson- RB, Alabama
Let me say this right off the bat, if the Rams pick him before pick 20, I'm going to be very disappointed. The impact of an NFL RB is not worth a top 20 pick, no matter how good the RB is. The fact that he is 12 on my draft board shows the weakness of this draft class. I have a feeling someone in the top 10 is going to make a major reach for him.
13. Janoris Jenkins- CB, North Alabama
He might be the most skilled CB in the draft, even above Claiborne. The reason he's this low is multiple drug arrest that got him kicked out of Florida, but his talent can't be questioned. Jeff Fisher has a history of working well with problem players. It could be the perfect fit for Jenkins in St. Louis with Coach Fisher.
14. Kendall Wright- WR, Baylor
DeSean Jackson 2.0? That's the comparison many are making for the great WR from Baylor. A great deep threat would help the Rams tremendously and he is the best one in this draft class.
15. Alshon Jeffery- WR, South Carolina
He has a bad season. Part of that was the horrible QB play at South Carolina, but a lot still falls on him. He looked overweight at the beginning of the year which will make teams question his work ethic. His has the skill set, but does he have the desire? Any team that takes him would have to be confident in that.
16. Vontaze Burfict- LB, Arizona State.
He still needs to develop as a football player, but he has great potential. He played MLB for the Sun Devils, but his physical style of play combined with his speed would allow him to be successful at any LB spot in a 4-3.
17. Michael Brockers- DT, LSU
He is very similar to Devon Still, but he is a lot more raw. He has all the potential in the world, but that's the same thing that was said about Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson, both of the Chiefs, who haven't been overly impressive in the NFL.
18. Cordy Glenn- OT/OG, Georgia
What an athlete he is!! The speed he has for his size is incredible. He would easily fill the Rams need for a playmaking OLB. His football instincts have come in to question and many say he's a great athlete, but not a great football player.
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We need half those players on our team now
I feel we are so depleted that is the min we need to dig ourselves out of the dirt Dev & company put us in. I’d rather take a chance on Wright than on Jeffries; you can’t teach speed and he has proven he can catch and make plays once the ball is in his hands. I’m just not that high on Jeffries at all. Have any small school players thinking may be a diamond in the rough?
Blackmon has to be #1
I’m sick of the Rams drafting/signing OL that are suppose to better our pass protection. Draft the playmaker because we have no playmakers, but a lot of OL that were suppose to solidify our OL pass protection and look where that got us.
By that logic
the Lions wouldn’t of drafted Calvin Johnson
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I tend to agree with Nic66
The absence of playmers has hurt our offense, and adding a few might take some of the pressure off of the OL.
Might not, but that’s my $0.02.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 11:29 AM CST up reply actions
Agree
I’m not one to be big on pass plays but we definently need a true play maker. Myself I’m with you on possibly relieving pressure from the OL. One thing I am looking forward to is our new and improved training staff lord knows they have there work cut out for them.
Just a man who loves football
by BurnoutJoeB. on Jan 30, 2012 11:41 AM CST up reply actions
Look at the one big game we won
We were able to hit Lloyd on a few deep balls and that put the Saints defense in the position to play the whole field. A big problem with our pass protection stemmed from an inability to either force teams to respect the whole field and the fact we were playing from behind so much. As good as Kali is is does nothing to dramatically change this.
If Blackmon could be anything close to a Larry Fitzgerald type we almost have to put him at the top of the board. I’ll defer to the pros at evaluating WR because frankly I’m not qualified. I will say this, Blackmon passes the eyeball test and does provide a lot of wow factor.
Simply put we either decide Blackmon will be a star WR or we trade down. Kali is good but additional picks offer more value.
If we do trade down my preference is to get one of the studs from either LSU or Alabama. SEC defenders are as safe of a bet as there is in the draft.
