The collection of 2011 NFL mock drafts are mostly the same, for the St. Louis Rams and other teams. Every now and then, one appears that really throws a curve ball in the mix though. Sometimes it's a good change to see; other times...well, it's a good think it's just a mock draft.
Wes Bunting has one out, a two rounder, at the National Football Post today. I really dig Bunting's work, but I'll pass on this mock draft as any sort of vision for the Rams plans come April 28 and 29.
In the first round, Bunting has the Rams halting the precipitous draft decline of Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers. Rumors about Bowers' knee are killing team and draftnik enthusiasm over a guy who was once seen as a top three pick. Maybe all the talk about Bowers is pure smokescreen; it is that time of year. Individual teams will have to do their homework on this guy though.
Last year, the Rams talked to every doctor in the country that had ever had any contact with Sam Bradford, or so it seemed, for good reason. No word as to whether or not they've had their hands on Bowers' medical records. Draft visits aren't the best indicator, but in this case it is worth noting that the Rams did not bring Bowers to Rams Park for a visit.
In the second round, Bunting has the Rams picking Miami WR Leonard Hankerson. Don't ask me why, because I can't really put my finger on it, but I'm just not high on Hankerson for the Rams. Regardless, the real question here is Bowers. Do you believe what you hear? Does the sheer fact that there might be an injury risk scare you off a little bit?