The Prowl
Rams' 2012 draft looks promisingMonday, April 30, 2012 By TJ Schultz
The St. Louis Rams had the opportunity to improve their team greatly through the 2012 NFL Draft. The Rams desperately needed wide receivers and linemen. This year, the Rams were able to address their needs. The Rams owned the second overall pick in the first round in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Washington Redskins traded their first round pick, fourth overall, along with their second round pick, and 2013 and 2014 first round picks to the Rams for the number two spot. All of this just to secure the pick to get the highly touted QB, Robert Griffin III (RG3). That happened weeks before the draft, but the Rams weren't done with pulling surprises. Then the Rams shocked everyone by trading down with the Cowboys for the 14th pick and their second round pick. With the 14th pick the Rams selected LSU defensive tackle, Michael Brockers. Not many people were happy with the pick, because the Rams missed out on the top two wide receivers (Blackmon and Floyd) and let offensive guard David DeCastro and offensvie tackle Riley Reiff go by them, ignoring the fact that they need to bolster the line so Sam Bradford doesn't get knocked around. In the second day of the draft, the Rams had three picks, including the first pick in the second round. Brian Quick, a wide receiver from Appalachian State, was taken by the Rams with the 33rd overall pick. He gives the Rams what they haven't seen in a few years: talent. Brian Quick stands at 6'2" and 220 pounds, giving him an immediate size advantage. Scouts said he is very explosive and has the potential to be very good in the NFl, but there's one problem: he is inexperienced. He has only played football for a short period of time and he is coming from a Division II college football program. Brain Quick definitely has the potential to give the Rams what they haven't had in awhile, but Jeff Fisher and the coaches have their work cut out for them this training camp. With the 39th overall selection the Rams chose Janoris Jenkins, a conerback from North Alambama. He was a three year starter at Florida before being kicked off the team and transferring to North Alabama. He has explosive speed and could have been a top 20 pick, but, with off-field issues, his stock fell. Issiah Pead was the Rams third pick in the second round. He is an electrifying running back from Cincinnati. This selection should give Steven Jackson some breathers and ease the Rams’ need to rely on Steven Jackson to make a play. In the third and fourth rounds the Rams were able to pick up another cornerback and receiver. They drafted cornerback Trumaine Johnson and wide receiver Chris Givens. This should give them more competition in training camp and allow the Rams more options before the season starts. In the later rounds, the Rams selected OT Rokevious Watkins, K Greg Zuerlein, LB Aaron Brown, and RB Daryl Richardson. At least the Rams weren't as foolish as the Jacksonville Jaguars, who selected a punter in the third round. We won't know if this draft was a success or failure until the next season rolls around, but it sure looks better than it did last year. Most the players they drafted won't make an immediate impact or become future hall of famers, but only time will tell. |