I'm going to try to put down my thoughts on the draft in a logical order, then I'm going to stop talking about it. In fact, I’ll be away for several days and won’t even see what you guys are saying. Anyway, here is why I’m not real happy with our draft this year. Sorry it’s so long, but I wanted to get it said.

Let’s look at what we seemed to agree (with some exceptions) were our needs this year before the draft. I didn’t set these levels based on my own ideas. They are a sort of consensus of what was said here leading up to the draft. I’m sure someone can argue about the placement of some of them, but I think they do represent what our group overall felt was needed.

First Level
1. Get a QB who can take over and be our starter for the long term.

Second Level
2. OLB – Get one or two solid OLBs to help the defense with both the run and pass.
3. #1 WR – We have lots of #2 and #3 WRs, but not a #1.
4. Defensive line – Improve the DLine to stop the run and put more pressure on the QB.
5. #2 RB – Get a quality backup running back to take some of the pressure off SJ and do a good job when in the game.
6. TE – Get a tight end who is a pass receiving threat to help the QB when the pressure is on. (Some people had this as high as their second priority)

Third Level
7. OLine – Add quality depth to the offensive line at both tackle and guard.
8. DBacks – Add depth to the defensive backs, especially at CB.
9. Add quality depth everywhere.

Okay, how did we do?

Level 1
1. Got the QB. Most agree he was the best in the draft.

Level 2
2. OLB – Nothing. We passed on some quality guys.
3. #1 WR – We knew we weren’t going to get help here this year.
4. DLine – Added some bodies late in the draft to DE, who may or may not help. No help
    at DT. No real impact players added unless Selvie surprises.
5. #2 RB – Nothing. Hard to believe the free agents are going to get the job done.
6. TE – A blocking TE and a long shot prospect. Did not get a solid, pass-catching TE.

Level 3
7. OLine – Saffold is a very solid pick and should help here.
8. DBacks – Drafted two picks and at least one of them should help here.
9. Depth overall – Added some players who will provide quality depth such as Gilyard.

So, what do I see overall? We definitely filled the first level need for a QB, and we filled the third level needs. However, we did almost nothing for any of the second level needs. It’s hard for me to see how we can call this a successful draft when we missed on so many of our important needs, while filling less important ones. We needed to hit on a couple of the second level ones, and we didn’t. Were there players available when we picked that could have helped at OLB and TE, for instance? Sure there were, but we passed on them because we had guys who fill third level needs rated slightly higher and we weren’t willing to leave the BPA system, nor make any deals to move up and get them. That means we’re going to be back next year having to try to fill some more of those needs, and we sure won’t be able to fill them all. It looks like we won’t have solid players in place at all our positions of need until 2012 at the best. This is why I feel this was not a very good draft for the Rams, and why I’m amazed to see so many people rating it as an A or B.

I was listening to the local ESPN station late this afternoon and D'Marco Farr surprised me by saying he has changed his mind and thinks the Rams should attempt to trade the # 1 pick rather than draft Mr. Suh. The reason he is taking this position is that Suh has just signed with an agent (I think he said Parker?), and Farr says he is the worst possible guy to negotiate with. Apparently this agent routinely holds his clients out until September and demands ridiculous contracts. Farr feels if we draft Suh we can be sure he won't attend rookie camp, regular training camp, or any other organized team activities unless Suh receives the largest contract ever given to a rookie - not just a rookie defensive lineman, but any rookie at any position including Stafford last year.

What do you all think? Does this change your view of how the Rams should approach the draft?

I heard on sports talk radio this afternoon that the Rams may be interested in signing Plaxico Burress if his legal troubles and the commissioner allow him to play this year. The Bears said they weren't interested, but the story is the Rams are interested.

He's a fine receiver, but not very bright about the way he lives his life. What do you think? Should the Rams take a run at him, or is he poison?

I see the Rams just announced they had cut Pisa Tinoisamoa. Apparently they felt his lack of size and frequent injuries made him expendable. They sure don't have any depth now, so we better hope they pick up someone who can handle playing a lot for us.

I gather they save about 2.25 million against the cap with this move, but it's hard to believe that was important enough to cut a starter. I sure hope they have another move planned that makes sense of this.

Did anyone listen to the Rams teleconference with season ticket holders last night (Wednesday)? If so, what did they have to say? Was there anything interesting, or just the usual blowing smoke and making general comments? I was going to listen and ask a question about the wide receiver position (we need someone who can go over the middle and catch the 7 yard pass for a first down), but wasn't able to take the call.