One thing Jeff Fisher and Les Snead got right about the concept of trading up in the 2016 NFL Draft is that the Los Angeles Rams are already where they need to be or close at every other position outside of quarterback. I said it last preseason that this was the most talented Rams roster since 2003. The fact that Fisher has still done nothing much with it than flirt with .500 is an indictment of his coaching ability.
But every year brings new hope and optimism and the Rams made sure there would be plenty by surrendering two years worth of starter-level draft picks for the chance to pick one of the consensus top quarterbacks in this draft class.
If you’ve scrolled down this draft you’ll notice I’ve tossed the Rams an extra pick in the fifth round acquired via trade with the Denver Broncos. This has obviously not gone down yet, but with the Rams and Philadelphia Eagles drafting quarterbacks at Nos. 1 and 2, there’s every reason to believe they’ll shed one of the quarterbacks and contracts on their roster. When I do the Eagles’ draft later today, I’ll also factor in a possible trade that would send Sam Bradford to Denver.
In this case, it’s Nick Foles who could (and should) make the trip up the Rocky Mountains. Foles is cheaper than Bradford and Colin Kaepernick and won’t make any stink when the Broncos draft a quarterback late in the first round to replace him. Foles can save his career in Denver or it can just be another journeyman stop. For the price of a fifth-round pick the Broncos get a stopgap quarterback that allows them to train up a Paxton Lynch, Dak Prescott or Connor Cook as their quarterback of the future.
There are other possible trade partners for Foles. The Jets make a lot of sense too, but I feel like they’re waiting to see what happens in the actual draft to make that move. The Broncos may be willing to pull the trigger sooner.
Round 1, Pick 1 – Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
I made it clear just a few days ago my opinion on Jared Goff and his potential in the NFL hasn’t changed. Could I be wrong? Of course. Have I been wrong? Oh dear God yes, but so has every other draft and NFL pundit on the planet. Our wrongness is what unites us. I like Wentz a lot better and think his intelligence, his ability to run his own offense and call his own protections will make all the difference as a rookie transitioning to the NFL.
No one, to a man, believes that Goff has a “higher ceiling” than Wentz, even guys like the NFL Network’s Mike Silver who think the Rams should take Goff. So if Wentz seems more pro-ready, comes from a pro system and is a bigger, more physical player, that makes him an easy call for me. I think Wentz could be Andrew Luck 2.0. When I look at Goff I see Blaine Gabbert Jr.
That being said, Goff is an intriguing pick from the Rams’ standpoint too. He’s definitely the more prolific passer and picking him shows that Fisher is committed to open the offense up. Maybe Goff really can be another Matt Ryan like Mike Mayock thinks. But he’s definitely not the QB you pick if your idea is for him to hand it off two times then throw it on third down.
Wentz seems to fit Fisher better and is primed to have more success as a rookie in the Rams’ system. I’ve seen reports and projections all over the place, but for my money I say Wentz is the guy. We’ll find out Thursday.
Round 4, Pick 110 – Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame
This pick right here is the key to the Rams’ entire draft. Smith has been a freefall on draft boards since it was announced that his Fiesta Bowl knee injury would cost him the entire 2016-17 NFL season. He was going to be a first round pick, maybe even a Top 10 pick. Now he’s fallen down to a third or fourth round grade.
For the Rams the entire focus of rounds three or four of this draft should be landing Smith. He might show up at this spot in the fourth round or Los Angeles may have to trade up some to make sure they get him. Smith, to the Rams, should represent the first round pick they won’t have in 2017. He won’t play this year, but he will next year and they’ll be getting first-round ability with no first-round pick.
Round 4, Pick 113 – Jordan Payton, WR, UCLA
Jordan Payton is going to be an NFL star and there’s no excuse not to add a kid that could be the next Isaac Bruce or Tory Holt to a roster when he lives in the same town as your team.
TRADE – Round 5, Pick 144 – Evan Boehm, Center, Missouri
This is the pick I think the Broncos could send to the Rams for Foles. With it the Rams should take Boehm and shore up the weak link on their offensive line, which just so happens to be right in the middle of it.
Round 6, Pick 177 – Anthony Zettel, DE, Penn State
The Rams have their starters and solid back ups along the defensive line, but Zettel is a guy that could muscle his way into the rotation very easily, backing up at end and at defensive tackle.
Round 6, Pick 190 – Bryce Williams, TE, East Carolina
At 6-foot-6 and 257 pounds, Williams should add a more physical presence than Lance Kendricks at the tight end position and add a big-time weapon in the passing attack, especially in the red zone.
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