See that's the thing
I don’t see Blackmon as a Fitzgereld or a Calvin type. I think he’ll be very good but not elite, but on the other hand, I see Kalil as an elite OT
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I see
If you see Kalil as being elite then I totally see your point. I am a true believe that games are won beginning at the line specifically the OL. What I am hoping for better yet praying for is that our new personal can train these goons.
Just a man who loves football
by BurnoutJoeB. on Jan 30, 2012 12:12 PM CST up reply actions
He's Andre Johnson 2.0
I like him, and he’s got better productivity than any WR I can think of in a long time.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
And..
Are we going to be able to resign Lloyd? He was the only receiver we had that didn’t have bricks for hands.
Possibly.........
Word on da street is that he wants to stay baically meaning I’m not going to follow McD. What I’m hoping is that he likes the role of being the big dog here not that he has much competition. Also with Amendola coming back picking up another possible big reciever would be huge.
Just a man who loves football
by BurnoutJoeB. on Jan 30, 2012 2:46 PM CST up reply actions
3 CBs?
C’mon man! We don’t need 3 CBs. The players we truly need are OL, WR, OLB, DT, Safety-backups, and back-up RB. So many holes to fill, but CB is not one. Why are so many people still sipping on the CB train?
Also, Jeffry has no work ethic. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him slip to the 3rd or 4th round.
Because our top 3 CBs are all coming off injury
and you can always use more corners in football, just like you can always used more pitchers in baseball
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
We can address depth in a few years.
For now, we have to focus on guys who can make an immediate impact.. I agree with 81 that we need WR, OL, DT and a RB more than anything. Of course if Claiborne slipped to #15 and we were drafting there (ie, traded down) then that’s great, but not if we’re picking in the top 10.
Cool board though. I guess I’d say: Blackmon in the 1st. If we can’t get him then BPA of OL or DT. Then go with Sanu if you don’t get Blackmon, or an OG / DT in the 2nd round or BPA if somebody slips.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 11:35 AM CST up reply actions
I'm not addressing depth
I’m adding a player who will have instant impact and greatly improve the defense. If a CB is the best player available, you have to take him
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
yeah you can't
because they all help! You can’t tell me our defense wouldn’t be a hell of a lot better with a guy like Claiborn and Fletch on the outside with Bartell in the middle.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
You can have too many when all of your good young players are CB and you have nothing else.
Like what we have. Fletch and Bartell and Murphy will be back this year. And we maybe found some serviceable youngsters to play backup roles. That’s good enough for now…until we fill all the other holes like WR, OL and DT. Same thing with OLB. Yeah we’re weak there too, but we first need to address toughness at the point of attack and playmakers on offense. Then we can start to worry about how you can never have too many CBs.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 12:33 PM CST up reply actions
You don't know if all three will be back or even be productive
name one thing Murphy has ever done to show he’s a good player even?
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I agree that we don't know how good they'll be when they return from injury.
But Spags and company were high on Murphy and he’s a high draft pick, so you have to assume he’s gonna be able to step in and play corner. And Fletch and Bartell have shown that they’re good starting corners so I’m OK with that.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
oh so the guy we fired likes him
I forgot that means he’s awesome
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
by Brick Top on Jan 30, 2012 12:59 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Haters gonna hate Brick Top
Nobody doubts Spags’ defensive expertise, except you that is. Nah, he probably sucks since Spags drafted him, so let’s go ahead and take another CB. Good logic.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 1:54 PM CST up reply actions
Name one thing Murphy's done in his career to show you he could be good
One thing…don’t worry I’ll wait. Fact is you can’t depend on a guy like Jerome Murphy, someone who’s done nothing in this league but show he is injury prone.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Dude was a rookie two years ago and then he got injured last year and was on IR the entire season.
He played sparingly in his rookie year cause we weren’t bushwhacked with injuries and although my memory on his game two years ago is hazy, I recall him being pretty decent in coverage and run support….albeit as a nickel corner. Spags, who you hate, was high on him last year in preseason and he’s a high 3rd round pick. Let’s see what he can do before we put him out to pasture.
