Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

With the 2010 NFL Draft two months away, mock drafts are plentiful. In fact, there are already 122 mock drafts published and we are still two months away from the NFL Draft. If you took a minute to scan through a few of those drafts you probably noticed that there are as many as six or seven players mentioned that might go to your favorite team come April. Obviously, only one (or maybe none) will end up being on your team, but part of what makes the 2010 NFL Draft so interesting is the different possibilities that can change your team. 

In this article, we will explore the different draft possibilities that surround the St. Louis Rams and their No.1 pick. Each player presents a different opportunity to the fantasy football prospects of the St. Louis Rams in 2010, although Steven Jackson, and maybe Donnie Avery, will probably be the only Rams drafted in standard scoring leagues. 

Without further ado, let’s explore the possibilities taking a fantasy football perspective into account:

St. Louis Rams

The Rams have been on the clock since January 4, 2010, but it doesn’t mean their choice on April 22, 2010 will be any easier. With the combine approaching next week, many judges of talent (Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, specifically) will have a better grasp on how the draft will pan out. However, even if you’re a casual football fan you know is that the Rams have glaring holes on both sides of the football and will turn to the draft to find some talent that can make an immediate impact.

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska: Scouts, coaches, and fans would mostly agree that the defensive tackle out of Nebraska is the best player in this year’s NFL Draft. With Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo as a defensive minded coach, it seems inevitable that he is leaning this way.

Can Suh lead the Rams defense to being fantasy worthy in 2010?

Even if Suh makes an immediate impact, the Rams defense will not be worth a fantasy football selection in 2010. The Rams allowed opponents to score 27.3 points per game and gain over 370 yards of total offense. Suh should help clog the middle and help better St. Louis’ run defense; however, don’t expect him to turn the Rams into an elite unit anytime soon.

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame or Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma: It is obvious St. Louis is in dire need of a franchise quarterback. However, it remains a question if they feel that either Clausen or Bradford can make the drastic changes that this offense needs.

Can either of these quarterbacks make an immediate impact in St. Louis?

If the Rams go with a QB at No.1, it seems like there will be an even greater learning curve for an offense that averaged a league low 10.9 points per game last year. Plus, a rookie quarterback means St. Louis is likely to play conservative and rely even more on Jackson in 2010. Some might think an expanded role means big things for SJAX; however, he has missed at least once game in each of his last three years and durability could once again be an issue.

Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers or Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State: If the Rams go with an offensive tackle with their No.1 pick, their offense has the best chance at being a valuable fantasy football asset. SJAX’s value increases, as their porous offensive line gets a much needed boost. It remains to be seen which offensive tackle will be the first one taken (some scouts like Trent Williams, Brian Bulaga, and Bruce Campbell), but Davis and Okung enter the combine leading the pack.

Trade the No.1 overall pick: It seems like with Suh as the best player overall many teams would be jumping at the chance to make this deal. However, Suh will be expecting a huge payday, and teams may not believe he will make the instant impact to make them a playoff contender for 2010. The Rams need to get as many young, talented players as they can to get the team on the right track, and trading this pick might be the best move for their team, and for Jackson’s fantasy football value.

As you can see the Rams have many important decisions to make leading up to the NFL Draft. These decisions will have a direct impact on Jackson’s 2010 fantasy football value.

Have an opinion on what the St. Louis Rams should do with the No.1 over pick? If so, join our FORUM discussion here.... Who Should the Rams Take at No.1?

NFC 2010 NFL Draft Coverage:  STL  |  CAR  |  SEA  |  GB |  WAS

AFC 2010 NFL Draft Coverage:  BUF  |  JAC  |  BAL

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