Trading Sam Bradford? Not so Far Fetched…

Posted by Scott P in Uncategorized No Comments »

NEWS

Let’s be clear, we don’t see this happening, but we can see a scenario where the Rams entertain offers and even shop their franchise QB. Charley Casserly got us thinking about this with his article on NFL.com where he points out that while Bradford is due $48 million over the next four years, the Rams could take Robert Griffin III with the second pick and pay him $22 million over the same period. That’s a savings of $26 million for those of you keeping track at home. That’s tempting for a team with multiple holes to fill. Also tempting would be the two first round draft picks (plus a player perhaps) that they can ask for in return for Bradford who would have to go if they draft RGIII.

VIEWS

For Casserly, a simple question decides what the Rams will do. Do they think Griffin can be the QB Bradford is. If so, you almost have to shop Bradford.

Assuming Bradford is a Ram, CBS says that while they have high hopes for Bradford he remains a fantasy football QB#2.

Our friends at WalterFootball.com have the Rams trading the pick to the Browns in exchange for their two first round picks in 2012 (#4 and #22 overall) and that makes total sense, as do the picks they project; Blackmon and Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State.

FANTASY FOOTBALL SPIN

The Rams are in a tremendous spot with the second overall pick. The most likely scenario is that the Rams trade back to the fourth spot and allow the Browns to move up and snatch Robert Griffin. The Redskins will also be the chase, but the Browns have two first round picks this year and at number four the Rams can still grab the player they want, perhaps WR Justin Blackmon.

With two first round picks the Rams could address not only wide receiver but other areas of need, like offensive tackle, defensive back, or outside linebacker. After a very promising rookie campaign, Sam Bradford a terrible sophomore year in the pros. You can’t lay all the blame for the bad year on Bradford, however. His offensive line was terrible and for most of the year his offensive weapons were subpar to say the least. Just as the Rams have been extremely irresponsible in not getting backfield help for Steven Jackson, they have been remiss in getting more help for Bradford.

We like Sam Bradford and believe he is the real deal. Much of his poor performance in 2011 can be chalked up to playing for one of the worst franchises in the NFL. Having said that, the Rams have to consider the RGIII option. Not only would they save a lot of money (while they are at it they should release that waste of space Jason Smith and free up $10 million) but think of the new revenue on jersey sales and such. It’s a move they have to consider. They could make the same trade with the Redskins or Browns that people have been speculating so much about and while it might put the Rams back a year, it’s not like they are a contender going into 2012. They may even want to shop Steven Jackson, who we feel awful considering he is a mega talent who has toiled on rotten teams, and just start over.

It’s not unrealistic to think the Rams could enter 2012 with RGIII at QB, Trent Richards or a veteran like Michael Bush or Mike Tolbert at RB, and/or Justin Blackmon or a veteral like Vincent Jackson at wide receiver. They would also have a ton of cap space and other picks to address defensive needs and concerns along the offensive line.

In the end, we think WalterFootball nailed it in the mock draft we link to above.