http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/04/24/report-rams-buy-sanchez-a-plane-ticket/ Could both QB's go 1 and 2? This would impact the draft greatly.
Could be a smokescreen but Rams could probably use a QB to compete with Boller in the instance Bulger gets slammed for the last time.
$300 plane ticket to possibly entice teams to trade up to #2 as Sanchez is currently the red hot prospect.... Smart move and a smokescreen, IMO.
From what I know, the Rams have been looking to move out of the first round since the beginning of this month and are looked to be targeting Missouri's Jeremy Maclin.
To play devil's advocate... Why not take Sanchez if you're the rams? Marc Bulger (sucks) has been benched and injured how many times in the last few years? He's done nothing to warrant future support of the franchise. Along the lines of Mel Kiper's philosophy, if you feel he'll be a QB who can win you a superbowl, does it matter if he's not exactly carrying a "franchise" QB grade?
Move down, my mistake. And yes, Maclin. He's a local kid and apparently did impressive them on the field and in interviews. If they don't make a move, look for Jason Smith to go second I'd assume because they like his potential over Monroe's and then they will target a wide receiver in the early second. Kenny Britt I know was mentioned heavily with them in the past. If he makes it past twenty-nine, he could be there guy.
It works well since $300-500 is chump change for the organization to maybe make a move that'll save thousands. Add that to the fact that the Rams potentially have questionable QB platoon and it makes it even more effective.
OK, I'll play. While I agree there's any number of ways The Rams could go, I just don't see them investing their first pick (and #2 overall) in a QB. For one thing, they have too much money invested in Bulger. For another, they just signed Boller (OK, not much to talk about there) to back him up. They have an immediate need on OL to replace the now departed Pace. They need a playmaker WR to offset the loss of Holt. And, their defense is abysmal. Bottom line, I'm willing to bet (OK, small wager) that they pick just about any possible position except QB.
There is no doubt in my mind that a WR will fall in the draft. I believe Britt will be odd man out in round 1. Man the Rams are really screwing with my predict the draft mock on NFL.
I don't think it matters what the Rams have invested in Bulger (or Boller who's on his way to being journeyman at best). If you can't play, you can't play. Passing up on a a guy because you wrongly invested in another isn't going to fix the franchise, you're just going in circles. Any team picking at the top of the draft is likely abysmal in most areas and rebuilds, usually with a QB first (I like the Dolphins strategy better, but it's not the norm). If Mark Sanchez declared next year, he would be at the top of the draft anyway (I wouldn't touch him, but that's not the point).
They do have a new coach and as we've seen throughout the years, new coaches want their own QB. We saw it in the Cutler fiasco and the Pennington/Culpepper/Green/whatever situations here.
While I agree with your logic, the economics simply don't back up your argument (IMO). What's Bulger's contract worth, $60 mil? And, by picking Sanchez #2 overall, they have to plunk down at least the same, with at least $30 mil guaranteed? Ain't gonna happen. They're not going to invest that much money in one position.
It's cheap, sure. Probably a good move too if it's a smokescreen. It's just a very high level of dog and pony trickery if true. I wonder what St. Louis wants in return for #2 if it is a smokescreen. Broncos have declared they're not parting with both 1sts, Jets don't have the ammo, Washington doesn't have the ammo either, and according to peter king, the seahawks are taking curry or crabtree... So how exactly is this smokescreen going to pay dividends is my only question.
Everyone's gotta one up the other whenever there's cutthroat competition and finagling. Broncos may have declared they won't part but that could just be them trying to fool others into lowering their price tags. Beauty of great smokescreens are when you have nothing or little to lose but lots to gain. Doesn't have to be successful. No one bites, no big deal. You don't have to draft em.
Def. true about Denver possibly using a smokescreen. However, I think consensus opinion (which I agree with) it would be dumb as hell to give up Cutler for picks and then turn around and give them up for Sanchez. Tomorrow will be exciting at least...
Two possibilities come to mind... 1) They're desperately trying to move down, and hoping by using this ploy someone might want to trade up so they can move out of the two hole. 2) They're trying to keep Detroit off balance hoping that they don't take their player (i.e., J. Smith or whomever they have #1 on their board). Keep in mind, Stafford isn't a lock at #1 yet.
I thought it was dumb as hell trading Cutler or trying to replace him with Cassel to begin with so that won't surprise me one bit. Also, wouldn't be surprised if Denver dangles another player to move up instead of another 1st round pick.