Sam Bradford will be the Rams starting quarterback. This is something Head Coach Jeff Fisher has said repeatedly since taking over the coaching gig at St. Louis two seasons ago. Does this mean they don’t plan on bringing in depth at the quarterback position in case Sam Bradford struggles coming back from his injury this past season? It seems likely that the Rams will bring in a quarterback that could be groomed behind Sam Bradford if he doesn’t pan out.
Injury has plagued Bradford’s first four seasons as a Ram. Another factor that has continuously hurt his production is the fact that he had three different offensive coordinators in his first three seasons as St. Louis’ starting quarterback.
After winning the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Award for his performance in 2010, Bradford did not seem to significantly improve the few seasons after. His constantly sub-par performances could be blamed on the lack of talent around him. While it is a very viable reasoning, he has the talent around him to make the next step this coming season. An improved offensive line that is expected to be further improved early through the draft. Last year’s rookie Tavon Ausin gave Bradford a reliable receiver out of the slot. Wide receiver is another position that will more than likely be upgraded at some point (probably early in the draft).
Regardless, Sam Bradford isn’t the sure fire answer for the Rams. It is even likely St. Louis drafts a quarterback early to groom behind Bradford as a backup for this season and a possible future replacement if Bradford doesn’t pan out.
The Rams will more than likely pass on a signal caller with their first and second round picks, but it is possible that they acquire additional picks in the second or third round by trading down. There is a good chance the Rams trade down with one of their first round picks and grab a pick later in the second round. This would be a great spot to grab a quarterback.
St. Louis has expressed interest in a number of quarterbacks in this year’s draft class including AJ McCarron, Tom Savage, Aaron Murray and a few options that may end up as undrafted rookies. If they choose to get one of the three mentioned above, the Ram’s will need to pick one up as early as the late second and as late as the early fourth. All three of these players have the possibility of being day two picks, so the earlier the safer if St. Louis is interested.
Whether the Rams decide to draft a quarterback early or late in the draft, this may be Bradford’s last shot to prove that he can be the Ram’s starting quarterback for years to come.
