5 Bold Predictions For St. Louis Rams In 2015 NFL Draft

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5 Bold Predictions For St. Louis Rams In 2015 NFL Draft

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft
Billy Hurst - USA TODAY Sports

Bold moves have been a hallmark of Les Snead’s tenure as general manager with the St. Louis Rams, and head coach Jeff Fisher has an even longer track record of being a rather audacious fellow as well. Look for that to continue with this Rams franchise in the 2015 NFL Draft as they move forward with life after the perks of the Robert Griffin III trade. Here are five bold predictions for their upcoming draft experience.

5. Just Say No To Marcus Mariota

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft
Getty Images

5. Just Say No To Marcus Mariota

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft
Getty Images

In addition to the fact that Marcus Mariota seems like a gamble at best to ever become a quality NFL QB capable of making pro-level reads and progressions, the Rams already have a solid signal-caller in that regard with Nick Foles. Picking up a mid-round prospect to groom for a year would be a much wiser move on the quarterback front than to waste an early pick—or possibly even trade up—for a roll of the dice.

4. Character Will Once Again Take A Backseat

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

4. Character Will Once Again Take A Backseat

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

While many franchises strive to avoid controversy or shy away from players with checkered pasts, it seems as if the Rams seek them out on draft day. It wouldn’t be shocking to see one of the draft’s two biggest talents—and two biggest question marks—land with St. Louis in wideout Dorial Green-Beckham and cornerback Marcus Peters. With Jeff Fisher at the helm, elite talent trumps upstanding character on a regular basis.

3. Yet Another Running Back Will Enter The Fray

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft
Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports

3. Yet Another Running Back Will Enter The Fray

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft
Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports

In 2013 it was Zac Stacy, and a year ago it was Tre Mason’s turn. Considering the depth of talent in the 2015 draft class, yet another running back joining the Rams shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Coach Fisher loves to run the ball down the throats of opponents, and the Rams are building a big and nasty offensive line to do just that. Jeremy Langford or David Cobb would be awfully enticing in Round 4 should they still be on the board.

2. Trading Down In Round 1 Is Very Likely

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

2. Trading Down In Round 1 Is Very Likely

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Scherff is a toss-up to be available at No. 10 overall, and even so, he’s merely a clone of last year’s first-rounder, Greg Robinson, who may be a better fit at guard than tackle. Unless a value like Kevin White presents itself, trading down to acquire more picks would be the right move. There will be plenty of opportunity to find a franchise-altering talent and more ammunition in terms of draft picks would only aid in that quest.

1. …And So Is Trading Back Up Into Round 1

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

1. …And So Is Trading Back Up Into Round 1

St. Louis Rams 2015 NFL Draft
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

It may seem contradictory, but the Rams pulled this trick a couple of years back only in reverse order. If they can move down from No. 10 overall to the late teens and draft a left tackle—say Andrus Peat—it makes total sense to use the pick they gained to move back up into the end of Round 1 and snag a difference maker at wide receiver or in the secondary. Like I said, they used this tactic back in 2013 by trading up early and down later.

Anthony Blake is a Senior Writer/Copy Editor at Rant Media Network. You Can Follow Him on Twitter, on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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