With the 2012 NFL Combine only a couple days away, many college players entering the pros will look to the Combine to improve their stock, get to know NFL brass on a one-on-one basis through interviews and will also give us fantasy owners a closer eye on those players who will eventually enter the realm of worthiness in Fantasy Football.
Andrew Luck was told by teams to wait until Stanford's Pro Day on March 22 to conduct individual throwing sessions, but he is still expected to take part in all other non-throwing drills. So unless Luck absolutely flops this weekend and at his Pro Day, there is no way the Colts are going to pass up their future franchise quarterback. Especially with it looking more and more likely that Peyton Manning will be gone.
But what about the guy at No. 2? There doesn't seem to be a consensus No. 2 guy who most experts feel is the slam dunk player to grab once Luck is officially off the board. Whether it be by the Rams who are currently at the spot, or a team looking to trade up, the No. 2 pick should provide much-needed help for years to come.
Below are the top 5 guys who could be off the board once the Vikings are on the clock at No. 3:
1. Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor
There has been a lot of speculation that the Rams could wind up trading down if the price is right. With Sam Bradford at quarterback, the Rams have no need for wasting such a high pick on another young passer. There are some who believe the Browns could try and trade up to nab Griffin since current starter Colt McCoy has yet to live up to what the Browns had hoped for. Some think it's McCoy, while others believe McCoy's lack of weapons in the offense is the biggest reason he has yet to succeed. The only thing that could push Griffin down draft boards is his height. He is currently marked at 6'2. But CBS Sports' Clark Judge believes if Griffin measures more in the 6'0 range, that could throw up some early red flags for many teams.
2. Matt Kalil, LT, USC
If the Rams decide to stay put, they could definitely use a guy like Kalil. Offensive linemen aren't the sexy picks of the draft. But if Jeff Fisher wants to keep Sam Bradford upright, he'll make the right choice with Kalil. Last year's left tackle Rodger Saffold suffered a torn pectoral injury in a weight-room incident and was placed on injured reserve in November. But even during the first 10 games of the season, he regressed mightily from his 2010 rookie year. If Kalil doesn't go No. 2, there is no way he is going to get past the Vikings at No. 3. Last year's starter Charlie Johnson graded out as one of the worst left tackles in the league
3. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
With Danny Amendola and Danario Alexander currently penciled in as the Rams' starters, Blackmon could be just what Fisher needs to improve on a receiving unit that was subpar at best last year. Currently considered as the No. 1 wide receiver hands down, the Rams could use some new blood in a receiving unit that has been terribly inconsistent in recent years. The move for Brandon Lloyd proved to be somewhat successful, but it wasn't enough to get the Rams even close to a playoff berth this past year. Some might consider Blackmon at No. 2 too high. But if he can put up strong numbers at the Combine, he should be a no-brainer. Plus, Blackmon could shake off the off-field problems under a no-nonsense coach like Fisher.
4. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
With so many other positions of need for the Rams, I don't expect them to make a play for Richardson at the No. 2 spot. But there are a few teams who could use backfield help. The Browns are torn on whether or not to keep or let Peyton Hillis go after his disaster of a 2011 season. And Monterio Hardesty can't stay healthy if you paid him. The Buccaneers (1.5) and Redskins (1.6) are both dealing with iffy backfields as well, so Richardson could be an intriguing option if one of those teams can trade up.
5. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
The best "non" offensive player coming out this year, Claiborne could be the dark horse at the No. 2 pick if he has a sensational Combine. Long-time Rams DB Ronald Bartell is coming off a fractured neck injury and is due 6.2 million in 2012. Justin King, who took over the starting job back in September, was one of the worst corners in the league. And with Bradley Fletcher coming off a torn ACL injury suffered in October, corner back is a need. I just don't know if the Rams or anyone else feels Claiborne is worth it at the No. 2 spot. But then again, you don't find many shutdown corners anymore either. Which is what many predict Claiborne to be in the pros.