Jan 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson (3) carries the ball during the BCS National Championship game agains the LSU Tigers at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-US PRESSWIRE

We are into April, which means the draft is almost here. There has been some talk recently about the Rams looking to trade down again after already moving from 2 to 6, so let’s take a look at that situation. I think the opportunity is going to be there unless the Browns take Ryan Tannehill at four, because someone will want to get in front of Miami to get him.

As much as I’m usually a fan of trading down, I think the Rams need to stay put unless they get absolutely blown away. After Andrew Luck and RG3 go 1-2, the next four players on the board are elite guys who are all at need positions for the Rams. I think Justin Blackmon will be there, but if not they will have one of Matt Kalil, Trent Richardson or Morris Claiborne to choose from. I don’t think Kalil will be there, but I love Claiborne and considering he would be the consolation prize for the Rams in this draft, that’s a pretty nice prize.

On Richardson, I’m a believer. Normally I would never advocate taking a running back this high, but Richardson looks like a star in the making. I think the Browns would be foolish to pass on him, and I know the Rams have much bigger needs right now, but this team needs another back and eventual replacement for Steven Jackson.

One of these guys will be there, and I don’t think we should pass on whoever that man is. There’s a chance someone could offer a package that’s too good to be true, but either way the Rams are in very good shape heading into this thing.

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.

The author of the article pretty much said the Rams would be making a huge mistake by trading the pick because they would miss out on drafting USC tackle Matt Kalil. I’m not going to sit here and say that Kalil isn’t going to be a great player or that the Rams couldn’t use him, because those would be lies. I believe, however, that the Rams have drafted heavily on the line recently and the bigger need is a combination of Justin Blackmon and at least one more high pick that can be used to fill holes.

Our offensive line struggled badly last season, but I still think there are some decent pieces there. There needs to be upgrades, but I’m not ready to give up on Rodger Saffold just yet. Jason Smith might be another story, but let’s worry about him later. I would love to have Kalil, but I would just love to have Blackmon and additional picks a little more.