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The St. Louis Rams' trade out of the way, they can get down to the business of figuring out what to do with the sixth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. My latest mock draft at SB Nation has a suggestion, though I'm not sure everyone will agree.
Let's take a look.
The pick is Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama.
Jeff Fisher and his staff have made no secret that their future rests with getting Sam Bradford's career back on track. The best way to do that is to give him some offensive talent to work with. Richardson is the most talented running back to come along since Adrian Peterson and the top offensive skill player in this draft after the two quarterbacks. They can find a receiver or offensive line help later or in free agency with the cap room saved from Steven Jackson's contract.
Running back isn't exactly the Rams' top priority, but Richardson has oodles of talent. I still think Les Snead's anecdote about acquiring Michael Turner during his stint with the Falcons is telling, not to mention Jeff Fisher's history and Brian Schottenheimer's feelings about using the running game.
Beyond Richardson, I think the Rams have a few options here.
Morris Claiborne would be the pick if only he falls this far. Possible, but unlikely.
Justin Blackmon is another very distinct possibility. Reports vary about the Rams' feelings on Blackmon.
The next most likely pick here would be a defensive lineman. Michael Brockers or Fletcher Cox fit a huge need, but if the Rams sign Jason Jones as a free agent, these guys might be overkill. Do not rule out an outside pass rusher, Quinton Coples, Courtney Upshaw or even Melvin Ingram. Yes, the Rams are deep at defensive end, but the New York Giants are a classic example about how valuable a stable of pass rushers can be to a team.
There is also Riley Reiff, but I see that as more of a reach than any of the picks above.