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Prince Amukamara’s 2011 NFL Draft profile for the St. Louis Rams.

This isn’t quite an equal opportunity profile. There’s a chance Amukamara could be available at 14.

Player: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Age: 21

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 206

2010 Stats: 59 tackles, 13 pass breakups, 0 interceptions.

Career Stats: 152 tackles, 27 pass breakups, 5 interceptions, 5 sacks.

(What you are about to read is an almagamation of perspectives from CNNSI.com, ESPN.com, and NFL DraftScout.com. In theory, that should make the resulting scouting report superior to any of those aforementioned.)

Strengths: Confident, smart, and while not really a burner (nor a quick-twitch accelerator), his anticipation and route recognition are very good—just a notch below elite.

Quick to diagnose runs and screens.

Fluid for his size and can turn and run with nearly anyone, yet physical in press coverage and does a nice job of disrupting WR release.

Very aware, adept in zone as well.

Good ball skills, is aggressive and shows natural hands when going for the interception. Can catch the ball outside of his frame and thus make plays that he shouldn’t.

Very active, very solid vs. the run. Not an explosive hitter, but a very efficient tackler.

Tremendous durability; played 47 games over four seasons at Nebraska and did not miss any time due to injury.

No character issues. Really, few issues at all.

Weaknesses: As aforementioned, not quite an elite athlete (a la Patrick Peterson), but very, very good.

Doesn’t burst into breaks like say, Deion Sanders, and he can lose momentum when having to make sudden 180-degree turns, but who doesn’t?

Sometimes is a quarter-count late in finding the ball, but for the most part, that’s not an issue.

These are Amukamara’s weaknesses, but he’s not really bad at anything.

Perspectives:

Chad Reuter, CBSSports.com:

Amukamara believes he is an impact cornerback, and treated the scouting combine as a business trip to silence his critics. For those who questioned his straight-line speed? "I think some people don't know what they're talking about," Amukamara said two days before he dropped a 4.38-second 40-yard dash.

Amukamara is a former point guard who sees himself as a leader on the defensive side of the ball. He has talked to former Nebraska teammate Ndamukong Suh, the No. 2 overall pick last year by Detroit, and plans on bringing that confident attitude to the NFL. He's concerned only about making his own impact at the next level, and not trying to compare himself to others.

Rob Rang, nfldraftscout.com:

Overrated: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska: Amukamara has proven throughout his career that he has the size, physicality and athleticism to be a first-round pick. Most teams believe that to warrant consideration as a top-10 pick, a cornerback has to have elite ball skills. This is the area of concern for Amukamara, despite the fact that he was a standout running back in high school. Amukamara intercepted only five of the 27 passes he broke up over his career. Oddly, all five interceptions came during his junior season. -

Why he’s a fit for St. Louis:

While the Rams could use WR/DE more immediately, Amukamara will in all likelihood represent the top prospect on the board at 14. Which is a pretty convincing argument for his selection.

Another argument? Amukamara is really, really good. He’d be the best corner in most drafts, and while he’s not quite the explosive, game-changing athlete that Patrick Peterson is, he’s more versatile and in many ways more aware as a player.

The Rams have no one elite in the secondary.

An Amukamara acquisition could chance that.

(Check out this week's St. Louis Rams Draft Blog.)

rumorsandrants.com

Patrick Peterson’s 2011 NFL Draft profile for the St. Louis Rams.

Ah, yet another equal-opportunity profile. There’s no way Peterson is headed to St. Louis, but I didn’t want to deprive you of good reading.

Player: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Age: 20

Height: 6’0 1/4“

Weight: 219

2010 Stats: 42 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 4 interceptions. (Plus 32 kickoff returns for 932 yards—29.1 avg.; 26 punt returns for 418 yards—16.1 avg. and 2 TD.)

Career Stats: 131 tackles, 22 pass breakups, 7 interceptions, 1 forced fumble.

(What you are about to read is an almagamation of perspectives from CNNSI.com, ESPN.com, and NFL DraftScout.com. In theory, that should make the resulting scouting report superior to any of those aforementioned.)

Strengths: Unbelievable combination of height, strength, and top-end speed (ran a 4.31 40-yard-dash at the combine).

Plays with a swagger, and can be left on an island. Smooth, athletic, and capable of effectively mirroring receivers in man.

