Draft Grades: Rams

The Rams did a poor job disguising their interest in Jason Smith, but once the Lions settled on Matthew Stafford there really wasn't any reason to cover it up. Smith likely isn't going earn a visit the Pro Bowl like recent top picks Joe Thomas and Jake Long, but he could be every bit as dominant down the road. He was the only prospect in this class that had the potential to live up the lofty expectations set by Orlando Pace for the past decade.

As much as I love the selection of Jason Smith, I think Laurinaitis could be every bit as good. I understand why he fell (lack of measurables and workout numbers) but you can't overlook how effective he is on the field. He's an on-field coach and will be the leader of the Rams defense in 2009.

I'm not very high on Bradley Fletcher. He has the size and athleticism to be a dominant player, but he struggled to make an impact in college and was only a one-year starter at Iowa. Additionally, he was arrested on drunk driving charges in 2007.

I like Dorell Scott. He could have been a first day pick if not for a disappointing senior year. Given that everone at Clemson had a disappointing 2008 season, I'm willing to assume that season was the exception, not the norm. He could be a steal and at worst, a nice addition to their defensive line rotation.

Brooks Foster is a decent 5th-round pick. He'll never be a standout receiver, but he could be a decent 3rd or 4th option. He has good size and speed but was inconsistent throughout college.

The Keith Null selection came out of nowhere. He put up some impressive numbers at West Texas A&M (where he was coached by Ryan Leaf) but I don't see him playing in the NFL. There were plenty of other options at quarterback I liked more than Null. I wouldn't be surprised if he failed to make the 53-man roster.

Chris Ogbonnaya was a surprising pick. I don't see him fitting into the Rams plans. He's a running back/fullback 'tweener, a lot like Brian Leonard. He'll struggle to sneak ahead of Antonio Pittman as the Rams third running back and likely won't beat out Mike Karney for the fullback job.

For the most part I like what the Rams did. They landed two immediate starters with their first two picks. And two others that should see playing time (Fletcher and Scott). However, they failed to land an impact receiver and a cornerback to push Tye Hill for playing time. Additionally, their late-round picks don't figure to make an impact, even has backups.

Grade: B

Jaguars Sign Torry Holt

The Jaguars have agreed to a 2-year contract with former Rams receiver Torry Holt. The addition of Holt further leads me to believe that Mark Sanchez and Jeremy Maclin are unlikely options for the Jaguars.

Why? Because the additions of Holt and Tra Thomas are clearly moves to make them competitive in the near future. Rookie quarterbacks and receivers very rarely have a significant impact on a playoff team, so selecting Sanchez or Maclin would be a step in the wrong direction.

So who are realistic options? Well if either Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith were to fall, they would be the obvious choices. Either one could start at right tackle over Tony Pashos immediately. Michael Oher is also a very real possibility given his ability to step in and start right away on the offensive line. B.J. Raji is also an option, and could be the most likely option. Aaron Curry is another player that could start right away, but odds are he'll be off the board.

Breaking Down the Browns Trade Rumors

The team controlling the shape of the 1st round right now is the Cleveland Browns. Already owning the 5th overall selection, the Browns could land two more picks by draft day.

The first rumor, which has been widely reported for the past two weeks, is that they will send Braylon Edwards to the Giants for some combination of a 1st-round pick, 3rd-round pick and Steve Smith or Dominick Hixon. This would be a controversial move for the Browns, who have a legitimate playoff caliber-offense when everyone is healthy. Shipping Edwards off to New York would make either David Patten or Josh Cribbs the top receiver on the depth chart (at least until they select Crabtree 5th overall, that is). If the Giants are able to land Anquan Boldin, however, the Browns have to pass on Crabtree and select either a linebacker (Aaron Curry, Brian Orakpo, Aaron Maybin) or tackle (Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith - whoever falls).

The other rumor is sure to make even more waves around the league if it comes to fruition. The 49ers are reportedly interested in Brady Quinn and could offer the Browns the 10th overall pick. Its tough to say who the Browns would target with this selection. A linebacker is certainly an option, but not if they select one 5th overall. This could be where they address the offensive line with Andre Smith or Michael Oher. Or they could go with the best available defensive player (B.J. Raji? Malcolm Jenkins?)

Its all speculation at this point, as you simply can't trust any rumors you hear this time of year, but its safe to assume the Browns are at least discussing these trade options which could shake up the 1st round.

Pro Days: Baylor

According to Gil Brandt of NFL.com 15 teams showed up for Baylor's pro day on Tuesday, including three offensive line coaches (Cincinnati, Seattle and Jacksonville) which put Smith through drills.

Obviously the Bengals, Seahawks and Jaguars are potential suitors for Smith. The only top candidate to land Smith, the Rams, will hold a private workout with him on March 12.

Jason Smith To Do Limited Workouts at Pro Day

Baylor's pro day is tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3) and its likely to get a little more attention than usual. The Lions, Rams, Chiefs, Seahawks, Bengals, Raiders and Jaguars should all be in attendance if they're doing their homework properly.

Smith has stated that he will not run or lift, but he is willing to do positional workouts for the teams.

This is an important day for Smith despite the fact that he's already solidified his place as a top ten pick. The difference in money between No. 2 and No. 8 overall is significant, and he's a very realistic option for the Rams and possibly even the Lions.