St. Louis Rams Reversal On Sam Bradford Likely Due To ’15 Draft
By Erik Lambert
A kneejerk reaction to the word spreading that the St. Louis Rams may actually granted quarterback Sam Bradford another opportunity despite a myriad of injury-plagued and underachieving seasons would’ve been outrage. For the second-straight season the former 2010 #1 pick is out with a torn ACL, one again delaying his supposed ascent into the top tier of young quarterbacks in the NFL.
What in the world could compel the Rams to consider such a course of action after months of assumption that his time was up?
A good answer would be the 2015 NFL draft. All signs from the scouting community of late point to a class of quarterbacks rife with underwhelming features. Sure, there is plenty of talent but the red flags are hard to ignore.
Marcus Mariota, the Oregon star and Heisman finalist is the best on the board but even he has some questions about him. Can he lead men in the huddle? Can he transition from the offensive-happy Ducks system to a pro-style offense? Can his slender frame and running mentality withstand hits from real defenses? All fair questions. Besides, the Rams would need a top 5 pick to have a shot at him anyway, and they’re projected to select 12th.
What about Jameis Winston? The Florida State sophomore is a winner. That is impossible to ignore. He seems to play his best late in games and is an animated leader on the field. None of that can erase his off-the-field problems (rape, theft, lewd behavior) or his spotty accuracy. The Rams may have a shot at him more than Mariota, but history has taught head coach Jeff Fisher to avoid players with personality (Albert Haynesworth) or accuracy (Vince Young) problems.
Giving Sam Bradford another chance may be less about the St. Louis Rams believing in him and more about them not believing in the options to replace him next April.