I think most Rams fans realize what we have in Sam Bradford and the hope he brings to the future of our franchise. After an amazing rookie campaign(especially in the context of a lousy running game, average pass blocking and what many considered the poorest group of receivers in the NFL). Another set of stats provided by ProFootballFocus.com - the number of times(by percent) a quarterback was sacked when under pressure.

One of the most underrated aspects of a quarterback's skill is his ability to avoid a sack and give himself more time to make a play. It is an innate skill that probably cannot be taught. A quick release, fast decision making ability and movement within the pocket are all critical. We have all seen enough games from Peyton Manning to realize that he is one of the best at moving within the pocket and avoiding sacks. I've often wondered if he had eyes in the back of his head because he always seemed to know when to step left, step up, dump the ball off etc. Not surprisingly he rated #2 in avoiding sacks - and that was with two poorly rated OT's. As a matter of fact most of the top QB's are in the top of the list. Brady 10, Matt Ryan 11, Drew Breese 3, Eli 1, Freeman 5. Where did Sam end up on this list - #4. Remember, these stats are when he's under pressure so those designed rollouts we used to avoid sacks don't count as being under pressure. More proof that we really have something special in Mr. Bradford.

I don't have any numbers on Bulger when he was with the Rams but I remember cussing at him so many times because he always seemed to move in the wrong direction when things got sticky. And that was before he got battered quarterback syndrome.

How did the rest of the NFC West rate? Since they had revolving QB's they are rated as a group.

49s - 21st
Seattle - 30th
Arizona - 28th

And the worst - Jimmy Clausen and the Panthers at #32.

No one is a bigger fan of Denario Alexander than I am after watching every one of his games at Missouri, being ecstatic after the Rams signed him and then having him make the play of the year for the Rams when he caught that long TD against the Chargers. That is why I was disturbed to hear an interview with Tony Softli on the Bernie Miklasz show. Tony was at the Rams practices last week and had great things to say about Salas and Kendricks but he had this to say about Alexander. "Denario showed up and he caught the ball fairly well but he's dragin that leg and that really bothers me, that scares me and the other thing that bothers me is he hasn't changed his physique, I doubt if he even lifted a weight during the off season."  Ughhh - not sure what to make of all of this but it is very disheartening to hear. Maybe the Rams knew what they were doing drafting three pass catchers knowing they had three wideouts with serious knee injuries and not knowing if they could count on any of them. I included a link to the interview - the info on Denario starts at 8:30

Softli interview 

In an interview on ESPN101 today Danario Alexander was talking about the 3 day practice held in Texas a few weeks ago. When asked if they had McDaniel's playbook he said they all had it. The interesting part of his interview was when he said "Bradford already knows the playbook like the back of his hand".  Wow - this sounds like something Peyton Manning would do. He said the practices were very structured, using the playbook for situation snaps. I am so excited about the dedication and drive some of our Ram's players have. Bradford is just amazing - I can't wait for the season to start(fingers crossed). Alexander also said is knee is feeling great and is not holding him back one bit. If he can stay healthy I still think he will be our best receiver. If you want to listen to the whole interview here is the link.

Alexander interview

I am always more interested in a sites Big-board than their mock drafts. The reason I am posting the War Room is because their evaluations are much different than most(which tend to copy each other). Some of the more interesting evaluations -  http://warroom.sportingnews.com/nfl/draft/2011/rankings/

Cory Liuget - ranked the 6th best player- they just love him

Cam Newton - 59 - wow teams should worry about drafting him high

DE Jabaal Sheard, Pitt - 12 - hardly ever seen him mentioned as a 1st rounder

Akeem Ayers LB - 82 - This guy is really falling

You can check their previous years evaluations by changing the year in the URL and determine with hind-site how they have done.

One thing we must get out of the 2011 draft is a true playmaker. Hopefully we will get two, a wide receiver and a change-of-pace back. To me, a true playmaker is one that can score from anywhere on the field. A combination of speed, vision and moves that puts fear into the opposing defense.

Mr. Jones is 6'0 and 194 lbs. Jones rushed for over 1,700 yards (averaging a whopping 7.1 yards a carry) and had 17 total TDs. He did not work out at the combine because of a broken foot but has his pro-day set for April14th. His trainer is claiming he is running an incredible 1.42 10 yard split - what some scouts think is the most important stat for a running back. If he runs in the low 4.3's on his pro day he will likely go in rounds 4-6. Check out his highlight video. I was really impressed with his hustle on a quarterback fumble and the number of times he caused missed tackles.

Much of this is recorded at Eastern Washington's hideous red field so if you suffer from epilepsy, or are on hallucinogens, Red Bull or have just finished watching a Keanu Reeves movie please consider yourself forewarned.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYVJ82hmT8g

Do you think he might be worth a look?  4.2 YPC 21 TD's for his career. Good size.

Following is from SI

If actions speak louder than words, Maroney will hit the bricks soon. Pats coach Bill Belichick said Maroney "absolutely" remained part of his plans. Taking him for his word, Maroney seems safe.

But Maroney has not gotten the touches in a stacked backfield and the numbers just don't add up. Fred Taylor has looked strong of late, and then there's Sammy Morris, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Kevin Faulk ahead of Maroney. With roster depth issues elsewhere, it's unlikely New England will keep five backs.

Most so called experts slammed the Rams for for not starting Smith at left tackle last year and I believe they were right. If you draft a guy number 2 overall he should be ready to step in just like Jake Long, Joe Thomas, and other top-ten tackles. They put Smith in a position he had never played in college and I believe that set him back. Now It looks they are going to do the same with Roger Safford. He played mostly right guard in OTA's and the Rams seem determined to move another high draft choice to an unfamiliar position. He was obviously drafted to play right tackle, so why not start him there? If they determine these players are good enough to draft this high then the Rams should do what most teams do and play them in the position they were drafted for.