Would Claiborne or Jenkins be a better prospect than Murphy? Of course they would. But that’s not the point. The point is that we have bigger fish to fry on both sides of the ball before we take another corner because we assume a guy who was on IR last year (with a broken ankle, not an ACL) can’t play. Furthermore, we have two legit corners coming off IR who we know can play. CB is a luxury item with a high pick in the draft.
That’s all I’m saying.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 3:59 PM CST up reply actions
By the way I don't hate Spags,
I just say he failed here which he did.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I'm done arguing that :)
I liked him, but he is gone and so that subject is over.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:05 PM CST up reply actions
Furthermore....
….defense isn’t our glaring weakness. Offense is. But if we had to take a defensive player, I would vote to upgrade at DT before CB. Hell, even OLB would be a priority over CB. But the offense is so bad that it’s gotta be revamped…again. We have our savior, now we need some disciples to help him spread the word :)
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:03 PM CST up reply actions
You pick the BPA
you don’t pick lesser players based on needs. That’s how you end up with Adam Carriker over Darell Revis
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
That was less of a need
and more of a failed experiment. Curse you, Linehan!
THIS year's the year. I hope....
Still took him over the current best CB in football
b/c we though he could develop not b/c he was the best player on the board. Taking needs is also how you get Lance Kendricks, Pettis and Salas though the jury is still out on them
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
The jury is definitely still out on them.
They were not bad picks in my opinion.
Even though Kendricks SUCKED last year, we ahve to remember that he’s just a rookie and rookies don’t do much in this league.
PS to others: I don’t want to hear about Torrey Smith or the dude from Seattle. They’re the exception, not the norm.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:10 PM CST up reply actions
I don't have a problem with any of the picks
but the fact that we picked all three of them and two WR who are basically the same type of player, I have a MAJOR problem with.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
That's the beauty of it Brick
Now we have pretty good quality 3rd and 4th WRs in Amendola, Salas and Pettis. If we can keep Lloyd and draft Blackmon, and hit on a Sanu or something, then we’ve got a pretty good WR corps. SAM needs that.
Our defense, while not great last year, was able to tow the line much more admirably than could the offense. We have to fix that discrepancy.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:15 PM CST up reply actions
No that's the stupidy of it
Only Salas or Pettis can be on the field at once. Both can’t have an impact in the game. Imagine if we had Mason Foster over Petis. Two impact players over two slot WRs when only one can have an impact at a time.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
WRs have a revolving door.
So the bottom 3 will most likely rotate. And stop with the Monday AM QBing on whether we shoulda taken Foster. We have good depth at WR, and those guys are all young, including Amendola. They’ll keep getting better every year. Now we gotta add a big time PLAYMAKER to complement Lloyd!
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:20 PM CST up reply actions
I won't stop b/c it was a mistake not to take him!
I’d rather have my starting WLB than a good rotation at the bottom of the WR corps that wasn’t exactly good last season anyways. YAY WE HAVE 3 SLOT RECEIVERS INSTEAD OF A OLB!!! SUCCESS!!
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Did you forget about our injuries last year?
Of are you continuing to disregard them?
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:37 PM CST up reply actions
What LBs got injured???
NONE that would of had an impact
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
You said the WRs were not exactly good last year
I was talking about them. See, you expect rookies to come in and be high impact guys. Reality is that they are very unlikely to come in and contribute significantly. Especially WRs and in particular when they get injured.
You’re gonna like them next year. Especially when we draft Blackmon and resign Lloyd. You’re just feeling a little bit scorned right now.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:55 PM CST up reply actions
If we draft Blackmon Lloyd is gone
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Why's that gotta be?
I want both of them. Wouldn’t it be best to have both?
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:59 PM CST up reply actions
So would I
but Lloyd wouldn’t want to stick around where he’s not the number one end all be all go to guy. Wants to be productive.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I want both.
