St. Louis Rams 2012 Draft: Grading the Selection of Chris Givens

On Day 2 of the 2012 NFL draft, the St. Louis Rams addressed their need in the passing game by adding big-bodied Brian Quick from Appalachian State with their first pick of the second round. The Rams did the same on Day 3, using the 96th-overall selection to take Wake Forest wide receiver Chris Givens.

Lined up opposite Quick, Givens could prove to be the perfect match to give a much-needed facelift to the Rams’ dismal passing attack.

The former Demon Deacon is a second-round talent with blazing speed—running a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day. He is an electric player with great, dependable hands.

He puts that speed to good use, displaying elusiveness and the ability to create separation from his defenders as well as make them miss on one-on-one opportunities.

Givens delivers to the Rams the vertical threat they have yearned for since the days of “The Greatest Show on Turf.” His style of play complements Quick well and should give quarterback Sam Bradford and the Rams' offense plenty to work with.

Givens has the ability to be a productive receiver at the next level. He led the ACC in receiving yards with 1,330 and should be able to post similar numbers with some time and development alongside Bradford and Quick.

Heading into the final day, Givens was the top remaining receiver on the board. It was only a matter of time before he went. The Rams made a wise decision adding the dynamic receiver to their offensive unit.

Minor character issues regarding his maturity coupled with two torn ACLs during his high school career may have knocked him down some, but Givens is a promising, young talent with heaps of potential.

Grade: A+

Rams fans have to love this pick. There is little not to love about him, At this point in the draft, he provides huge value. With nine touchdowns during his junior season at Wake Forest, he is a solid big-play threat. Playing opposite Brian Quick, opposing defenses will have to find a way to compensate for Givens’ blinding speed and Quick’s exceptional size.