Can turn and locate the ball, takes good angles and does a nice job of being aggressive without drawing a pass interference call. Big frame allows him to hold his own in jump ball situations.

Route recognition and anticipation are both good, but not elite.

Has an appropriate degree of short-term memory loss, won’t let anything linger.

Could be a tad more aggressive, but for the most part very good in run support.

Also, thought this was of note from ESPN:

Comes from good bloodlines: related to Pittsburgh Steelers CB Bryant McFadden, New York Giants WR Sinorice Moss and Washington Redskins WR Santana Moss. Recipient of multiple team awards for his performance during spring of 2010. Very competitive player. Driven to succeed.

Weaknesses: Sometimes overaggressive and undisciplined in zone coverage, and can be late in getting his head around against sideline routes. You’re definitely better off manning him up consistently.

And the following, which actually surprised me a bit (from ESPN as well): “Closing burst is good but not great. Lacks elite extra gear to consistently recover once caught in trail position.”

So take that as you will.

Perspectives:

Rob Rang, CBSSports.com:

Having proven himself to be a shutdown corner and dynamic returner against SEC competition, Peterson rates as one of the elite prospects of the 2011 draft. In fact, some view Peterson as the draft's top player. He's likely to earn a top five selection and could challenge former Ohio State star Shawn Springs (drafted No. 3 overall by Seattle in 1997) as the highest drafted cornerback in modern league history.

Peter King, SI: “The Bills like Von Miller and Patrick Peterson a lot. Not saying they'll take either. Just saying they're high on both, and even though GM Buddy Nix has been at every top quarterback's workout, Buffalo-watchers think it's more likely the team will go defense.”

Why he’s a fit for St. Louis:

You know, I think St. Louis could use a strong safety more than a corner, but in theory there isn’t a better strong safety in this draft than Patrick Peterson.

Elite strength, elite speed, and perhaps more adept in coverage than any SS in the league, Peterson would be a huge coup for the Rams at 14—so much of one that there’s no chance it will happen. 

(Check out this week's St. Louis Rams Draft Blog.)

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NFL Draft 2011: St. Louis Rams NFL Draft Profile Directory, Take One.

I did this for the 49ers blog and thought it might be of use for you guys as well. 

We’ve been doing a lot of player profiles of late—let’s organize them for easy viewing.

The following is our first installment of Potential Rams (or in the quarterbacks' cases: players of note):

Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Julio Jones (update)

Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Da’Quan Bowers (update)

Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

*****

And for what it's worth, here is the consensus—albeit slightly dated—pick for the Rams.

*****

This list will be a lot longer by draft day.

(Check out this week's St. Louis Rams Draft Blog.)

Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Christian Ponder’s 2011 NFL Draft profile for the St. Louis Rams. 

Yet another equal opportunity profile. In no way do I think Ponder is going to be a Ram. Can’t hurt to read up though—he may well end up in the division. 

Player: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

Age: 23

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 229

2010 Stats: 2,044 yards, 20 TD and 8 INT, 61.5 % comp. (Plus 100 carries for 180 yards—1.8 avg.—and 4 TD.)

Career Stats: 6,872 yards, 49 TD and 30 INT, 61.8 % comp. (Plus 296 carries for 833—2.8 avg.—and 10 TD)

Strengths: Ponder is very smart, and “at his best when he can make a pre-snap read, make his 3-5-7 step drop, and get the ball out quickly.” (ESPN.)

Can get the ball out in a hurry and is, for the most part, good with his short-range accuracy—especially when throwing over the middle (“slants, skinny posts, in routes, etc.”). (Again, ESPN.)

NFL-caliber tough (both physically and mentally). A leader who commands the huddle.

Very mobile, very quick feet, and has the burst of a back when he goes to scramble—plus, he’s fast and elusive once he decides to go.

Has improved his game each year in college.

Weaknesses: Still will telegraph too many of his throws, and struggles at times when his primary receiver is covered.

Takes too many chances and will force the ball into inappropriately tight windows, trusting his arm way more than he should.

Strong arm, but not dynamically so—only gets adequate zip on the deep out, and will float a deep ball on occasion.

Durability is a concern. Well built, but his style of play makes him susceptive to injury.

Ponder suffered a season-ending shoulder separation in 2009 that required surgery by famed orthopedist James Andrew. He then battled through a series of injuries and at least one concussion during his senior season that limited his ability to throw deep.

