Random Ramsdom 3/3: Goodbye combine, hello free agency (almost)

Bucky Brooks' top 25 draft prospects -- NFL.com
Bucky's big board has changed considerably since the combine, but who has risen and fallen? Barring unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances, the Rams should come out of May's draft with at least two of these players on the roster.

The top 101 unrestricted free agents -- NFL.com
To no one's surprise, the Rams have only one player on this list. What may surprise some is how low that player ranks compared to many others.

What is Rodger Saffold really worth? -- ESPN NFC West Blog
This is no secret -- the Rams can ill afford to lose Rodger Saffold, regardless of his playing position. With that said, they also cannot overpay a player who has missed at least four games each of the last three years. Whether Saffold stays in St. Louis ultimately will be determined by his market value elsewhere.

Hey, Oakland, let's talk trade -- ESPN NFC West Blog
With the fifth pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders St. Louis Rams select...

It could happen, right? Many seem certain that Oakland will be fixated on a quarterback come May, but there may be someone else who has caught their eye. Regardless -- be it for Derek Carr, Sammy Watkins or even Jadeveon Clowney -- the Raiders may feel the urge to jump up a few spots.

Jim Thomas 2014 NFL mock draft -- The Post-Dispatch
Well, this would be one blockbuster top-5. Jim Thomas envisions three quarterbacks, one offensive playmaker and a certain captivating figure from South Carolina going first in the draft.

Take it for what it's all worth right now -- not a whole lot, unfortunately.

I've been saying 4 weeks and I will say until I believe differently, but the Texans are taking a quarterback. I'll be shocked if they don't.

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 3, 2014

Report: Jairus Byrd will hit open market -- ProFootballTalk
Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd has become a household name in the NFL.  After experiencing perhaps his best season in 2013, Byrd, 27, now finds himself without a contract for the first time in his professional career and seems set to hit free agency.

Chris Burke 2014 NFL mock draft -- Sports Illustrated
Here's a scenario that doesn't get a whole lot of consideration; that is, after the second overall pick. The Rams seemed to find one -- potentially -- Pro Bowl-caliber outside linebacker last year. Could they add another?

Evan Silva's mock draft for NFL in 2014 -- Rotoworld
More! That's right -- more hypotheticals and speculative hoopla.

Jason McCourty wants Verner to stay in Tennessee -- The Tennessean
Free agent Titans corner back Alterraun Verner is set to receive a lot of attention and a hefty contract this offseason; however, Jason McCourty is doing all that he can to persuade his secondary companion to remain in Tennessee.  Teammates and friends can be persuasive, but McCourty may have to open up his own checkbook if he really wants Verner to stick around.

Assessing the 49ers needs before free agency -- Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers are quickly getting up in age at a lot of key positions, but they have managed to create quality depth, as well. Will it be enough to keep a strong hold in the NFC? Find out where the Bay Area squad is lacking in talent in 2014.

How the Cardinals could overpay for Jimmy Graham -- Revenge of the Birds
Larry Fitzgerald isn't getting any younger and, while Michael Floyd appeared to take a leap forward in 2013, the Arizona Cardinals could use another playmaker on offense.  Alex Mann of SB Nation's Revenge of the Birds gives an RGIII-like proposal for the Cardinals to land the NFL's most prolific tight end.

What about the sports savvy Wall Street Journal's thoughts on the St. Louis Rams, you ask? Here you go!

Whose hair is best?