And you’re speculating. I hope you’re wrong.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 5:25 PM CST up reply actions
Dude, I don't mean to pick Floyd at #6 or something.
I just mean that if you can get a blue chip prospect like a Decastro or Reiff of Blackmon, then you take him before you take another player who is marginally better on your board. Like I said, if Claiborne falls to #11, then take him. If not, take a player at a position you need if his talent level is close enough to where you’re picking.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:08 PM CST up reply actions
See that's the thing
you don’t see CB as a need. I do, I think it needs a lot of work. We have a CB on the last year of his deal coming off a broken neck, another coming off his second knee ligament tear and a third coming off a tough broken ankle. Needs a lot of work
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I agree they're not a sure thing.
But playmakers and toughness on the lines is a bigger priority right now than CB for me.
That’s cool, we just see different priorities :)
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:12 PM CST up reply actions
Are you kidding me?
CB is not a hole we need to fill? Did you happen to watch any of our games this year? And just look how well Peterson worked out in Arizona
by randyvannram on Jan 30, 2012 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
Well
Maybe cause every team we play first 8 to 10 plays are strictly pass plays. And I’m not talking about your typical out plays I’m talking the straight deep throws. Good lord I’ll never forget the Ravens game where Flacco plainly threw the deep ball 4 times in a row. Even Mikell whom I like a lot was not able to help from over the top so yes I am TOTALLY on the CB train especially with this pass first league the NFL has become.
Just a man who loves football
by BurnoutJoeB. on Jan 30, 2012 11:45 AM CST up reply actions
We got Fletch, Bartell and Murphy coming back.
And some youngsters as well. That is not a position of priority IMO. We need to toughen up our lines and add playmakers to the offense before anything.
I whole heartedly back your hatred of Justin King. He was the one who was burned 3x by the Ravens, so he was the problem, not all of our corners. Frankly, our CBs were playing halfway decent by years end.
I’m not saying we couldn’t use better corners. I’m just saying that we need to address other positions first.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 12:37 PM CST up reply actions
True
I do tend to jump the gun on our CB’s but will admit they def surprise last year meaning not this season which is coming to an end but the year before.
Just a man who loves football
by BurnoutJoeB. on Jan 30, 2012 2:47 PM CST up reply actions
Are you really sold on any of out Tight Ends?
After watching the way the season has played out, the impact of an elite tight end is huge. The Patriots make their living with the Tight end and Slot Receiver rather than the big play guy.
No, but there is not TE's worth being in my big board
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I would be happy with a draft that picked up Dwayne Allen from Clemson or
Orson Charles from Georgia. Both can beat safetys and LB’s. One on the tight ends and a Kendall Wright type of deep threat would be a good draft imo. (for play makers, obviously there are many other needs)
but those guys aren't good enough to be first round guys
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Another TE
If Fisher drafts a TE other than round 6 or 7 I’m going to throw up. We have Kendricks and Hoomanawanui. Yes Hoo has been injured the past 2 years. But he’s not the starter he’s a backup. Continue with Kendricks I think he will better this year. A better blocking TE can be picked up from UFA after the draft. The only way a TE should be drafted by the Rams this year in rounds 4 or above is a guy they truly believe is the next Tony Gonzales that’s it. If not pick on depth or starter that the Rams really need. OLB, OL, DT, CB, WR.
We need PLAYMAKERS!!!!!
I mean Cmon man how many “great” lineman have we drafted instead of playmakers ummm smith, barron, cariker…… remember holt and bruce and trading for faulk. Look how well trading for lloyd worked out. Trade our pick if possible to browns still get a playmaker at 4 and get a OL at 22 or a CB that returns punts would even be better. PLAYMAKERS1
+1
PLAYMAKERS!
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
Zero
Thats why we need kalil
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 4:03 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
CB Argument
So I see a lot of debate on CB which if you look at the stats we are ranked pretty well in that department which completely slipped my mind since it’s the only single digit stat we have.
