Building through the draft is a commendable approach but it requires, you know, draft picks, and the Rams just unloaded a large number of picks over the next two years.
Advertisement
If the Rams don’t get a third-round compensatory pick next year, the Rams will send to Tennessee their regular third-round pick, but the Rams will pick up an extra seventh-round selection in 2017.
There is a solid chance that Paxton Lynch be available to the 49ers at No. 7, but it seems doubtful that the team will spend a crucial pick on the quarterback from Memphis after failing to invite him for a private workout.
The general reaction has been somewhat positive for both sides, which is rare in todays day and age. As part of the trade, the Titans will own six picks in the top 76 – three of the top 46 – but in balancing quantity over quality, their top pick in the draft drops 14 spots to No. 15.
“What we want to do in our search for consistency at QB is also continue doing the things that we do well”, Rams General Manager Les Snead said at the National Football League scouting combine in February in Indianapolis. Neither Wentz, from North Dakota State, nor Goff, from Cal, has the high profile last year’s top two overall picks, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. Also, the Browns recent signing of Robert Griffin III, as a free agent, may lessen the team’s need to address the position.
But, let’s be honest, you don’t trade away some of your top draft picks for the next two years without having a player in mind.
Robinson said the Titans got solid offers from a couple of other teams for the No. 1 pick, but didn’t specify which teams. Rams pulled off a coup because price wasn’t near what Redskins had to pay [in 2012] for [Robert Griffin III].
Because Cleveland has a very clear need for a quarterback after releasing 2014 first-round pick Johnny Manziel, the expectation has been that the Browns would address the position in the draft.
Goff could fit well as the face of a Los Angeles franchise in transition.
Advertisement
Drafting a non-FBS quarterback wouldn’t be anything new to Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, who had prior success with Steve McNair from FCS Alcorn State when the two were together with the Oilers. The Rams will get their quarterback of the future – only the future has already been compromised by this short-sighted trade. If they go with Wentz, then it could mean another big move in the top five of the NFL Draft. “We’re focused on getting this trade accomplished and getting through the draft and well see where it goes”. They have Perrish Cox and are hoping Jason McCourty will bounce back, but those are the only reliable players on the roster.
