Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III is introduced as the second overall pick by the Washington Redskins in the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

All Ram fans have had the discussion/argument/debate with their friends about why the Rams did not draft Robert Griffin III. It leaves us Ram fans agitated, angry and frustrated, simply because deep down it’s hard to ignore what RGIII has done for the Washington Redskins. After coming off a sophmore slump, Sam Bradford was unfairly put under the spotlight due to the injuries on the offensive line, receiving corps and most importantly to himself. Coming out of the 2011 season, Bradford had thrown to over 30 different wide receivers, seen completely new faces on the offensive line on a weekly basis and was in an offensive scheme that was set up for disaster. After coming off a strong 2010 season, the Rams found themselves back amongst the worst of the NFL teams. The aftermath of the 2011 season saw a complete wipeout of staff, including the head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and general manager. It was a mess. Then came along experienced head coach Jeff Fisher and General Manager, Les Snead. Sam Bradford could only watch all the changes unfold around him, although Jeff Fisher and Les Snead were personalities that he will eventually get to know fairly well. One of the main reasons why Les Snead and Jeff Fisher were attracted to the Rams organization was Sam Bradford’s talent. They realized what Bradford had been working with, which wasn’t much, and still believed that he had plenty more to offer. But what if they came to St.Louis because the Rams were holding the second pick, and with that pick they were able to acquire Robert Griffin III?

What Happens to Sam Bradford?
Leading up to the 2010 NFL draft the St. Louis Rams were holding the number one pick, which they obviously used to pick up Sam Bradford. The teams at four and seven were Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns who were praying that Sam Bradford would fall into their hands. So when there was the slightest chance that Rams may have taken RGIII, don’t you think Bradford was on Redskins and Browns radar? Absolutely. On top of that, there was the history between the Browns head coach, Pat Shurmur and Bradford. Shurmur was the Rams’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach when Bradford was drafted, and the two shared a great season together before Shurmur was called up for a head coaching role in Cleveland. Lets say Browns have the upper hand with the obvious connection between Bradford and Shurmur and offer their fourth and 22nd (from Atlanta) overall picks in the 2012 NFL draft.

2nd Pick (2012)
Robert Griffin III…..Duh

4th Pick (2012)
Going into every season for the last five years, it felt like the names that were at the wide receiver position were either washed up veterans or training camp names. It had been the major issue, until now. With the fourth overall pick in the 2012 NFL (hypothetical) draft, the St.louis Rams select Justin Blackmon (actual 5), wide receiver, Oklahoma State University.
When the Rams actually missed out on Justin Blackmon, it was reported that Jeff Fisher slammed his reading glasses on the table. So to say that the Rams were disappointed in missing out on this player would be an understatement. With Blackmon having a slow start to the 2012 season, he quickly gained momentum and ended up with 64 catches for 865 yards and five touchdowns. Remember Blaine Gabbert was throwing to him. I’m not going to waste my time predicting the stats he may have received with RGIII under center, but it would be hard to argue that his stats would’ve been better.

22nd Pick (2012)
The Rams have added extra weapons on offense with RGIII and Justin Blackmon. Isn’t time for the Rams to address needs on the other side of the ball? We all knew it was obvious that the Chicago Bears were hoping that Michael Brockers would fall into their laps in the draft, but instead he was stolen by the Rams with the 14th pick which left the Bears to settle with defensive end Shea McClellin. But not this time, as Brockers falls to the Bears at 19. We all knew at the time that Steven Jackson wasn’t going to be running around Edward Jones Dome for much longer, which is why with the 22nd overall pick in the 2012 NFL (hypothetical) draft, the Rams select Doug Martin (actual 31), running back, Boise State. This is a perfect pick for the Rams, as Martin would be Jackson’s successor in the future and Jackson could act as a mentor to Martin.

Round 2, 33rd pick (2012)
This is a no brainer. With the offense being addressed heavily in the first round, it’s finally time to bring in a defensive player. With 33rd pick of the 2012 NFL (hypothetical) draft, the St.Louis Rams select Janoris Jenkins. We all know Brian Quick was the actual selection, but since Rams drafted Justin Blackmon in the first round it was time to select a defensive playmaker. We all know how Jenkins turned out for the Rams.

