2012 NFL Draft: Rams Possibly Tipping Their Hand?

by Christopher Gates on Jan 18, 2012 11:27 AM CST in 2012 NFL Draft

Yesterday, we talked a bit about the spots that the Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Rams occupy in the 2012 NFL Draft, and what I thought were the best scenarios for our favorite team. One of those scenarios involved the Rams taking USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil with the second overall pick, and the Vikings attempting to auction off the third overall pick to the highest bidder.

Taking a look at the rumor mill, it looks like that scenario might be more likely than we think.

According to our friends at Turf Show Times, the Rams appear to be seriously thinking about cutting offensive tackle Jason Smith, who they selected with the second overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Baylor University. (See, Baylor did have a football team before Robert Griffin III came along.) Smith has played in only 29 of 48 games in his three-year career, and his performance during the time that he has played has been less than stellar. Smith is scheduled to make $10 million in 2012, but the Rams will only be on the hook for $1 million if they cut him.

Despite Smith being a disappointment thus far, I find it sort of hard to believe that the Rams would cut him if they didn't have a serious eye on drafting his replacement. Sitting in a position to take the first non-Andrew Luck player off the board, they could certainly grab Kalil and plug him into that spot, allowing a bidding war to start for Griffin III's services.

Just a bit of speculation on a Wednesday morning, folks.

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I love our draft position

No matter how you slice it…we end up with Kalil, Blackmon, or a king’s ransom in picks for RG3.

Any outcome is favorable.

by Jepp The Viking on Jan 18, 2012 11:30 AM CST reply actions

Saw this earlier

Trade back with Cleveland. Get picks for RG3. Trade back again. Get picks for Blackmon. DRAFT BONANZA!!!

Don't you know who the *^$% I am?

by Jeppernaut on Jan 18, 2012 11:47 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Question

I don’t watch enough other teams football players. Is this guy worth picking up after he is cut by the Vikes? Get him at a discounted price and maybe being cut is just what he needs to get his ass in gear.

\m/

by Edgecrusher71 on Jan 18, 2012 11:57 AM CST up reply actions

a less fat mckinnie syndrome?

by Jepp The Viking on Jan 18, 2012 12:07 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

i was wondering the same thing...

i’d still like to draft Reiff, but Smith can’t be any worse than Loadholt (or is he…??)
it would also allow Love to compete at OG.

"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."

Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.

by rj-b on Jan 18, 2012 12:21 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

He's only played 29 of 48 games.

Doesn’t sound too reliable…imo!

by chaosg on Jan 18, 2012 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

right, i don't disagree

i was trying to find what the factor for that was — apparently he’s suffered 3 concussions.

yikes…

"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."

Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.

by rj-b on Jan 18, 2012 12:28 PM CST up reply actions

I was wondering the same thing!

Thanks for clearing that up.
With 3 concussions the Rams will definitely be releasing Smith, and everybody will be steering clear of him……definitely a sad deal for Smith. :(

by chaosg on Jan 18, 2012 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

and to follow up on my own question...

…just read he’s poor in pass protection and doesn’t offer much in run support.

didn’t think it could be any worse than Loadholt, but…

"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."

Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.

by rj-b on Jan 18, 2012 12:30 PM CST up reply actions

We'll garner more booty from Washington!

In return for the treasure of RG3, many teams will offer far greater booty than the Browns, and we’ll still be able to get rowdy Reilly Reiff or Little John Martin. If the vast Kalil is gone, the market for the Jewel of Baylor will merely get more heated. Me own thinkin’ is that you’ve got at least three teams vying for him: Cleveland, Washington, and Miami. But then you can add Jacksonville with blundering Blaine Gabbert, Seattle, and Arizona.

We all know the farther down in line they are, the more draft booty these teams must offer for said fair maiden. The surest bet is Washington, which sorely needs a new captain at the helm, not those clueless swabbies, Beck and Grossman.

