FanPost

Which Top-5 Prospect is the Best Fit?

It's apparent that many people want us to trade out of the #2 slot.

It's also quite likely that this could happen, considering Snead's first two drafts.

However, if we didn't trade out, which of the blue-chip guys would be the best fit?

Let's take a look

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Jadeveon Clowney is one of the scariest men alive. He can be absolutely unblockable at times, and is only being held back by his own work ethic. He's a once in a generation prospect, who could dominate the NFL for the next 10 years. However, we already have two solid edge rushers - both of which were first round picks. Robert Quinn has shown this year that he's already a top-5 DE in this league, and Chris Long is one of the veteran leaders on this defense. While he could potentially be the BPA, I don't see us drafting him.

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

First things first, I'm a HUGE Teddy Bridgewater fan. I believe that he possesses an elite skill set, and could thrive in our current offensive scheme. The biggest knocks on Bridgewater is his skinny frame, with some places reporting him at under 200 lbs. However, even with my Bridgewater fandom, I realize that the Rams likely won't draft him. Here's why:

Jeff Fisher chose the St Louis Rams over the Miami Dolphins, in large part, because of Sam Bradford. Fisher has done nothing but sing Bradford's praises from the moment he walked in the door. Also, Bradford has proven that he belongs in this league, and was beginning to really lead this team. So while my dreams may be crushed, it's highly doubtful that we draft Bridgewater.

Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

Here's where things get interesting. Matthews is an elite tackle prospect. In the past two years, he's shown that he can dominate both the left and the right side of the line. His father also played in the NFL, and is still a member of the Titans' coaching staff. Jeff Fisher would love a guy like Jake Matthews.

However, it's difficult to draft a RT this early, and Jake Long likely isn't going anywhere for a while. The fear of drafting Matthews would be that his rookie contract would expire, and he would leave for greener pastures, similar to the fear of Saffold doing that. So while he's a good fit, I wouldn't be surprised if we pass on him. Also, Barksdale really seems to have come on at RT for us, making this need nowhere near as great as it was.

Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

This is the dark horse of the Rams options. Barr has the potential to be an elite pass rusher. Barr has often been compared to Von Miller, and a player of that caliber and skill set would make an interesting impact on our already potent defense. Barr could be our OLB in 4-3 packages, and come off the edge in nickel and third down packages. He's similar on defense to what Tavon Austin is on offense... You plug him and play him to create havoc for the other side. In what seems strange to me, our defense has employed standing Chris Long up to rush the passer in certain situations... That doesn't suit Long, but suits Barr perfectly. On passing downs, Long could move inside and be an interior pass rusher, giving the Rams an even more terrifying pass rush. Drafting Barr would give us one of the scariest front sevens in the league.

Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

You can describe Sammy Watkins in two words - Quick Twitch. He has great speed, acceleration, and agility. He consistently creates separation, and he consistently makes plays. He's a true #1 receiver who, from a talent perspective, is at the same tier as A.J. Green. That's extremely high praise.

However, odds are that the organization still views Brian Quick as our future #1 wide receiver. I know that at this point it may seem far fetched, but he's still only in his second year. Also, we have 5 receivers with a combined 9 years of experience whenever this year finishes. While Watkins is an enticing option, he would likely push Chris Givens out of our offense, considering that the two play similar roles.

So, while an argument could be made for any of these five prospects, or a few others, our best bet is still probably to trade down and pick up some other picks in what could be a very deep class.

However, to rate the likelihood of the Rams drafting any of these players, I'd do so as follows.

1.) Anthony Barr

2.) Jake Matthews

3.) Teddy Bridgewater

4.) Sammy Watkins

5.) Jadeveon Clowney