The rest of the draft wasn’t affected:
Round 3 – Trumaine Johnson (Cornerback)
Round 4 – Chris Givens (Wide Receiver)
Round 5 – Rokevious Watkins (Guard)
Round 6 – Greg Zuerlein (Kicker)
Round 7 – Daryl Richardson (Running Back)

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Round 1, 16th pick (2013)
Since the Rams offense played extremely well with RGIII under center, Steven Jackson and Doug Martin sharing the load and Chris Givens and Justin Blackmon looking like a dynamic rookie duo, it was time the Rams drafted a defensive player. With the Rams missing out on defensive tackle Michael Brockers in the 2012 (hypothetical) draft, this time in the 2013 (hypothetical) draft the Rams select Shariff Floyd (actual 25th), defensive tackle.

Round 2, 46th pick (2013)
Since the Rams didn’t have the ammunition to go up and snatch Tavon Austin, they find themselves still having a second round pick. The Rams actually had the 30th pick from the RGIII trade and selected outside linebacker Alec Ogletree. Consequently, since the 30th pick no longer belongs to the Rams, they must address the outside linebacker position. Assuming Ogletree would’ve been off the board by the 46th pick, the Rams (hypothetically) select Arthur Brown (actual 56), outside linebacker.

The rest of the draft wasn’t affected:
Round 3 – T.J. McDonald (Safety)
Round 3- Stedman Bailey  (Wide Receiver)
Round 4 – Barret Jones(Guard)
Round 5 – Zac Stacey  (Running Back)
Round 5 – Brandon McGee (Corner Back)

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Starting Defence (going into the 2013 season)
Cornerbacks: Cortland Finnegan/Janoris Jenkins
Safeties: T.J. McDonald/Darian Stewart
Linebackers: Jo-Lonn Dunbar/James Laurinaitus/Arther Brown
Defensive Tackles: Shariff Floyd/Kendall Langford
Defensive Ends: Robert Quinn/Chris Long

Starting Offense (going into the 2013 season)
Wide Receivers: Justin Blackmon/Chris Givens
Tight Ends: Mike McNeil
Running Back: Doug Martin
Full Back: Lance Kendricks
Offensive line: Roger Saffold (LT) Rokevious Watkins (Guard) Scott Wells (Center) Harvey Dahl (Guard) Joe Barksdale (RT)
Quarterback: Robert Griffin III

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The truth is, the Rams could never get rid of Sam Bradford because it would’ve been too much of a cap hit until the 2015 season. This is why tight end Jarred Cook and tackle Jake Long are not Rams in this situation, simply because the Rams didn’t have the cap space to lure him in. Although keeping Bradford has it’s ups and downs, it would have very much the same if we drafted RGIII. No matter which side of the argument you prefer, you’re now more knowledgeable going into the “why didn’t Rams draft RGIII?” debate.

Who would you prefer?

Follow @davebarber92 for more updates

Mar 13, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Chance Warmack runs a drill during Alabama pro day at the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-USA TODAY Sports

In a blink of an eye, the NFL draft is now only 13 days away. All the NFL websites have their focus on the 2013 draft class and their predictions on where each player will end up. This draft class is really intriguing as there are no stand outs at each position, as there are always at least one other player who could be that number one guy at a certain position. Left tackle Luke Joeckel seems to be the favourite to be the number one pick of the draft, but many experts have Eric Fisher as the best left tackle in the 2013 class. This draft will be very interesting from the very first pick. Thankfully the St. Louis Rams don’t have to hold their breathe on hoping a quality offensive tackle will drop to the 16th position, thanks to the addition of pro bowl tackle Jake Long and with Roger Saffold seemingly willing to play out his rookie contract at the right tackle position. Rams wouldn’t have the guard position ranked number one for the biggest need, but depending on how the unpredictable draft unfolds, the Rams may find themselves stuck in a situation  where they may have to bite their lips and settle for the unsexy  selection in drafting a guard. To give you a better understanding on how low the 2013 draft class is for playmakers, both guards Jonathan Cooper and Chance Warmack are expected to be gone by the 20th pick. So if both players are available and if the Rams are interested, which standout guard do they go for?

