What If The St. Louis Rams Didn’t Draft Sam Bradford?

Jan 01, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

After the pathetic 2009 season, the Rams held the number one draft pick for 2010. At the time the Rams had holes to fill at almost every position. The Cleveland Browns reportedly were prepared to offer the Rams their 201o, 2011 and 2012 first round draft picks for the 2010 number one draft pick, who was going to be Sam Bradford.  Assuming the Rams received exactly the same draft picks as the Browns did over the last three seasons, the Rams would’ve received pick number four in 2010, pick six in 2011 and pick four in 2012. So what if the St. Louis Rams actually traded their number one pick to the Browns?

The Quarterback Situation
In the middle of the 2009 NFL season, the Rams made a decision to bench struggling Marc Bulger and bring in Kyle Boller. You know  you have problems when Boller becomes the teams starting quarterback. It was the Rams mission to find a quarterback during the offseason. We all know the Rams went on to draft Sam Bradford, but in this hypothetical situation they decide to go elsewhere. The Rams were so weak at the quarterback position, that they agree to take a risk on talented quarterback Michael Vick. What did they have to lose at the time? The Rams were the most boring team to watch on offense and they couldn’t manage to score any touchdowns, it was really pathetic. With Michael Vick’s scrambling and play making ability, the Rams automatically become a more dynamic offense. Plus the Rams would’ve spent minimum money for Vick, as he was willing to take any opportunity that was thrown his way.

2010 Browns Draft Pick To The Rams
As the Cleveland decided to draft quarterback Sam Bradford,  the Rams fall to pick six and just like the Cleveland Browns actual pick, the Rams decide to choose cornerback Joe Haden. At the time the Rams had no talent at cornerback, this pick would’ve made the most sense.

2011 Browns Draft Pick To The Rams
Thanks to the hypothetical scenario, the Rams have two first round draft picks. The Rams will use their actual pick on defensive end Robert Quinn. In 2011 the Browns had the  sixth in the draft, which will now go to the Rams. This pick is a no brainer, as the Rams go on to draft Atlanta Falcons stud wide receiver Julio Jones. The Rams are still currently looking for a number one wide receiver, but with Jones drafted, the long search would’ve ended.

2012 Browns Draft Pick To The Rams
The 2012 draft becomes very interesting, because the Rams held the second overall draft pick due to their poor performance from the previous year. The Browns also struggled, allowing the Rams to pick up the fourth overall draft pick. The Rams trade their second overall pick to the Washington Redskins for Robert Griffin III (actually happened),  for more future first round picks. This now sees the Rams selecting at the fourth and six spot. With the fourth overall pick from the Browns, the Rams decide to draft running back Trent Richardson to replace an aging Steven Jackson. Since the Rams have no worries at cornerback, with the new inclusion of Cortland Finnegan from the offseason (actually happened), the Rams decide to take hard hitting safety Mark Barron. As he would’ve helped the struggles the Rams are currently going through at the two safety positions.

The St. Louis Rams Hypothetical Team

OFFENSE
Quarterback- Michael Vick
Full Back- Brit Miller
Running Back – Trent Richardson/Steven Jackson
Wide Receiver – Julio Jones/Danny Amendola/Chris Givens/Brandon Gibson
Tight End – Lance Kendricks
Offensive Tackle – LT Roger Saffold/Barry Richardson 
Offensive Guard – Robert Turner/Harvey Dahl
Centre – Scott Wells

DEFENSE
Cornerbacks – Joe Hadden/Cortland Finnegan
Safeties – Quinton Mikell/Mark Barron
Linebackers – Jo L0nn Dunbar/James Laurinaitis/Rocky Mcintosh
Defensive Tackles – Kendall Langford/Jermelle Cudjo
Defensive Ends – Chris Long/Robert Quinn

Overall the defense is very similar on paper, which isn’t a problem, as the Rams have a very sold defensive unit. On the other hand, the offense is much more explosive and looks more likely to score touchdowns than the current offense.

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