(Sports Network) - The Rams already made headlines prior to the draft by
engineering a blockbuster trade with Washington that netted the struggling
franchise two future first-round picks and an extra second-rounder this year
in exchange for moving down from its original No. 2 overall slot to No. 6. And
there are indications that St. Louis may not be done dealing, as the three
selections the team holds in the top 40 and eight overall probably still
aren't enough to satisfy its plethora of needs. Chief among them is a game-
changing wide receiver that can provide the offense with a vertical threat,
which is why former Oklahoma State star Justin Blackmon and talented Notre
Dame product Michael Floyd are commonly pegged as potential fits if the Rams
stay put. The addition of feisty veteran Cortland Finnegan fills a gaping hole
at cornerback, but opposite-side starter Bradley Fletcher's two ACL tears in
the last three years make LSU's Morris Claiborne a realistic option at No. 6
as well. The Rams are also reportedly enamored with Alabama running back Trent
Richardson, and with Steven Jackson showing signs of decline and no viable
backup behind him, that's also a direction they can go early on. Later rounds
will likely be used to bring in potential starters at three other positions
that require upgrading -- outside linebacker, defensive tackle and left guard.
2011 Record: 2-14
Top Needs: OLB, WR, OL, CB
First Three Picks: No. 6, No. 33, No. 39
Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 7)
RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2011 - Robert Quinn (DE, North Carolina); 2010 -
Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma); 2009 - Jason Smith (OT, Baylor); 2008 - Chris
Long (DE, Virginia); 2007 - Adam Carriker (DE, Nebraska); 2006 - Tye Hill (CB,
Clemson); 2005 - Alex Barron (OT, Florida State); 2004 - Steven Jackson (RB,
Oregon State); 2003 - Jimmy Kennedy (DT, Penn State).
The Sports Network