Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Michael Brockers (LSU) is introduced as the number fourteen overall pick to the St. Louis Rams in the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Well, that didn’t go as planned. The Rams made a splash in Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft by trading down from 6 to 14 and picking up Michael Brockers, a defensive tackle from LSU. The trade netted the team an additional second rounder, 45th overall from the Cowboys. The Rams will now have three of the first 13 picks on Friday.

First, let me say that I think Brockers is going to be a very good player and I think he’s a very nice fit for Jeff Fisher’s defense. He is still learning, but he’s already an excellent run-stopper, and his pass-rush skills should develop. He’s a nice player, and I really like getting another early pick.

With all that said, I’m really disappointed we didn’t end up with Justin Blackmon or Michael Floyd. My guess is that when Jacksonville swooped in and stole Blackmon at five, the team made the trade thinking they could get Floyd or Fletcher Cox at 14. It didn’t happen because the Eagles traded up to get Cox and the Cardinals inexplicably took Floyd instead of Riley Reiff. That pick still doesn’t make sense to me considering Reiff fits their bigger need, but it really screwed us.

The good news is that we have three early picks on Friday and there are plenty of good players left. Some names to watch out for include OLs Jonathan Martin, Peter Konz and Cordy Glenn, WRs Rueben Randle and Stephen Hill (who I love), RB Lamar Miller and CB Janoris Jenkins.

Feb 25, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California Trojans offensive lineman Matt Kalil does the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

We are going through a transition to a new site layout here at Ramblin Fan, so it might be hit or miss over the next few days as to whether I will be able to post. I will do what I can, but you will have to bear with me.

The NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing, so let’s take a look at the first group that participated: the offensive lineman.

The guys who impressed me: Matt Kalil, David DeCastro, Philip Blake, Cordy Glenn, Kelechi Osemele, Adam Gettis.

First of all, let me say that I thought the o-line group as a whole was highly impressive. I couldn’t name everyone I liked, but these are the guys who really stood out. Kalil was as good as advertised. He was polished in technique, and his measurables were all outstanding. DeCastro didn’t blow anyone away with athleticism, but he really stood out in the technique drills and solidified himself as a first rounder. Blake was probably the biggest surprise for me, as he posted great numbers all across the board. As a center, he should be on the Rams radar. Glenn was an absolute beast all day, and I couldn’t believe how fast he was at 6-foot-5 and well over 300 lbs. Osemele helped his cause with athleticism, and so did Gettis, although I wasn’t highly impressed with the technique Gettis showed. He is an athletic freak, but he needs to get more polished.

Guys I didn’t love: Rishaw Johnson, John Cullen, Mike Adams

Johnson showed some outstanding athleticism, but he looked awful in the drills. I think he could develop into an NFL player, but he’s got a long way to go. Cullen really struggled for most of the day, and he isn’t nearly the athlete Johnson is. Adams wasn’t necessarily terrible, but I really thought he would put on a much better show. His 19 reps in the bench press were highly disappointing, and overall he just didn’t do anything well enough to set him apart.