With the way the St. Louis Rams are playing right now, a top five pick in the 2012 NFL Draft is virtually guaranteed. Clearly the Rams would not be in the market for Andrew Luck or any of the other quarterbacks available early in the draft (looking at you offensive line). No Luck gives them some options, not the least of which would be seeking a trade partner looking to land Luck, Matt Barkley or Landry Jones.
Set aside the possibility of a trade, and let's talk about the potential talent for the Rams coaches to squander in 2012.
Quinton Couples, DE, North Carolina - Never rule out the possibility of adding another defensive lineman, especially talented ones. Unlikely, but a player to watch for sure. Kind of a disappointing start from him this year too.
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State - Receiver is the most obvious choice here. For me, Blackmon's the best in this draft class, a guy who fits the bill as a true number one. At 6'1" some might scoff at picking him too high, but the kid can play. A bad fumble last week has the chattering classes wondering.
Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina - There's part of me that wishes the Rams would have signed another former South Carolina WR during the offseason. They did not. So maybe Jeffery is their guy.
Matt Kalil, OT, USC - The best offensive tackle available in the draft this year...for now. Sounds crazy, but with the return the Rams are getting on their last first-round OT, it might be time for another answer. They'll need to do something to address the offensive line next year with Bell leaving, Brown disappointing and a position coach unable to get results despite the investment.
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama - Even if Steven Jackson did want to remain a part of this mess, the Rams might not want to pay him. Either way, they could stand to find his eventual replacement. Remember, they had Mark Ingram in their sights with a first-round pick last year. Richardson reminds me a whole lot of Jackson.
Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson - Clearly the Rams could use someone to get pressure from the inside, and Thompson looks like the best DT available.
Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama - Ron Bartell's career may be over. This season has been a glaring reminder of just how thin the Rams are at cornerback. They need talent, top-tier talent. Alfonzo Dennard from Nebraska is another option early in the first round.