Plus, at pick #4, with Kalil gone, our Vikings need nobody at that level so much as the next best Left leviathan, who should be available further down. That fact cries out for a trade down at least as far as pick #6, if not farther.

by jimbo55403 on Jan 18, 2012 1:08 PM CST up reply actions

… did I scoop the scoop with my post in the previous subject?
Following on from that – even if the Rams draft Kalil, the Vikings could still risk sliding down to #6 with a trade with Washington and either select Blackmon, Claiborne, or Reiff. I still think that the Browns will offer a solid deal to move up one spot to prevent the Redskins, assuming they truly want Griffin. Sadly though, I also think that Spielman thinks too highly of his previous connections with the Dolphins and that he will make a trade with them – and possibly we don’t get the quality we should for the 3rd overall pick.

by blowfishes on Jan 18, 2012 11:46 AM CST via mobile reply actions

Dolphins ok.

I don’t think we should trade out of the top 10, but the Fins will be #8 or 9 depending on the coin flip. That should get us either Reiff or Martin. Our biggest need would be filled and we can work on all the other needs with whatever picks we picked up. IMHO

by socalminfan on Jan 18, 2012 12:00 PM CST up reply actions

the Dolphins can still give...

their 1st, 2nd, mid-rd pick, plus a 2013 2nd. i’m definitely not opposed to that.

i’m also not opposed to trading back a 2nd time if a team is willing to jump up for Blackmon, if he’s still on the board. (though in that scenario, we’d lose out on Reiff/Martin… but hey, a king’s ransom is a king’s ransom…)

"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."

Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.

by rj-b on Jan 18, 2012 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

There have been a few ‘experts’ who have stated that the Vikings should seriously consider drafting RGIII, replacing Ponder.
Now I think that Ponder will progress to a solid starter this year following a full off season, but the question remains – what could the Vikings expect in return if they were to trade Ponder?

Teams that may be interested – Browns, Redskins, Dolphins, Seahawks, Colts (if they are seriously mad and not draft Luck), and Broncos.

Although it would be a serious drop from where he was selected, but would the Browns offer the 22nd pick for him? What if the Dolphins offered their 2nd round pick plus a player (perhaps a DB)?

Ultimately, unless Luck bizarrely falls from grace and is available, then the Vikings almost certainly won’t select a QB. But there is a long time between now and the draft, and things can change quickly.

by blowfishes on Jan 18, 2012 12:00 PM CST via mobile reply actions

We have a RGIII like QB.

Webb is athletic and is very similar. Plus he is further along in his development. I think one of our two young QBs will be the answer, we just have to protect them and give them weapons to work with. Again In My Humble Opinion.

by socalminfan on Jan 18, 2012 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

So if the Rams cut Smith, how much do you bet the Vikes would sign him regardless of his poor performance?

by Ragnar on Jan 18, 2012 12:09 PM CST reply actions

I wouldn't be too surprised by that.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they stuck with C. Johnson either.

by chaosg on Jan 18, 2012 12:17 PM CST up reply actions

if we draft Blackmon i am going to be severely disappointed

Yes, i know he’s an all star WR and the top receiving prospect this year. But if we don’t give our QB protection, there’s no point in having a deep threat. the fastest 40 times are in 4 seconds. Ponder is getting hit in under 3. so that means our deep threat receiver isn’t halfway down the field b4 ponder has to get rid of the ball.

we need to get a lineman with our first pick. Kalil if he’s available, if not, i see us easily trading with Washington at 6 and drafting Reiff, or even Miami at 8/9.

when asked by Dan Patrick if his name alluded to not making quick decisions in the pocket, Ponder calmly replied "As crazy as it sounds, my mom's maiden name is actually Superbowlwinner. All one word"

by filbert33 on Jan 18, 2012 12:34 PM CST reply actions

I agree we need to fix the line

but not at the expense of settling for less then the BPA if Kalil is off the board. If the Viking have Blackmon as the top player, then we should get him. WR is a weakness on this team as well.

☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.

by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 12:52 PM CST up reply actions

and it's a big drop off in Oline talent after

Kalil.

☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.

by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 12:53 PM CST up reply actions

and an even bigger drop off after Reiff and Martin.

by socalminfan on Jan 18, 2012 1:12 PM CST up reply actions

I'm all for protecting Ponder

and I feel OLine is the biggest need by far. But reaching for a position when really we could use help in almost every position, (ala trading down to get more picks to draft for more needs), doesn’t seems like the right route to go IMO.

☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.

by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 1:16 PM CST up reply actions

Reiff's stock has been improving

I don’t think that Reiff at three, is the reach everyone thinks it is. The Vikings don’t want to get too cute, and trade themselves out of one of the top tackles. It’s easy to try and project what other teams will do, but all it takes is a couple of teams to do the unexpected. Remember when Jacksonville selected Tyson Alualu?? Nobody saw that coming. Right now the number one priority is to protect our young quarterbacks. The Vikings need to come out of this draft with one of the top two tackles. Its been neglected long enough.

by vking1 on Jan 18, 2012 3:06 PM CST up reply actions

The Vikings aren’t in a position to pick and choose like that. This is a 3-13 team that needs help across the damn board. When the Dolphins drafted Jake Long (a fantastic pro) or when the Browns drafted Joe Thomas (another great player), it didn’t elicit an instant turnaround. Having a solid O-Line is fine and good, but it doesn’t mean your team’s ready for the big time. As great as Thomas and Long are, their teams still suck. You still need talent at the skill positions to succeed, especially if your defence is as terrible as the Vikings’ is. Acting like drafting Justin Blackmon is a travesty is ludicrous. Look at what AJ Green’s done for the Bengals. I’d expect a similar impact from Blackmon. Having a threat like him would make the running game that much more terrifying.

by HDave on Jan 19, 2012 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

Having Blackmon makes the run game that much more terrifying

How?? Even if Blackmon could run a 4.2 second forty (he can’t) it doesn’t matter, because our quarterbacks have less than two seconds to throw the ball. Having a strong line protects the quarterback . Having a strong offensive line opens holes for our running backs. Remember Adrian Peterson’s rookie year? A lot of those long runs were due to a strong offensive line. This draft class has a lot of depth at the receiver position, not so much for left tackles. A team has to be able to protect its quarterback before it can even think of going deep, and a receiver isn’t going to completely turn a team around either. Comparisons to Cincinnati and AJ Green are unfounded because Cincinnati has a much better O-line.

by vking1 on Jan 19, 2012 2:16 PM CST up reply actions

I just meant that it gives the team more balance. You and I both know how frustrating it was watching the team not have a deep threat all season. I don’t know about you, but Devin Aromashodu and Bernard Berrian’s rotting corpse wasn’t doing it for me. Stretching the D out, and giving them another weapon to think about opens holes for Harvin/Peterson.

To make my stance a little bit clearer, if the Vikings were in a spot where they could pick Kalil OR Blackmon, I’d want Kalil for sure. I’m just saying that if Kalil’s off the board, you could do a WHOLE lot worse than drafting Blackmon. But as far as pure prospects go and fitting a team’s needs…Kalil all the way.

by HDave on Jan 19, 2012 3:13 PM CST up reply actions

We're definitely in a good position this draft

as I don’t think we can really “lose” in our situation unless we pick bad players.

However, my question is: If we are able to trade down once (or somehow twice), what will our draft strategy be? What positions/players will the vikes target in the late first and second rounds? How is this year’s draft class compared to what it would be like next year? Would we rather have more picks in return for trading down the 3 spot for this year’s draft or for next year’s draft?

by cdubs3201 on Jan 18, 2012 12:39 PM CST reply actions

Hope the Rams use Their Pick

Use their pick and draft Claiborne, Kalil or Blackmon then let the bidding begin. We can’t trade out of the top 10, so we’ll be able to draft a top OL Reiff, Martin or with any Luck no pun intended Kalil. Save the drama for your momma

by BleedPurple60 on Jan 18, 2012 12:39 PM CST reply actions

Umm, wake me up on draft day.

Lots of “what if” madness. It sure is fun with a whole new talent pool.

Every position is replaceable. A NFL job is something to earn plus have the intangibles to be a ‘star’ with the fans. It sure helps to have the ‘confidence’ of the coaches to do the job. Lose it, and someone else is filled in. It’s how the business works to provide an “entertainment” in the form of professional football.

I could guess that the day Brett F. thought he was irreplaceable, it marked the time for Rodgers to step in and play. Look at Peyton Manning. He became too irreplaceable and had the unfortunate (or fortunate?) season of tanking for the #1 pick. How freakin lucky is that?