Perspectives:

Via ESPN: "Great competitor," Cincinnati offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said afterward, noting that Ponder also brings rare leadership intangibles. "An interesting guy and a great prospect."

Andrew Carter, Orlando Sentinal, on Ponder’s recent pro day:

Since Ponder played his final game at Florida State he has attempted to prove that the arm injuries that hampered his senior season are indeed a thing of the past. Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher, for one, was convinced on Wednesday during Florida State’s annual Pro Day at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Ponder threw with confidence and with the kind of velocity that was sometimes missing during the 2010 season, when he played through several nagging arm injuries. Fisher said Ponder’s arm looked “like it was as a junior.”

“Back to full strength and full go,” Fisher said. “And he doesn’t have any pain. And [it’s] just like it was – it’s fully healthy now.”

That’s good news for Ponder, who has steadily improved his NFL Draft stock since his college career ended. ...

Ponder declined to specify which NFL teams have given him the most attention but he said, “I’m getting a lot of interest – getting a lot of love. Which is good.” 

Why he’s a fit for St. Louis:

“Ponder is a leader, he’s athletic, and he’s tough enough to grind out some games.

Thus, why not spend your first-round pick on a guy who could potentially become the top backup in the league?”

-Matt Millen

 (St. Louis Rams Draft Blog.)

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NFL Draft 2011: Washington Redskins trade up means Julio to Rams more likely?

Here’s an interesting slash pertinent tidbit from none other than John McClain—now of the Houston Chronicle, formerly of the Nakatomi building:

I don't know what they have to offer, but I hear the Redskins are trying like crazy to trade up to get one of the quarterbacks, Blaine Gabbert, I imagine. Some mocks have them taking quarterback Jake Locker if they stay at 10. What a reach that would be, but Mike Shanahan loves mobile quarterbacks who can throw on the run. 

Now that’s interesting.

Not because it means that the Redskins are talking to the Rams, but because a Washington trade up would presumably be for a quarterback—and thus, removing the Redskins at 10 removes perhaps the greatest threat to take Julio Jones before he could reach St. Louis.

If Arizona is the trade partner, they would then theoretically be targeting Robert Quinn over Jones. Likewise for perhaps any team but Cincinnati, or maybe Cleveland.

It’s all good news for the Rams if trade like that materializes.

In a word:

Yippee kai yay [non-office appropriate terminology for the role of a father within the nuclear family]!

(Check out this week's St. Louis Rams Draft Blog.)

footballsfuture.com

Von Miller’s 2011 NFL Draft profile for the St. Louis Rams.

This is an equal opportunity profile.

In no way do I think Von Miller is headed to St. Louis, but why should that preclude St. Louisans  (St. Louisians?) from reading about him?

Geographic equality. That’s what I’m all about.

Player: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

Age: 22

Height: 6’2 5/8“

Weight: 237

2010 Stats: 59 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception.

Career Stats: 172 tackles, 33 sacks, 50.5 tackles for loss, 10 forced fumbles, 1 interception.

(What you are about to read is an almagamation of perspectives from CNNSI.com, ESPN.com, and NFL DraftScout.com. In theory, that should make the resulting scouting report superior to any of those aforementioned.)

Strengths: Incredible speed; can cover a ton of space and cover it quickly. He ran a 4.49 40-yard-dash at his pro day.

Wide array of rush moves, combined with great instincts and good tackling ability. He’s quick to diagnose and disrupt.

Fluid athlete, smooth in coverage and can turn and run with backs/tight ends.

Big time playmaker with a great motor, he’s been extremely productive for two years now.

Pretty solidly established as the top linebacker in the draft, and is a flat out explosive edge rusher.

Weaknesses: Pretty small frame, and can get overwhelmed at the point of attack.

Struggles against the run, and needs to be more consistent in finding the right angles—will over pursue and allow cutbacks.

His weaknesses are essentially all derivative of the same issue: He needs to continue to add strength. How much his frame can hold is up for debate, and the extent to which he can bulk up without losing his quickness will ultimately determine his ceiling as a player.

Perspectives:

Mel Kiper, via ESPN:

"He led the nation in sacks two years ago and would have this year had he not had the ankle injury early on. Then you think about leverage coming off the edge. The kid gets like a motorcycle driver coming around the corner. You wonder how some of those guys can stay on the bike on motocross and this guy is the same way. He comes around that edge and I don't even know how he stays on his feet. He gets this tremendous leverage on those big tackles and they just can't handle him."