Chance Warmack – Alabama
Guard –  6 foot 2, 320 pounds
Theres no coincidence that in 2012 Alabama has been the no.1 rushing team in the SEC. With Warmack ploughing the ways for former crimson tide running backs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson, it’s evident that Warmack deserves to be mentioned as one of the best guards coming out of college for the last 20 years. His thick powerful frame allows him to create holes for whoever is running the ball. Doesn’t ‘wow’ you with athleticism or dazzle anyone with a blazing 40 yard dash, but he brings attitude on every down, always keeps his hands and feet pumping when drive-blocking, and looking to pancake his man whenever possible. Pushes interior defensive tackle off the ball on base blocks. Has handled with ease a number of projected first round defensive tackles. You know what Chance Warmack will bring to the table every week, a very consistent dominating interior linemen. Is projected to be a future pro bowler.

Jonathan Cooper – North Carolina
Guard – 6 foot 2. 310 pounds
What does Cooper bring to the table? Athleticism, speed, sheer power and versatility. Cooper is the most athletic guard that has come out of college for some time. At the combine Cooper ran a low of a 5 second flat 40 and also showed off his strength by benching 35 reps. Cooper has an amazing ability in pass protection, possesses foot quickness, bend, and arm extension to mirror defensive linemen. Excellent mobility behind the line, shows that he can pull to the left and right on a regular basis. Scouts believe that Coopers best attribute for the NFL is his versatility, and god knows that the Rams have had their fair share of injured linemen in that past. Coopers’ preferred postion is at guard, but he has shown in the past that he can also be just as effective at centre. With Coopers ability to pull out on runs and having outstanding pass protection skills, it would be a big surprise to see such a talent like Cooper to slip out of the first round.

Every offseason it seems that the offensive line position is in constant need of fixing. With the signing of Jake Long and Roger Saffold switching from left tackle to right tackle, all of a sudden the Rams offensive line looks pretty good on paper. Although there is a sudden upgrade at the line, the offensive line is only as strong as its weakest link, and thats the left guard position. Thankfully the 2013 NFL draft class posses the Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III for guards, in Chance Warmack (Andrew Luck) and Jonathan Cooper (RGIII). Warmack is the more traditional guard, while Cooper is the more athletic and exciting prospect. While Warmack is more pure at the guard position, Cooper brings versatility on the line. Chance Warmack is the better all round guard prospect, but It will depend on what certain teams will prefer in determining whether who will be chosen higher on draft day.

Sep 8, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs the ball against the Georgia State Panthers during the game at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The losses of veteran wide receivers Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson was a dagger to Sam Bradfords chest. Although, with the addition of four time pro bowler left tackle Jake Long and former Titan tight end Jared Cook, Bradford will be looking forward to a solid 2013 offensive performance. Regardless of the helpful additions to the Rams offense, it’s still evident that the Rams must give Bradford more weapons. Since the Rams haven’t even put their toes into the free agency pool, it’s obvious that the Rams will be looking to solidify their receiving corps in the 2013 national draft.

For the past month, Cordarralle Patterson and Tavon Austin have been seperating themselves from the rest of the receiving corps due to their explosive performances at the combine and their pro days. Why directly compare Austin and Patterson? It’s simple, both players kick/punt return and both players are heavily involved in the passing and running game. With the NFL slowly evolving into a more slot receiving happy league, it would make sense for either player to land with the Rams – but which one?

Tavon Austin - 5 foot 9 / 178 pounds
Wide Receiver - West Virginia
Sam Bradford is missing his safety blanket in Danny Amendola, as he left for the New England Patriots for a more lucrative deal.  Outsiders looking in, would simply say “its just a slot receiver,” and you can’t argue with that. But Tiger Woods is just a golfer, he just also happens to be a damn good one and Tavon Austin is exactly that. Over the past two years, there was no question that Austin has been one of the most exciting and explosive players in college football.

Austin made a name for himself as a sophomore with eight touchdowns on 58 receptions for 787 yards in 2010. As a Junior he did not disappoint. The junior caught 101 passes for 1,186 yards and eight touchdowns.
As a Senior, Austin and Geno Smith tore apart secondaries. Austin totaled 114 receptions for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns this year. He also had 72 carries for 643 yards and three touchdowns. Austin was a genius in turning an average play into big yardage.
With Bradford not having the luxury to look out wide to a reliable receiver, it would make a lot sense for the Rams to snatch this dynamic slot receiver to help Bradford turn those dinky little 3 yard dump offs to short passes that go to the house.

Strengths

• Explosive
• Elite speed
• Good route runner
• Contributes as RB/Returner
• Good Hands
• Stretches the defense
• Threat to score on any possession
• Entertainer

Weaknesses

• Very undersized
• May lack the physicality to take constant hits
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