2012 NFL Mock Draft: Justin Blackmon and Players the Rams Should Draft No. 1

So abandoning Sam Bradford and leaving him out to dry wasn't the recipe for offensive success? Shocking.

The Rams have been beaten down by a brutal schedule, and with Bradford banged up and Steven Jackson missing time earlier in the season, the Rams have thrown themselves into the "Suck for Luck" campaign.

The problem is that they already have their young quarterback sensation. Sure, they could flip Sam Bradford for a boatload of picks, but why part ways with a guy who has already proven he's got what it takes to be an elite quarterback?

It's time to surround him with some weapons. The Rams need to ignore the defensive side of the ball and take care of the guy who is going to lead them to the promised land.

If they don't find a deal worthy of moving down for, here are a few guys they should seriously consider taking No. 1.

Justin Blackmon

The Rams brought in Brandon Lloyd to help stop the bleeding, but their next leading receiver is Danario Alexander, who has 287 yards this season. Given the quarterback under center and the fact that the Rams have over 200 passing attempts already this season, that isn't acceptable. 

Justin Blackmon is only 6'1", but he plays much bigger than his frame. He's like Roddy White in that he knows how to position himself and runs terrific routes to compensate for his shortcomings. Don't think Michael Crabtree here; Blackmon is far more refined than that.

Though he's fallen off over the past four games, hitting the 100-yard mark only once, he's accumulated a ridiculous 2,650 yards and 29 touchdowns over his career. He's the sort of sure-handed outlet Bradford needs in go-to situations.

Matt Kalil

Matt Kalil is the best left tackle prospect to come out of the draft since Jake Long in 2008. This isn't an underachieving tackle like Jason Smith or a climber like Trent Williams or Tyron Smith. Kalil has NFL lineage, refined pass blocking and lethal quickness for his 6'7" nearly 300-pound frame.

Kalil was the reason why No. 9 overall pick Tyron Smith played his snaps on the right side of the ball during his collegiate career. His run blocking is sound, though he isn't a mauling tackle by any means, but his strength is clearly in his blindside protection.

Given that Bradford has been dropped for a league-high 22 sacks, it's about time to start addressing the offensive line situation. Nobody wants to see his career cut short and his confidence butchered because he can't manage to stay off the ground. Kalil fixes that problem and is a true plug-and-play left tackle.

Jonathan Martin

Jonathan Martin is Andrew Luck's bodyguard. He's strong and arguably a more complete tackle than Kalil is. He really blows defenders off the line of the scrimmage, and though he doesn't have quite the length of Kalil, nobody is put off by his huge 6'6", over 300-pound stature.

He's not quite the pass blocker Kalil is, but by no means should it be considered a weakness. If for some reason Kalil falls off and the Rams are forced into a situation where they need a tackle and find that Kalil isn't the answer, they have the luxury of resorting to another surefire franchise left tackle coming out of a pro system.

Here is a full 2012 first-round mock draft, with draft order projected by Wes O'Donnell.

No.	Team (Record)	Player, Pos.
1.	Miami Dolphins (0-5)	Andrew Luck, QB
2.	St. Louis Rams (0-5)	Matt Kalil, OT
3.	Indianapolis Colts (0-6)	Landry Jones, QB
4.	Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)	Quinton Coples, DE
5.	Denver Broncos (1-4)	Matt Barkley, WR
6.	Minnesota Vikings (1-5)	Jonathan Martin, OT
7.	Seattle Seahawks (2-3)	Justin Blackmon, WR
8.	Kansas City (2-3)	Robert Griffin III, QB
9.	Carolina Panthers (1-5)	Morris Claiborn, CB
10.	Arizona Cardinals (1-4)	Riley Reiff, OT
11.	Cleveland Browns (2-3)	Alshon Jeffery, WR
12.	Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)	Vontaze Burfict, MLB
13.	Cincinnati Bengals (Via Raiders 4-2)	Trent Richardson, RB
14.	Cleveland Browns (via Falcons 2-3)	Luke Kuechly, LB
15.	Chicago Bears (3-3)	Manti Te'o, LB
16.	Washington Redskins (3-2)	Michael Floyd, WR
17.	Dallas Cowboys (2-3)	Alfonzo Dennard, CB
18.	Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)	Janoris Jenkins, CB
19.	Houston Texans (3-3)	Alameda Ta'amu
20.	New York Jets (3-3)	Brandon Jenkins, OLB
21.	Tennessee Titans (3-2)	Brandon Thompson, DT
22.	San Francisco 49ers (5-1)	Josh Chapman, DT
23.	Buffalo Bills (4-2)	Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB
24.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)	Stephon Gilmore, CB
25.	Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)	Cordy Glenn, OG
26.	San Diego Chargers (4-1)	Jared Crick, DE
27.	New York Giants (4-2)	Zach Brown, LB
28.	New England (via Saints 4-2)	Jerell Worthy
29.	Baltimore Ravens (4-1)	Courtney Upshaw, OLB
30.	Detroit Lions (5-1)	Cliff Harris, CB
31.	New England Patriots (5-1)	Mohamed Sanu, WR
32.	Green Bay Packers (6-0)	Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB