Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 939
Notice: Trying to get property 'count' of non-object in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 1008
Share
Share
Share
Email
On Thursday, April 26, the St. Louis Rams took their next step towards returning to contention byselecting LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers. In one of their most productive drafts in years, the Rams made trades, took risks, and filled holes on the roster.
Here’s a look at the Rams’ 2012 NFL Draft:
First Round – 14th pick: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
The Rams were 31st in the National Football League against the rush. The team had multiple needs entering the draft, but the two biggest holes on the roster were at defensive tackle and wide receiver. Michael Brockers fills the team’s need for run-stopper in the middle of the defensive line. Hopefully, He’s going to be in the trenches for the Rams throughout the next decade. Grade: A
Second round – 33rd pick: Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State
Brian Quick impressed the Rams enough during his private workouts to jump up their draft boards, but I’m not convinced that he was worth picking over Georgia Tech’s Stephen Hill and LSU’s Rueben Randle. I still think Quick will be a solid receiver in the NFL, and he’ll definitely fit into offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s offense. I just hope he meets all of the expectations being placed on him for the future. Grade: B+
Second round – 39th pick: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Janoris Jenkins is a first round talent with world class baggage. Time will tell if the veterans on the Rams’ defense can keep him in line, but if Jenkins can stay out of trouble, he will be a star in St. Louis. Grade: A-
Second round – 50th pick: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
There are multiple positives with this pick, and I think the most important one is that Pead gives the Rams the change-of-pace back they’ve needed for years. The team will use his speed both out of the backfield and in the passing game. Pead is an outstanding pick for the Rams, even though there are fans who think the team should have taken Miami running back Lamar Miller instead. Grade: A+
Third round – 71st pick: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana
I’m a little iffy on this pick. Trumaine Johnson has all the talent in the world, but he wasn’t what the Rams needed at this pick. There were some solid offensive guards and outside linebacker prospects available when the team selected Johnson, and I honestly believe the team should have made a move on one of those players. The only thing that saves this pick is that Johnson is so talented that he’s worth the risk. Grade: B-
Other picks in the draft:
Fourth round (96): Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
Chris Givens gives the Rams excellent speed and good hands. He’ll fit in well as a slot receiver.Grade: A+
Fifth round (150): Rokevious Watkins, OG, South Carolina
The Rams finally filled their hole in the offensive line with a solid run blocker who could become a starter in the future. That’s the type of late-round draft pick that fits with Jeff Fisher’s offense. Grade: A
Sixth Round (171): Greg Zuerlein, K, Missouri Western
The Rams saved $2.7 million in salary cap space by selecting strong-legged Greg Zuerlein to replace Josh Brown. Considering how late the team drafted Zuerlein, I think the chance to find some money for other free agent targets is worth losing Brown. Grade: A-
Seventh Round (209): Aaron Brown, LB, Hawaii
I tend to think the Rams should have taken a linebacker earlier in the draft, but Aaron Brown might be worth the late-round pick for special teams work. Grade: B-
Seventh Round (252): Daryl Richardson, Abilene Christian
I’m not sure why the Rams made this pick with Washington’s Chris Polk still on the draft board.Grade: F
Overall Grade: A-
Derek Ciapala has been a Rams fan since he was a child and the team was in Los Angeles. His favorite Rams moments include Flipper Anderson’s 336-yard receiving night against the Saints in 1989, and their miracle 1999 run to their first Super Bowl victory. You can follow him on Twitter @dciapala.
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 939
Notice: Trying to get property 'count' of non-object in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 1008
On Thursday, April 26, the St. Louis Rams took their next step towards returning to contention byselecting LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers. In one of their most productive drafts in years, the Rams made trades, took risks, and filled holes on the roster.
Here’s a look at the Rams’ 2012 NFL Draft:
First Round – 14th pick: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
The Rams were 31st in the National Football League against the rush. The team had multiple needs entering the draft, but the two biggest holes on the roster were at defensive tackle and wide receiver. Michael Brockers fills the team’s need for run-stopper in the middle of the defensive line. Hopefully, He’s going to be in the trenches for the Rams throughout the next decade. Grade: A
Second round – 33rd pick: Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State
Brian Quick impressed the Rams enough during his private workouts to jump up their draft boards, but I’m not convinced that he was worth picking over Georgia Tech’s Stephen Hill and LSU’s Rueben Randle. I still think Quick will be a solid receiver in the NFL, and he’ll definitely fit into offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s offense. I just hope he meets all of the expectations being placed on him for the future. Grade: B+
Second round – 39th pick: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Janoris Jenkins is a first round talent with world class baggage. Time will tell if the veterans on the Rams’ defense can keep him in line, but if Jenkins can stay out of trouble, he will be a star in St. Louis. Grade: A-
Second round – 50th pick: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
There are multiple positives with this pick, and I think the most important one is that Pead gives the Rams the change-of-pace back they’ve needed for years. The team will use his speed both out of the backfield and in the passing game. Pead is an outstanding pick for the Rams, even though there are fans who think the team should have taken Miami running back Lamar Miller instead. Grade: A+
Third round – 71st pick: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana
I’m a little iffy on this pick. Trumaine Johnson has all the talent in the world, but he wasn’t what the Rams needed at this pick. There were some solid offensive guards and outside linebacker prospects available when the team selected Johnson, and I honestly believe the team should have made a move on one of those players. The only thing that saves this pick is that Johnson is so talented that he’s worth the risk. Grade: B-
Other picks in the draft:
Fourth round (96): Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
Chris Givens gives the Rams excellent speed and good hands. He’ll fit in well as a slot receiver.Grade: A+
Fifth round (150): Rokevious Watkins, OG, South Carolina
The Rams finally filled their hole in the offensive line with a solid run blocker who could become a starter in the future. That’s the type of late-round draft pick that fits with Jeff Fisher’s offense. Grade: A
Sixth Round (171): Greg Zuerlein, K, Missouri Western
The Rams saved $2.7 million in salary cap space by selecting strong-legged Greg Zuerlein to replace Josh Brown. Considering how late the team drafted Zuerlein, I think the chance to find some money for other free agent targets is worth losing Brown. Grade: A-
Seventh Round (209): Aaron Brown, LB, Hawaii
I tend to think the Rams should have taken a linebacker earlier in the draft, but Aaron Brown might be worth the late-round pick for special teams work. Grade: B-
Seventh Round (252): Daryl Richardson, Abilene Christian
I’m not sure why the Rams made this pick with Washington’s Chris Polk still on the draft board.Grade: F
Overall Grade: A-
Derek Ciapala has been a Rams fan since he was a child and the team was in Los Angeles. His favorite Rams moments include Flipper Anderson’s 336-yard receiving night against the Saints in 1989, and their miracle 1999 run to their first Super Bowl victory. You can follow him on Twitter @dciapala.