Years of disappointing play on the field came to a head at the end of the 2009 season when the St. Louis Rams finished with a 1-15 record. The worst record in the league brought the #1 Overall selection of 2010 Draft, and that pick was Sam Bradford. Bradford entered the season with question marks about his health and ability to transition from a spread offense to the pro game. Bradford answered all the doubts with a Rookie of the Year season, and led the Rams to a 7-9 season. A loss in the season finale kept the Rams out of the playoffs, and St. Louis looks to build upon that improvement in 2011.
The need to find weapons for Bradford was a pressing concern, but when Robert Quinn fell to the 14th Overall selection, it was not a pick the Rams would pass up. Quinn may have been a top 3 pick in 2010 if he had come out out early, but he stayed at North Carolina, only to miss the season due to NCAA violations. Concerns over a brain tumor that was diagnosed four years ago scared off some teams, but Quinn has gotten the go ahead to play, and now he gets to line up opposite Chris Long to for a dynamic pass rushing duo for St. Louis.
Rounds 2 and 3 brought Bradford the help he needs to propel the offense along. Tight end Lance Kendricks is a big target with sure hands, and a good enough blocker to help in the run game for Steven Jackson. Austin Pettis is a wide receiver with great size and speed to compliment Donnie Avery, who missed most of the 2010 season due to injuries.
A late round sleeper pick looks to be Greg Salas, a wide receiver from Hawaii selected in Round 4. He should line up in the slot, and has one of the best set of hands of any receiver entering the draft.
Draft Grade: B+
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