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With the 2012 NFL draft already in the books, let's hit the jump and check out the latest Rams' draft class.
Round 1, pick 14: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU: Brockers is a big run-stuffing Defensive Tackle, and was going to be the Rams' pick at number six if Blackmon wasn't there. Sure enough, the Jags traded up to the fifth pick, and took Blackmon. Then the Cowboys called, wanting Morris Claiborne, so we traded back to fourteen and picked up an additional 2nd round pick. Brockers fell, and the war room was ecstatic. Brockers is going to be a great complement to Quinn, Long, and Langford, as well as freeing up James Laurinaitis to make plays.
Round 2, pick 33: Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State: Quick is a big receiver (6'3 1/2, 220) who just oozes upside. Quick is admittedly raw, but he should step in relatively quickly as one of Sam Bradford's favorite targets, especially in the red zone.
Round 2, pick 39: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama: Jenkins was widely considered a first round talent, and some scouts actually think he was the most talented cornerback in the draft, even more so than Morris Claiborne. However, Jenkins has some major character concerns, as he has thrice been in trouble for marijuana, and he has four kids with three different women. Fisher and Snead obviously think that these concerns are a thing of the past, and his talent was just too good to pass up in the second round. Jenkins is also a solid punt returner, something the rams have sorely needed in recent years.
Round 2, pick 50: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati: After trading the 45th pick acquired from the Cowboys in the Claiborne trade to the Browns for the 50th pick and the 150th pick, the Rams selected a complement to Steven Jackson in Isaiah Pead. Pead is expected to come in and provide the lighting to Jackson's thunder, as well as help reduce the wear and tear on him. Pead can also return kicks, which as pretty much been a need since Dante Hall left the team.
Round 3, pick 65: Trumaine Johnson, CB/FS, Montana: Johnson is a small school corner with big time talent. In this defensive scheme, he probably will kick inside to safety, as Finnegan, Jenkins, and Fletcher will handle the outside corner positions. Johnson is a ballhawking defensive back who is at his best when he can keep the action in front of him, which is another reason for his likely move to Free Safety.
Round 4, pick 96: Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest: Givens is another raw receiver with a relatively high upside. He has some good physical tools, particularly his 4.3 speed. Givens does need to work on his route-running, but Fisher seems to be confident in his coaching Staff's ability to iron out the wrinkles in prospect's games.
Round 5, pick 150: Rokevious Watkins, OT/G, South Carolina: Watkins is a BIG dude, weighing in at almost 6'4 and 340 lbs. He will likely play either guard position in the NFL, although RT is also a possibility. He's a big, nasty lineman, and he should find himself playing in goal-line sets early on in his NFL career.
Round 6, pick 171: Greg Zuerlein, K, Missouri Western: Zuerlein will likely go to training camp and challenge Josh Brown for the rights to be the Rams' kicker (assuming Brown isn't cut or traded). Zuerlein has a big leg, kicking an NCAA record 9-9 kicks from 50+ yards, including two 58 yarders. He looks like he could develop into one of the better kickers in the league.
Round 7, pick 209: Aaron Brown, OLB, Hawaii: Brown is short for a linebacker (6'0) but also strong (31 reps of 225). He was an All-MAC linebacker, and he will likely be a backup OLB/Special Teams player, with some potential for a bigger role down the line. Brown is a former rugby player, and he relishes contact and and making the big play.
Round 7, pick 252: Daryl Richardson, RB, Abilene Christian: Richardson is a speedy back who was productive at FCS Abilene Christian. He looks like insurance for Pead in case of injury, so don't be surprised if the Rams keep a 4th running back on the roster that can handle short-yardage duties should Steven Jackson go down.
The new regime made a statement with this draft, saying that this roster needs more talent and they don't care if that talent is raw or comes with baggage. Personally, I really like this draft. What do you guys think?