So I want to play devil's advocate here. I will back whatever decision Fisher and Snead make, but what players could the Rams have received if they didn't trade up for Tavon Austin? In this scenario, I kept the trade down in the first with Atlanta and also the trade up to get Zac Stacy in the 5th. I wanted to keep this scenario as close to what actually happened just minus the trade up in the first.
Real Draft | Alternate Draft | ||
Pick No. | Player | Pick No. | Player |
8 | Tavon Austin WR, WVU | 16 | DeAndre Hopkins WR, Clemson |
30 | Alec Ogletree OLB, UGA | 30 | Alec Ogletree OLB, UGA |
71 | TJ McDonald SS, USC | 46 | DJ Swearinger SS, Scar |
92 | Stedman Bailey WR, WVU | 78 | Markus Wheaton WR Oregon St |
113 | Barret Jones OL, Bama | 92 | Phillip Thomas FS, SDSU |
149 | Brandon McGee CB, Miami | 113 | Barret Jones OL, Bama |
160 | Zac Stacy RB, Vandy | 149 | Brandon McGee CB, Miami |
160 | Zac Stacy RB, Vandy | ||
222 | Reid Fragel OT, OSU |
In this alternative, the Rams sacrifice the ultimate dynamo in Austin, but get another receiver they really like in Hopkins and a great slot receiver and returner in Wheaton. The safety situation shakes out much better in my opinion with Swearinger and P. Thomas. Also, the Rams add a little OT depth with Fragel.
Keep in mind, this is all done in hindsight. I knew what prospects went where, while Snead and Fisher did not, so I had a definitive advantage. What do you think? Would you trade Austin, McDonald, and Bailey for Hopkins, Swearinger, Wheaton, Thomas, and Fragel? I'd appreciate your feedback.