http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...draft-make-rams-instant-winner-in-los-angeles
Will NFL draft make Rams instant winner in Los Angeles?
As if an offseason
transition from St. Louis to Los Angeles isn't enough of a change for the
Rams, the club could also find itself making a transition at the most important position on the field.
New city, new quarterback?
NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks identified the
Rams among six teams that need to draft a quarterback this year, noting the club
needs a more dynamic link between its top two playmakers: burgeoning star rusher
Todd Gurley and versatile dynamo
Tavon Austin. The
Rams did so just last year, taking
Sean Mannion from Oregon State in the third round of the 2015 draft. His rookie season amounted to just seven pass attempts, however, as
the club turned instead to
Case Keenum when starter
Nick Foles faltered.
So what traits does a quarterback in coach Jeff Fisher's offense require?
Top senior quarterbacks in the draft include
North Dakota State's Carson Wentz, Michigan State's Connor Cook, Arkansas' Brandon Allen, N.C. State's Jacoby Brissett, Mississippi State's Dak Prescott and USC's Cody Kessler. The
Rams will have a chance to see all those except Cook at the Reese's
Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., later this month. Top underclassmen at the position that have indicated they intend to enter the 2016
NFL Draft include
Memphis' Paxton Lynch, Cal's Jared Goff, Ohio State's Cardale Jones and Penn State's Christian Hackenberg.
"Jeff Fisher wants to be able to run the ball and dominate physically, so in a quarterback, he wants someone like Steve McNair was, who is efficient and doesn't turn the ball over," said NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein. "Someone who will complement a running game, someone who can run playaction and convert third downs. I think (Paxton) Lynch fits that mold. He has the athleticism to bootleg out and run, and convert third downs with his feet, and his interception numbers were very low last year. In a brand new city, you get an extended honeymoon. So what better time to bring in a young quarterback who is still growing?"
The
Rams hold the No. 15 overall pick in the first round, though the first round might not necessarily be the right time for the
Rams to make a move at that position. Zierlein believes wide receiver is the club's
most pressing need.
If the right quarterback is available at the right time, however, a rookie-meets-Los Angeles introduction could be forthcoming.
