Currently for the #1 pick, its almost a deadlock between Matthew Stafford and Andre Smith, if Andre Smith goes to the Lions, the Rams may have to take Oher.
The Rams must address their offensive line, and with 3 studs still on the board - assuming Detroit takes Stafford, an OT seems obvious. The only question comes down to which one? 32 NFL teams may have different rankings on Andre Smith, and Eugene Monroe. And some teams may even prefer Baylor's Jason Smith. The Rams would be best to keep their favorite to themselves, cause they lose trade value if they don't. For now, the majority seems to like Andre Smith, while I prefer Michael Oher. I may actually be the hardest analyst on Eugene Monroe, as being a UVA alum, I have seen far more footage of him.
They take Oher because I think Lions take Smith. Stafford is good, but one more year would've done him better on stock, but I understand he would've fell in the draft with all the elite QB's coming out next year. He is not a franchise QB yet. He needs 3 years of NFL guidance and training like with Peyton and the Colts or maybe even the Seahawks, but they won't waste their pick on him when they can get Crabtree.
Hopefully the Lions have learned no to go back-to-back at the same position in the 1st round and do not draft an OT at #1. They could, because they are idiots. I wouldn't go Qb just yet, the rest of their team isn't ready for a high pick on a QB. Culpepepr will be serviceable for another couple years while they build their D and add to the OL. Let's face it, they'll be bad again in 09 and will be picking in the top 5 again in 2010, thats' when they can get their QB. If they do grab a QB now, why in the name of hell would they start him? They shouldn't and they won't, so it's kind of a waste for a 1st year HC. They need a player that will start Day 1. They have Gosder and Backus, they have Megatron and KSmith, they have Sims and Avril. All high draft picks. They need a pass rusher opposite Avril, but LB and CB are greater weaknesses. I say they go with Malcolm Jenkins #1, a good sized, fast, run supporting, lockdown CB. Then with their 2nd 1st rounder take the best LB, DE or OT available.
As for the Rams, I don't like Andre Smith for them. He's not athletic enough for them at LT. I think they go Oher or Jason Smith.
Andre Smith is a RT at best in the NFL. The Rams will take Crabtree because they feel Pace can get them thru another year. They will redu his contract and look to trade Holt or also redu his contract. They can get another tackle in round two or three. Crabtre is special
I think/hope the Lions take Smith so I'm thinking the pick comes down to either Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith. I am not as wowed with Oher's on the field play as I am with his off the feild reputation (he's a good kid, just maybe not the best). For me it has to be Monroe. This kid forced one of the best OT's in last year's draft to move to guard.
Hiring Spagnuolo from the Giants changes everything. No point bringing in a defensive genius and then drafting an OT.
Just a hunch, but I can see the Rams doing some dealing. Maybe moving down a few notches... get an extra pick or two. Then taking one of the elite pass rushers... Aaron Curry, Everette Brown, or Brian Orakpo. I could even see them sliding more and ending up with Aaron Maybin.
Remember... they hired Spags over Garrett because he was cheaper. I can't picture them doing another mega-contract for a top 3 prospect. And they have a lot of needs. Better to sign several quality picks than one possible Pro Bowler. A lot less expensive too.
I don't even know if it is possible anymore to trade out of the top three considering the money involved. But who would know more about the importance of the offensive line than a former defensive coordinator?
Currently for the #1 pick, its almost a deadlock between Matthew Stafford and Andre Smith, if Andre Smith goes to the Lions, the Rams may have to take Oher.
If Detroit was smart they would trade down between picks 3-5 and pick up a possible third rounder. They need to go OL.....it does no good for the longevity of the program to try and get a franchise QB with a horrid OL. Build up the OL and defense this year and select a franchise QB from the quality crop coming out next year.
Hiring Spagnuolo from the Giants changes everything. No point bringing in a defensive genius and then drafting an OT.
Just a hunch, but I can see the Rams doing some dealing. Maybe moving down a few notches... get an extra pick or two. Then taking one of the elite pass rushers... Aaron Curry, Everette Brown, or Brian Orakpo. I could even see them sliding more and ending up with Aaron Maybin.
Remember... they hired Spags over Garrett because he was cheaper. I can't picture them doing another mega-contract for a top 3 prospect. And they have a lot of needs. Better to sign several quality picks than one possible Pro Bowler. A lot less expensive too.
I agree 100% on that and beleive they pick DE first and have changed my mock to Brian Orakpo for thier first pick...... O-line get help in FAs but he will build a defence first............