That's it? But it... Really? That was fast!
It appears that NFL drafts will now become a blur in the eyes of Ram fans, and that should be a good thing. Under Jeff Fisher and Les Snead, St. Louis is now poised to both exhilarate and rejuvenate both fan base and NFL franchise. The sooner I see winning football, the better.
One draft class can only go so far in a rebuilding process, but the Rams made a huge stride this weekend. It's not unlikely to see at least four new starters in this season. Each has the potential to leave their mark in the league, though almost all have their question marks. I think that there is plenty of room for character and values, but players must no longer check talent at the door of Rams Park.
Links after the jump!
First impressions: 2012 Rams draft - ESPN - Mike Sando
Sando appears no where ready to give any predictions. While easy to recognize the upside of the Rams draft, I think he leans slightly towards skeptical. Here are his first impressions for the 49ers, Seahawks, and Cardinals.
Rams run risks, chart new course - STLtoday
For the first time in relative memory, the Rams made huge impact in an NFL off-season. Not only did they finally have a franchise altering draft - aside from selecting QB Sam Bradford first overall 2010 - but they also added several highly touted free agent targets beforehand. This team will now be built on talent and skill, the two pillars that Steve Spagnuolo may have forgotten.
Hard work, dedication lift Brockers - STLtoday
No fan of the Rams' recent precedent to place top tier talent along the defensive line can be upset with the team's first pick. Is Brockers a top-six talent? No. Is he far away from fellow DT prospect Fletcher Cox, who was heavily speculated as a possible sixth overall pick? Once again, nope. Brockers was by no means the top player available at No. 6, but his case can easily be made for a top-notch talent. If the Rams aren't an early favorite for one of the better defensive lines in the league, I question many opinions.
Gordon: Fisher, Snead aim high with each move – STLtoday
Once again, as day two of the NFL Draft came to a close, I thought simply, "Are you kidding me?" However, for the first time that I can ever recall, I meant it in regard to nothing but absolute sincerity and admiration of the Rams' administration. Jeff Gordon and I agree that the Rams went for obvious value in 2012 - putting talent before character - as opposed to several years past. If the Rams had targeted such talent in previous years, they may have been more competitive, but the organization will no longer shy away from concern.
Sports Illustrated's take Rams second round
The Rams, who had the most selections among the top 96 picks, arguably made the biggest splash in the draft. Their second round especially made waves when they made three very unanticipated choices. Each should have an immediate impact.
2012 NFL Draft Grades:
What is your take? I know you have opinions, and I'd love to hear them. The pundits have both failed the Rams and put them on the Dean's List. For the first time in years, the Rams have succeeded. Yet, they still can't do anything right? It all depends on who you ask.
John Czarnecki's team-by-team NFL Draft grades - Fox Sports
Rob Rang's NFC draft grades - CBS Sports
Rob Rang's AFC draft grades - CBS Sports
2012 NFL Draft winners and losers- CBS Sports
Pete Prisco's draft grades - CBS Sports
Sports Illustrated 2012 NFL Draft grades
NFL Videos: NFC West NFC Draft grades
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Late picks aid offense, Fisher says - STLtoday
While the Rams missed both of the top-two wide receivers, they did land two others who were high on many teams' draft boards. Brian Quick and Chris Givens should have immediate impacts, and RB Isaiah Pead will do well to learn from Steven Jackson.
Zuerlein kicks Brown out of a job - STLtoday
By far the most perplexing of the Rams draft picks was sixth round selection, kicker Greg Zuerlein; however, it did make sense. The Rams owed incumbent Josh Brown a salary of nearly three million next season, a large pay for any player of his position. Zuerlein, a player of much better recent productivity, will be vastly less expensive.
Rams receivers coach compares Brian Quick to T.O. - PFT
The Rams caught many by surprise when they selected Quick with the first pick in round two, but few question the Appalachian State product's potential. Former Cowboys WR coach, Ray Sherman compares his capabilities to Terrell Owens, though, without the headaches. Quick should, at the very least, make a noticeable impact in his rookie year. Here is more from NFL.com.
Janoris Jenkins, Jeff Fisher diss Pacman comparisons - NFL
This just in: Janoris Jenkins was a potential top-ten talent in 2012, yet he somehow fell into the second round. He has troubles and concerns, much like former Fisher selection Adam Jones. Have his troubles been left behind him? Only time and admirable play will tell, but Jenkins has given Ram fans his word. I'll drink the Kool-Aid ... for now.
Mike Holmgren: Browns had to trade up for Trent Richardson - PFT
Is anyone else out there still just a little hurt that the Rams missed on Richardson? Like that burn on your tongue that won't go away? Me too. What helps me sleep is knowing that they never really had a chance. This is why.
Still tracking down that last prospect that you really wanted? Or ironing out that final Madden roster alteration like me? If so, here is everything you need to remember the finer moments of 2012's NFL Draft.
Here is an ESPN interview with CB Janoris Jenkins shortly after being drafted by the St. Louis Rams. He seems eager, though almost eerily unprepared.
Now, to end, an absolutely stellar video of the Rams latest "playmaker" acquisitions compliments of Rams On Demand. Highlights featuring Brian Quick, Janoris Jenkins, Isaiah Pead and Chris Givens.
Are you ready for some football!?