I’m happy with Ponder + Webb combo. We are a better team with both. A RG griffin III will not do us any favors because of the established chemistry Ponder + Webb have. In today’s hard hitting NFL, having all of your eggs in one basket (ala Manning/Brady/Brees/etc) isn’t a good thing. Brett F. going nearly 300 consecutive games started is near insanity for 20 years. I’ll take Ponder & Webb being around that long mixing it up and manufacturing the “W”. It’s all about the wins, baby!

Get the OLine fixed first, then figure out how to stretch the down field with added time in the pocket. 7 more points in each of our games would have added a good number of W’s in the Win Column. I’d take losing this way than morale self-defeating blowouts week-in-and-out.

Vikings in 2012 will be a Wonder-ful year. Seriously!!
I also love the game of golf. My favorite golf GPS app is OptimalClub.
It is hands down the BEST golf aid you'll ever have for club distances
under current elevation and weather conditions. Stop guessing & score low!

by VikesFanSince1967 on Jan 18, 2012 12:46 PM CST reply actions

I don't think NE put a their eggs in one basket.

First they had Matt Cassel and went 11-5, then they took the much talented Ryan Mallett last year. He has great potential, and only personal issues kept him from going in the first round.

☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.

by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 12:56 PM CST up reply actions

didn't they

draft Mallett with our 3rd round pick.?

stupidmosstradeatleastitfiredchildress

by filbert33 on Jan 18, 2012 1:05 PM CST up reply actions

Yes I beleive so.

I was one of the few people who wanted Mallett. Maybe because I’m a Razorback’s fan and watched him alot but still.

☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.

by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 1:11 PM CST up reply actions

Mallet only ran a 4.95 forty

Ponder was getting killed behind that porous offensive line. How do you think Mallet would have survived?? Seriously, how does a professional athlete only run a 4.95?? I can understand a 300 pound lineman running that, but a quarterback??

by vking1 on Jan 18, 2012 11:29 PM CST up reply actions

That's true - but NE missed the play offs

The stock of Cassel went up, NE dumped him for draft pics and went back and showed their loyalties to Brady. I guess in their organization, there are some personal loyaties involved with the Kraft family. It’s a true testament of the patriots organization to have a winning formula and bounce back.

Indy’s situation was a disaster. They did not follow the patriot way. The HC was fired.

Vikings situation was a bit messy with a coaching and OC change to begin the rebuilding for long term. Lockout did not help much. You might argue the lock out should have affected 49ers but Harbaugh worked with the existing process players were familiar with and made it better under his leadership.

Since Fran Tarkenton days – Vikings have never had a good backup to take over the main QB role. It was always a hot potato position or lacking in true stability. Culpepper had an amazing run until one play changed his future.

I’m comfortable going forward with 2 QB’s we can grow and develop with. If fans would shut up about asking webb to get more playing time or use of his talents, maybe we’d have a one QB situation. Fat chance of silencing the fans on this one. The fans have spoken to see Webb in play. Even the team is adjusting and adapting to this unique situation. I like it and want to see more of it.

by VikesFanSince1967 on Jan 18, 2012 3:11 PM CST up reply actions

Going 11-5 and missing the playoffs

is complete crap in my mind. But I agree with all your other points

☠★☪Creator of http:/vikescity.info/ and dedicated DN reader.

by UnBannedVikingholic on Jan 18, 2012 4:20 PM CST up reply actions

Unbanned - I loveyou dude but 11-5 is crap?

No it is not. Giants this year were 9-7. Any time a team can hit the playoffs (Giants and there are many other examples) then you always have a chance of winning the game. Whether it be because of turnovers, special teams play, whatever, it at least gives you a shot. Often a team has issues early in the year, but sometimes things come together. As unlikely as is seems, it’s not impossible that the Vikes could be competitive next year. Looking at Brady, (who has time up the wazzoo to do his reads and competent wide-outs ) if we shore that O-line up a bit and do some things in the secondary, we can compete. Kool aid talk I know but shit, we can’t be as bad as this year, and positivity is called for I hope in this up coming year, where Ponder and Webb can see an actual pre-season

Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." --Knute Rockne

by abba7 on Jan 18, 2012 9:00 PM CST up reply actions

I think what unbanned means is:

It’s a bunch of crap that an 11-5 team can miss the PO’s…..like the 09’ Patriots did.
and it’s a bunch of crap when a 7-9 team can make the PO’s…..like the 10’ Sea hawks did.
I don’t think he was calling the 11-5 Patriots a crappy team. :)

by chaosg on Jan 19, 2012 4:59 PM CST up reply actions

I don't know...