Pass Defense Stats
G:16 | Pts/G:25.4 | TotPts:407 | Comp:293 | Att:484 | Yds:3,301 | Avg:7.4 | Yds/G:206.3 | TD:21 | Int:12 | 1st:166 | 1st%:34.3 | Lng:93T | 20+:49 | 40+:12 | Sck:39 | Rate:87.3
When you go to the link above you will see that you are able to sort by individual rows in which you will see the Rams were ranked high when it came to plays over 40+ yards especially long ball category. I am going to assume the reason are pass defense is ranked so high is mainly due to our pass rush.
Just a man who loves football
Im sold on blackmon
Many compare his abilities to that if TO with better hands and a better attitiude. If he can be anywhere as elite as TO was then we have to get him. Part of our struggles of our oline is our inability to make the defense respect our passing game. We need a playmaker besides Lloyd to stretch the field, we don’t have that person.
Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware
by RG31 on Jan 30, 2012 12:12 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Comparing Blackmon to TO is a stretch in my opinion.
TO is a HOF receiver: 15,000+ yds and 150+ tds; I don’t see Blackmon coming close to those numbers. Not saying you can’t compare him to anyone who is a HOF’er but in my opinion that is too optimistic of a comparison.
I was speaking of his physicality
Is compared to that of TO, not say that he will be as good as TO but his ability to attack the ball and his ball skills are compared to that of TO..
Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware
by RG31 on Jan 30, 2012 12:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Fair enough
but I think TO is on another level of physicality yet compared to Blackmon. But that is to be determined in the NFL.
Blackmon
I think he ends up being somewhere along the range of Crabtree——Dez Bryant——Nicks (best case scenario). Now some of you might disagree and say that he will turn out to be Fitz or who ever else and you are entitled to your opinion; but the point is if you deem him to be a Bryant/Nicks type then I would not draft him at #2. Not with an option like Khalil who I believe is elite. In a trade down sure, I can see the correlation between extreme need and ability.
I can't argue with this list....
It’s a rundown of top 20 guys who’d help us the most if available when we make each pick, and I’d be happy with any 2. More would just be dreaming unless we got a trade. I think that’s the idea here.
Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf
COMBINE
CAN’T WAIT
That’s all I can say to that (plus it’s my favorite quote EVER) so many players are make and break with the combine.
Just a man who loves football
I agree with you brick
Ppl are over hyping blackmon so bad. Kalil is the top prospect besides luck. Blackmon is Only The top player at his position. No brain pick. To the people saying blackmon would make our oline better… WRONG. We made lloyd look mediocre and we’d do the same to blackmon without oline
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 4:06 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Mayock rates him the #2 LT in the draft.
So I wouldn’t call him the top prospect. Not saying Mayock is right, but he might not be!
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:17 PM CST up reply actions
Mayock is a guy who just likes to talk imo
And both of those guys are ranked higher than blackmon on most boards anyway. Our 50 million dollar qb was rushed on 35 percent of his passes. More than 1/3. No wr will fix that.
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 4:21 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I agree about Mayock too.
But I’m just saying.
And a WR will open the field up forcing the defense to remain honest instead of blitzing 33% of the time. A playmaking RB would be additive.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:40 PM CST up reply actions
Half the time san got hit
They weren’t even blitzing dude. Just beating our tackles one on one
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:01 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Half the time san got hit
They weren’t even blitzing dude. Just beating our tackles one on one
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:01 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Mayock is a guy who just likes to talk imo
And both of those guys are ranked higher than blackmon on most boards anyway. Our 50 million dollar qb was rushed on 35 percent of his passes. More than 1/3. No wr will fix that.
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 4:21 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Actually Blackmon could make our line better
With his presence with Lloyd they could get the 8 men out of the box and make them respect the run. This will in turn give Sam more time in the pocket with not as many people coming. Gotta see both sides man..
Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware
by RG31 on Jan 30, 2012 4:40 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Zactly.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 4:40 PM CST up reply actions
respect the pass I meant
Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware
by RG31 on Jan 30, 2012 4:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
No it doesn't tho
But to argue that blackmon can do a better job at keeping sam upright than kalil whose ONLY job is to keep sam up right is just ridiculous and getting so tiring
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 4:59 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Never said hed do a better job
Now you’re putting words in my mouth. I said his presence could also keep Sam upright, which is fairly true, and you denying that is ridiculous.
Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware
by RG31 on Jan 30, 2012 5:06 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Coupla points:
1. Do you KNOW that adding Blackmon (and resigning Lloyd) won’t relieve pressure on SAM for the reasons RG listed? Or is that an opinion?
2. Do you think having playmakers on the field keep a defense more honest?
3. Do you think we already have enough playmakers?
4. Do you think we can get those playmakers on the 2nd 3rd and 4th rounds?
With that said, I’m not gonna cry if we take Kalil. He’s a great player. But I guess we just see differents roots to the bad offense.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 5:08 PM CST up reply actions
To ur questions
1. Yes I do kno..cause if that was the case you would never need oline. You could just have good receivers. Ask dallas how that worked
2.yes
3.no
4.yes
here’s a question for you. If recievers can help our o line..why can’t o line help our shitty receivers? Our oline led the league in sacks aloud because they cang block
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:15 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Answer:
Cause our WRs are worse than our O-line, if you can believe that!
And I think trying to find #1 WRs in the 2-4 rounds is a crapshoot. We don’t need depth receivers, we need a #1 WR and you can’t find that guy in those rounds.
I think another problem was McD’s offensive scheme last year. Hopefully it’ll be more manageable next year for SAM.
Also RR, I don’t whole-heartedly disagree with you. Like I said I won’t cry if we take Kalil. But I would like to see us add playmakers first, that’s all.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 5:19 PM CST up reply actions
So why wasn't the same impact seen with Brandon Lloyd
Lloyd was better last year than Blackmon will be his rookie year
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Wasn't Lloyd on pace for 75 catches and 1000 yds receiving?
I’ll take that, especially from a new guy just coming into an inept offense.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 5:02 PM CST up reply actions
So why didn't that help pass protection
by your guys logic of Blackmon improving the pass protection the same should of been seen with Lloyd, why wasn’t it?? Fact is WRs have a very limited impact on pass protection.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Cause he was the only guy who was catching balls.
Double team Lloyd and forget about the rest of the WRs. Get our 3rd and 4th stringers back and put Blackmon opposite of him and then you got a pretty good WR corps.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 5:10 PM CST up reply actions
Brick just wrecked the whole discussion
Bottom line. Blockers gotta block! If lloyd and blackmon combine for ten catches per game, dam will still take multiple hits when they dnt have the ball. It stats with oline
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:10 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
No O-line can block 6 or 7 guys rushing the QB.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 5:12 PM CST up reply actions
It was four
We just couldn’t block
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:22 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Alot of guys were on pace for things
sam was on pace for 60 sacks had he not gotten injured. Two reasons we need to protect him
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:07 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I appreciate that.
You and me just got different opinions on what the offense needs to make it better….but we both apparently agree that we have to do something immediately.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 5:11 PM CST up reply actions
This
But they are gonna blame it on our other receivers not getting open next. Cause you know .. Oline had nothing to do with it
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:03 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
There yiu go again
Our other wr not getting open was a major problem. Why didn’t Lloyd make that huge of a difference, because he’s the only one that could get open so they doubled him, I understand what ya are saying but you gotta think..
Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware
by RG31 on Jan 30, 2012 5:12 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Nah RG
I like Brandon Gibson for our #2. Why don’t we just sit tight and give him another year to develop? Hell, if we add Kalil, SAM will have 30 seconds in the pocket each dropback. Anybody can get open in 30s.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 5:15 PM CST up reply actions
Think about what?
do you not realize that or offense was better least year with gibson as our number two than this yeat with lloyd? Why? Because our oline got exposed! I wanted oline last treat and ppl wanted to skip it for a receiver. “we need a number one”. Then we get one and you still beg for another while smith and bell bust in front of or eyes. Freaking ridiculous.
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:19 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
That had a lot to do with the dink and dunk though.
Maybe something similar will be better for us this year? And we had a lot of injuries on offense this year too, which probably didn’t help either. I agree we need O-line help, but we need playmakers a whole lot more IMO.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 5:23 PM CST up reply actions
I agree we need both as well
But wr is drop in both free agency and draft. Not one left tackle will be available outside of the top ten and only one on free agency while you can get wr’s in the first 3 rounds And free agency. Its not a matter of what need s bigger IMO its about what need is harder to fill.
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:29 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Not a bad point.
Franchise LTs are very difficult to find.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is where the Stanley Cup can be found.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jan 30, 2012 6:34 PM CST up reply actions
Actually if Im not mistaken
The first three weeks Lloyd was here our line was doing better and SJax ran for 100 yards 3 straight weeks, coincidence? I think not, it then teams figured out our only receiver that could ger separation was Lloyd and doubled him. Just because you get a one in FA doesn’t mean the job is done, none of our other receivers can get separation and have trouble catching the ball! Now that’s ridiculous..
Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware
by RG31 on Jan 30, 2012 5:27 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
You failed to answer the question. Why were we better with those same shitty receivers last year
As opposed to this year with a probowl receiver
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:33 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Because that offense catered to our strengths
With quick and decisive passes. Getting the ball out of Sams hands quick, simple enough. McHoody didn’t do so and the results showed..
Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware
by RG31 on Jan 30, 2012 5:41 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
But these were the sameshitty receivers and it worked
Why are we getting sacked like shit now?
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Dude I just answered that question..
Bradford + Blackmon = Secondaries Beware
by RG31 on Jan 30, 2012 6:03 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
You failed to answer the question. Why were we better with those same shitty receivers last year
As opposed to this year with a probowl receiver
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:33 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
You failed to answer the question. Why were we better with those same shitty receivers last year
As opposed to this year with a probowl receiver
by Ram_Redemption on Jan 30, 2012 5:34 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
NOT VONTAZE!!
I couldnt wait to get rid of him when he was at ASU so it would suck to have him on my other favorite team for the next 5 years. He is an out of control thug who plays for himself and refused to go back in to a game against Cal this year. So much hype, so much disappointment
by sundevils1126 on Jan 30, 2012 6:06 PM CST via mobile reply actions
i gotta agree on Burfect
Let him be somebody elses headache. I didnt much live game action but everywhere you look you find nothing but negatives on him
I'm suffering from an extreme case of laurinaitis!
by NachoD on Jan 30, 2012 10:47 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I have faith that Fisher will do his due diligence
We will go with playmakers early and the O Line will get plucked from small schools. Look at the Titans offensive line. Its full of players who were drafted by Fisher from schools like Eastern Washington, South Dakota St and so on.
I'm suffering from an extreme case of laurinaitis!
by NachoD on Jan 30, 2012 10:53 PM CST via mobile reply actions
The Rams could go nearly any direction they want at number 2 in the draft.
They’re just a team that, despite a handful of players, is devoid of talent. Bradford, Jackson, Lauranitis, and Long are the only surefire players on the team. There are needs all over the roster, and a lot predict you guys to take a WR, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see them take Claiborne. Every season the Rams can expect one thing for sure: inconsistent, injury-plagued seasons from their CB’s. Do you think no one in the front office took note on both occasions that Patrick Peterson almost single-handedly beat the Rams for us? Claiborne is just a smaller, less athletic, and more technically sound version of Peterson. St. Louis just needs to add some playmakers to their roster to get right back into contention NFC West.
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