Rams and Redskins Agree to Historic Deal for No. 2 Pick in 2012 NFL Draft, RG3

According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports as reported here by NFL.com, the St. Louis Rams have agreed to trade the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft to the Redskins for their first-round pick in 2012, 2013 and 2014 plus the Redskins' second-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

According to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, this trade is one of the biggest in NFL history:

"Peter King ‏ @SI_PeterKing

Kudos to @jayglazer for the Ram-Wash trade story. I believe it's the biggest trade for a draft choice (not a player) in NFL history.

"

The aforementioned blockbuster deal looks like a major coup for St. Louis.  Earlier in the week, Rams general manager Les Snead made it clear to Rich Eisen of the NFL Network what the Rams wanted for the No. 2 pick:

"

Rich Eisen ‏ @richeisen

Just had chat with Rams GM Les Snead. Sure sounded like he wants 3 first-rounders for #2 pick. Podcast will post later iTunes/NFL.com

"

Yesterday, Chris Russell of ESPN 980 reported that Peyton Manning was not interested in playing for the Washington Redskins, as I analyzed in this piece.  

Perhaps this news was the motivating force for Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, who has never been shy about making big moves, to pull the trigger.

At No. 6, St. Louis will likely miss out on left tackle Matt Kalil.

However, the Rams could still potentially be in position to target wide receiver Justin Blackmon, running back Trent Richardson, cornerback Morris Claiborne, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox or offensive tackles Riley Reiff or Jonathan Martin, depending on how things play out. 

With a roster with so many holes (offensive line, wide receiver, back running back, defensive tackle, outside linebacker, backup tight end and corner), these extra picks could be crucial in reshaping the roster and revitalizing the Rams going forward.

Boasting Jeff Fisher in place at head coach, a talented young nucleus in place on defense and a potential franchise quarterback ready to rebound in 2012, things appear to be looking up in the Gateway City. 

After a 10-65 game stretch, the optimism apparent now is itself a win for the Rams and Rams Nation. 

Shane Gray covers the St. Louis Rams year-round. You are encouraged to check out the rest of his work here and to follow him on Twitter.