Wade Wilson seemed plenty capable when Tommy Kramer went down, and Rich Gannon when Wade went down…

by michiganpat on Jan 19, 2012 9:31 AM CST up reply actions

it's all good

if the rams take blackmon/trade down, then we get Kalil no problem. If they don’t, we should play chicken with the Browns and trade down one spot while picking up a pretty penny in picks from them.
At that point we can take Blackmon or Claiborne, but I would like to see us do the same thing as before. We convince the Buccaneers that we have a trading partner for Richardson/Claiborne and we trade back one more spot to #5 and pick up a few more picks while we’re at it.
Then we can convince the Jags that someone’s willing to trade with us for Blackmon and we move back to #7 with even more picks at our disposal.
There, we have a whole bevy of picks to rebuild quickly with, and we’re still in the top ten giving us a shot at the second best OL or even Claiborne. It’s just up to Speilman not to mess up with the other picks.

dfewkes15

by dfewkes15 on Jan 18, 2012 2:00 PM CST reply actions

I don't necessarily think they are tipping their hand.

Smith has been atrocious; he’s been an absolute bust. The only reason he’s still in St. Louis is because the last regime was tied to him as a high draft pick. That regime is no longer in place, so the only thing keeping him there is his play. Obviously, his play is not enough.

He’s owed $12 million in base salary next year, of which only $1 million is guaranteed. He will not be back with the Rams unless he accepts an enormous paycut, something he could very well do, though likely will not. They will need to replace him, and the Rams could very likely replace him with Kalil. But I think it’s more likely they trade down and pick up someone like Riley Reiff, who’s a much more prototypical RT than Kalil. If they take Kalil, he would play LT and they would shift Saffold to the right side, though they seem to be very high on him as a LT. I wouldn’t say this means they are for sure taking Kalil, it just means that they are in the market for a RT to replace Smith.

by SkolNick on Jan 18, 2012 2:48 PM CST reply actions

Hey, first person in this thread to mention Saffold! The guy who actually plays LT for the Rams currently.

How the Rams feel about Saffold’s play will determine if they take Kalil or not. Jason Smith doesn’t really factor into their decision much anymore.

by CanadianViking on Jan 18, 2012 5:10 PM CST up reply actions

Mel Kiper has a new mock draft

Mel has St Louis taking Blackmon, which means absolutely nothing.

by vking1 on Jan 18, 2012 3:17 PM CST reply actions

I don't know how much longer I can continue....

Reading about this stuff. Is this giving anyone else a serious anxiety problem? I wish I could take 3 month nap while still collecting a full paycheck.

I am curios to see what happens with Matt Flynn before the draft. I think that might have significant ramifications on our 3rd pick trade options. I really hope he goes to someone other than the browns and skins, as I think those are the best chances at a bidding war. And I think we neeeed a bidding war. Or at least I really want one. Then let’s go OL and WR/CB with our 2 first rounds

by IL PurpleRain on Jan 18, 2012 5:58 PM CST reply actions

Rams don't need to draft Kalil if they dump Smith

He plays RT and they can find RT in the 2nd or 3rd round. They like Saffold and it would make more sense for them to draft Claiborne ( anyone see they CB’s this year? and we thought we had it bad), or Blackmon . Of course none of us are taking into account what the Rams might do in FA.

by nmvikesfan on Jan 18, 2012 11:51 PM CST reply actions

Drafting a CB at #2 is nuts, no matter how good he is. The impact of a star CB is very dependent on the external factors, i.e. rest of the secondary, defensive schemes, coaching, etc; unless of course, we’re talking about a guy like Revis, and I don’t think Claiborne is that level of a prospect.

by HDave on Jan 19, 2012 9:56 AM CST up reply actions