St. Louis Rams Could Surprise Us All on Robert Griffin III's NFL Destination

The St. Louis Rams seemingly have control over where Robert Griffin III will start his NFL career. There is virtually no chance the Indianapolis Colts will do anything except draft Andrew Luck, leaving the Rams in position to trade the second pick…and the rights to draft Griffin.

There is a possibility the Rams opt to stay in the second spot and fill an area of need. However, the team needs to add a blend of quality and quantity. Moving down four spots would net them an extra first-round pick in 2013 and likely a second or third-round selection in 2012.

A trade with the Washington Redskins would leave the Rams high enough to grab an elite OT, WR or Morris Claiborne.

The Rams might even opt to draft Trent Richardson. Steven Jackson will be 29 at the start of the 2012 season and has two seasons left on his contract. The Rams could either use that period as a transition to Richardson, or make another unpopular move and trade their star player for a few additional draft picks.

Unpopular trades actually tie directly to the Rams and a potential twist in Griffin’s future.

Jeff Fisher is a defensive coach, and a conservative one at that.

But it is difficult to ignore the type of quarterbacks with which he's found success. Steve McNair was a mobile quarterback with a big arm that could control a game. Tennessee was quite successful during his tenure, advancing to the Super Bowl in 1999.

Vince Young was drafted to carry on McNair's tradition. Although the team still won with Young, the fit wasn't quite right and playoff runs were short.

Brian Schottenheimer was brought in from the New York Jets to be the offensive coordinator. His teams have also been known for a conservative, run-first philosophy.

However, both of these coaches know the ground game is more effective when you can stretch the field.

After a solid rookie season, Bradford limped through 2011 (both figuratively and literally). He lacked receiving targets for most of the year, even with the addition of Brandon Lloyd. Pass protection was also lacking following several key injuries on the offensive line.

Then there was his high-ankle sprain that cost him six games and created performance issues when he was in the lineup.

Bradford recorded just six touchdowns and as many interceptions in 10 games. His QB rating was a dismal 70.5. In fact, his best outing on the season saw him complete just 55 percent of his passes en route to a QBR of 85.8.

Most of his issues can certainly be explained and Bradford still holds a lot of promise as a franchise quarterback.

Still, someone in the Rams front office should be exploring what offers they can get for Sam Bradford's services. 

The Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins both believe they are ready to compete with better play from the quarterback position. The Rams, however, still need several more players and a few seasons to get there.

Jeff Fisher will want to build his team and put his own stamp on personnel. It would be a shock to Rams fans, but trading Sam Bradford (and possibly Steven Jackson) could be what turns this franchise around.

In an interview with Mike and Mike, Fisher said that Bradford was part of the rationale for choosing St. Louis, along with having some authority in personnel and coaching decisions.

If a coach is excited to work with Bradford, how enticing would it be to have the opportunity to mold Griffin?

The Rams would likely garner a 2012 first-round pick and early pick in 2013 for Bradford. Based on the age of Carson Palmer and what the Oakland Raiders parted with for him, two first-round picks seems justified for Bradford.

Assuming Washington is a willing trade partner, trading the second pick to the Redskins would likely net them the same first-round picks in 2012 and 2013, along with a third-round selection in April.

Unless Fisher actually believes Bradford will have a better career than Griffin, trading Bradford will make St. Louis a better team.

Yes, the team passes up on a 2012 third-round pick under this scenario, but they would also dump close to $50 million in salary over the next four seasons. The rookie wage scale would cost them half that, freeing up $6 million a year to sign a key free agent or three.

Die-hard Rams fans are sold that Bradford will be the quarterback to get them another NFL Championship. That could be true, but Griffin looks to be a much better prospect. His arm strength and accuracy will stretch the field more than Bradford, while his mobility and speed will keep linebackers honest.

The real question facing the Rams should be if they want to expose Jackson to two more years of rebuilding, or part ways now and draft his replacement.

Fisher is known as a conservative coach, though, and he just may not have the gumption to pull such a heavy trigger with his new team…and that is what is going to keep the Rams trailing in the NFC West.