Why he’s a fit for St. Louis:

I wrote the same thing to Seahawk fans that I now write to you—if it’s of any consolation to those who’ve fallen in love with Von Miller, he’s not really a fit for St. Louis.

He’d fit (the Rams could really use an upgrade on the weakside), but he’s not “a fit.”

The optimum fit for Von Miller would be on a 3-4 team, rushing off the edge.

In a 4-3…oy, who am I kidding—Von Miller would be awesome.

Hey, stranger things have happened.

Not many, but still.

 (Check out this week's St. Louis Rams Draft Blog.)

Torrey Smith 2011 NFL Draft profile for the St. Louis Rams.

Player: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

Age: 22

Height: 6’0 7/8“

Weight: 204

2010 Stats: 67 rec. for 1,055 yards (15.7 avg.) and 12 TD.

Career Stats: 152 rec. for 2,215 yards (14.6 avg.) and 19 TD.

Strengths: A true burner—Smith shows rare acceleration and an NFL-caliber second gear. Will stretch the field from day one.

Decent, but not outstanding hands. (I guess that’s a strength.)

Very good body control to track the deep ball, but as ESPN notes, “a bit inconsistent when having to make elite over the shoulder catch.”

Times his leap well and as a result is a pretty good jump baller for a 6-0 receiver.

Tough, passionate, and will give effort as a run blocker.

Weaknesses: Not especially elusive; Smith won’t dance his way in and out of traffic ala DeSean Jackson. He’ll need a seam.

Still raw in his route running, in his ability to separate. Too much wasted motion often times negates his speed, and can peek too soon when throttling down thereby giving away his route early. He’s learning.

Can struggle getting a clean release against press coverage and needs to do a better job of using his hands in such situations.

Perspectives:

Kevin Weidl, ESPN:

Smith (6-0 7/8, 204) is a flat-out blazer who can take the lid off a defense in a hurry. He also shows the ability to adjust to the deep ball, and when he gets the ball in the flats or on shorter routes, he has the skills to make things happen. Smith also can contribute as a return man, and scouts rave about his character and accountability.

He is an unpolished route runner and fights the ball at times, but Smith could be a good fit for the Indianapolis Colts (No. 53) with Reggie Wayne getting on in years and the Colts looking to upgrade their return game.

ESPN:

Overcame a tough upbringing. Oldest of seven siblings to a single mother (Monica) and took on the role of a father figure at the age of seven. Humble, respectful and a person of great integrity. Coaches rave about his character and approach to life. Very mature individual who had to grow up early in life. NFL stage will not be too big for him and should have no problems making the transition.

Why he’s a fit for St. Louis:

Any and all weapons are good for St. Louis, and Torrey Smith would provide a particularly speedy one.

If given the opportunity to choose, I think McDaniels and co. would go with someone bigger (Jonathan Baldwin or, lord willing, Julio Jones) simply because there is no one that size on the roster. You can collect three of the best small receivers in the league and still be limiting yourself as an offense.

That said, Torrey Smith would represent a piece to a puzzle that doesn’t necessarily have to be built by the end of April. He’d be a very solid addition in the second-round.

(Check out this week's St. Louis Rams Draft Blog.)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Jonathan Baldwin 2011 NFL Draft profile for the St. Louis Rams.

Player: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

Age: 21

Height: 6’4 3/8”

Weight: 228

2010 Stats: 53 rec. for 822 yards (15.5 avg.) and 5 TD.

Career Stats: 128 rec. for 2,337 yards (18.3 avg.) and 16 TD.

Strengths: Tremendous hands, catches the ball naturally and away from his frame.

Knows how to use his size to shield defenders, and is a really tough tackle.

While he it takes him some time to get rolling (we’ll touch on that in a second), he actually has some pretty impressive deep speed for a 6-5, 230-pounder.

When he’s focused, can be a tremendous run blocker.

Very, very good jumping ability, but doesn’t always get the ball at its highest point thereby not always making use of his most notable advantage.

He’s never really had a reliable quarterback throwing him the ball, and yet he’s still remained productive.

Weaknesses: Not a quick-twitch guy; doesn’t really have the accelerative burst to separate consistently from NFL corners.

Could get a little tighter with his routes.

For a guy with Baldwin’s physical ability, he’s had some inexplicable lapses in play throughout his career and that’s now leading some to question his effort.

Perspectives: Kevin Weidl of ESPN calls Baldwin "one of the toughest evaluations in this year's class." He's huge, "runs a sub-4.5 second 40-yard dash and is perhaps the best in the 2011 class in terms of tracking and playing the deep ball," thus he "almost always demands safety help over the top."

However, "he struggles to drop his weight in breaks and runs a limited route tree as a result, and he shows inconsistent effort, especially when he is not the primary option. Scouts are also investigating some off-field character concerns, and although some feel he is a potential Pro Bowler, others say there are signs of bust potential."

Why he’s a fit for St. Louis:

I think Baldwin might stumble just a tad under the weight of being a number one receiver in the NFL, but that would only presume to be a problem for the immediate. There’s time to add more talent.

The Pittsburgh star would be a top of the line red zone target from day one, and provide Bradford with a a sizable receiver not currently on the roster.

At 47, he would be a great pickup.

(Draft Blog.)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

NFL Draft 2011: Julio Jones says stress fracture is healing fine.

Well, this is of note.

Julio Jones was in Indianapolis last Saturday for a medical recheck of his injured left foot, and according to Julio’s subsequent tweets, things are looking up.

His exact words, via Rotoworld (as JJ protects his tweets and has not yet accepted my invitation):

"Everything went great in indianapolis with the recheck."

Jones ran a 4.34 at the combine with the stress fracture, and few and far between are the worries now that this thing lingers even into training camp.

How do you take this as a Rams fan?

On the plus side, your number one target is healthy.

Not so rosy, the healthier Julio Jones appears to be the less likely he finds his way to 14.

Modern medicine strikes again.

(Check out this week's St. Louis Rams Draft Blog.)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

2011 NFL Draft: Da’Quan Bowers’ knee officially a serious issue.

We’re fifteen days from the NFL Draft, and Da’Quan Bowers just got some bad news.

According to Steve Wyche, NFL.com:

The medical recheck of Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers last weekend showed signs of potential long-term arthritis and some weakness in his surgically repaired right knee, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday.

Nolan Nawrocki, the now infamous Pro Football Weekly scribe, corroborates.

Nawrocki reports that Bowers received “low grades” on the tests, and continuies on that Bowers “already had what three team doctors deemed to be microfracture surgery, and his knee condition is considered to be degenerative.”

Nawrocki then cites another executive—one whose team picks in “the middle third of the first round”—who said that his team would not pick Bowers any earlier than the second, and even then they would only “discuss it.”

The fear now is of Bowers’ inability to hold up for more than a few seasons. As Evan Silva of Pro Football Talk points out: “Degenerative arthritis can be a career-shortening condition,” and no team wants to invest a first-round pick in a short career.

It’s also important to note that cited injury reports—as are those above—aren’t usually of the smokescreen variety, which is too bad for Bowers. Had the draft happened a month ago, he may have been a top-three pick. Now, he’s a borderline first-rounder.

Joe Flanagan, Bowers’ agent, is now attempting some last minute damage control.

Again, via NFL.com:

"All 32 NFL clubs have had full access to Da'Quan's records since January and have had the opportunity to physically examine him at least twice," Flanagan said in a statement released later Tuesday. "With this knowledge, top-10 teams brought him in all last week and continue to bring Da'Quan in for visits this week. All of these clubs are strongly considering selecting him with their first pick, not based upon a potential medical downside, but because of Da'Quan's film, smarts, character and tremendous physical upside."

Flanagan also explained in the statement that Bowers' procedure, performed by Dr. Larry Bowman, included some elements of microfracture surgery but was "very minor." Flanagan said Bowers "was off crutches and bearing weight only three days after surgery" and received an endorsement from noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, a member of the medical team overseeing the player's rehabilitation.

Flanagan said Andrews' "comfort level was such that he said Da'Quan should 'be able to resume his professional football career without any problems' and that he has a 'good prognosis for his career.' " Flanagan also denied any signs of arthritis in Bowers' knee.

For Bower’s sake, I hope he’s right.

A few weeks ago, on the heels of a disappointing pro day, I examined the odds that the Clemson star might fall to St. Louis at 14.

Now, I wonder if there’s any way they’d take him when he does.

(Check out this week's St. Louis Rams Draft Blog.)