That BPA stuff is so overblown. Most teams rate players in tiers. Tier 1 may have 5 players. If the Rams draft in that tier they choose from those five and lean toward the bigger need since they see the players as being equally rated. If Tier 1 contains 1 player (like many presume this year) and that player (Clowney) is there at #2, then the Rams probably take him as BPA, because there are no equivalently talented players to choose from. But if they think there are 4 others that are equally talented as Clowney then they take the BPA at a position of need. If they think they can trade back 4 spots and still be happy with any of the 5 in that tier then maybe they value the extra picks acquired over the right to select a player in that tier that fits a need. They are just happy to get a great player at any positon.
Need always has some weight when making draft decisions. The Rams have two very good DEs and a big need at OT. That has to have a bearing on things. Now if Clowney hadn't raised any questions as to his character, then he is much more clearly the BPA. But that is not the case, so weighing the need comes into play. A few extra picks can help balance the scales.
Teams that don't have a decent QB put aside all other needs for their biggest need all of the time. You would have a tough time finding any NFL people telling you that is a huge mistake. If you don't have a QB then you don't win.
Does anyone think the Colts are going to take a QB in round 1 this year?
