St. Louis Rams: What to do with Pick No. 2?

The Indianapolis Colts' first overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft should come as no surprise, but the debate of which position the St. Louis Rams should address rages on.

The Rams, now under the guidance of head coach Jeff Fisher, have many holes to fill, and several players should come into consideration for them. However, I think the case can be made for one player above all: Oklahoma State wideout Justin Blackmon.

Not only is Blackmon the top receiver prospect in the draft, he fits the biggest need, in my eyes, for this Rams team. Brandon Lloyd is a free agent; I expect him to replace Chad Ochocinco in New England and reunite with Josh McDaniels. Brandon Gibson is nothing more than an average player, although he has slight upside. Wide receiver Danario Alexander is a physical specimen and should be involved in the team's plans, but he is too much of an injury risk to be counted on as anything more than a complementary piece.

Mark Clayton (knee) is once again a free agent, Austin Pettis is facing a suspension, Greg Salas (leg) is coming off a fractured bone, and Danny Amendola (elbow, tricpes) is recovering from a severe arm injury. Ouch! The Rams must provide Sam Bradford with a game-changing playmaker at the position, and Blackmon is just that. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder plays larger than his more-than-adequate frame. His style of play is very reminiscent of a young Terrell Owens. He has enough speed to get by defenders, is physically dominant in traffic, uses his size to his advantage, and can outmuscle
most defensive backs.

The junior receiver has scored 38 receiving touchdowns in the last two years and has racked up 232 catches in this time (121 last season). Blackmon has a knack for coming up huge in big games (see 2011 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: 8-186-3). His character is strong, and although I have a slight concern about his potential for drawing unsportsmanlike penalties in the NFL due to his exuberance, Blackmon doesn't seem to have diva qualities like many young star receivers.

Some prognosticators seem to think the Rams will take Southern California offensive tackle Matt Kalil, but I can't see that happening with two high picks invested in Jason Smith and Rodger Saffold. St. Louis won't draft a quarterback, a running back isn't a likely option, and cornerback seems to be the only other position of high need that they could fill. Louisiana State Morris Claiborne would be a fine pick at No. 2, but I don't think the Rams can pass up a receiver of Blackmon's level considering the sheer lack of weapons they have on that side of the ball.

Check back later in the week for a detailed scouting report on Blackmon.