When the St. Louis Rams dealt the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft to the Washington Redskins for three first-round picks and a second round pick two years ago next month, there were two primary reasons for it. First, St. Louis believed it had a franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford. Second, the bounty for that second overall pick was mighty high.
Fast forward two years and the Rams are sitting on the No. 2 overall pick once again. It isn't their original pick, as it is one of the three first rounders that Les Snead and Co. acquired in the Robert Griffin III deal with Washington.
As much as most things have changed in two years time, especially questions about Bradford's future with the team, one thing remains the same. St. Louis is looking to deal the second pick for the second time in three years. In doing so, it promises to acquire an even larger bounty from Washington, two years after the fact.
Here is how that original trade has turned out after secondary deals by the Rams.
Alone, this is a ridiculous haul for the Rams. Now add in the second overall pick in the 2014 draft because of Washington's disastrous 2013 season and you have one of the most lopsided trades in NFL history.
Reports indicate that St. Louis is open to dealing the second pick, much like it has done with the first two first rounders Snead and Co. acquired from Washington.
The idea is simple.
Make the trade continue to work for you for years down the road. I am not just talking about on the field, but during draft day as well. If St. Louis can move down from the second pick and pick up more picks later in the 2014 draft and in the following draft, it will continue to be able to add pieces it acquired for one player, RGIII.
The opportunities are endless, too.
If Houston Goes Quarterback No. 1 Overall
This would mean that the prize of the 2014 draft, Jadeveon Clowney, would still be on the board. As you already know, pass rushers have become a premium in the new pass-orientated National Football League. There are multiple teams within the top 10 that would love to trade up for his services if the price were right.
* Oakland Raiders: Dennis Allen's team was much more competitive in 2013 than most people thought they would be. Despite finishing with a 4-12 record, the Raiders did lose six games by 10 points or less. The one thing this team missed in 2013 was a true star on both sides of the ball. Clowney would most definitely bring that to a team in need of it.
While Reggie McKenzie has indicated he values draft picks and isn't looking to trade them for veterans, acquiring someone of Clowney's ability would be much different. Based on Draft Breakdown's trade value chart, the price to move up from fifth to No. 2 overall is as follows. Oakland's second, third and fourth-round selection as well as the No. 5 pick. Of course, the Raiders would likely deal a high-round 2015 pick instead of the combination of picks I indicated above.
* Atlanta Falcons: Yet another disappointing team from a season ago, the Falcons had to deal with numerous injuries. In the end, they won just four games and finished in last place in the NFC South. Despite this disastrous performance, the Falcons are still a player or two away from contending for a conference crown. One of the primary issues that Mike Nolan's defense had in 2013 was a lack of a real pass-rush threat. Osi Umenyiora led the team with 7.5 sacks, as Atlanta finished with just 32 quarterback takedowns on the season.
Interestingly enough, Atlanta is picking at the exact position (No. 6 overall) that Washington was slated to select back in 2012. Considering that the Redskins were going for the franchise quarterback and RGIII was thought of as a can't-miss product, St. Louis can't expect the same bounty in return. Atlanta would, however, likely have to deal its second-round pick this year along with the No. 6 overall pick and a first rounder in 2015 to move up to No. 2 overall and select Clowney.
If Houston Goes Clowney No. 1 Overall
This would likely change the value that St. Louis receives for the No. 2 pick, as franchise-type quarterbacks are coveted more than any other position in the NFL. The consensus here is that Teddy Bridewater is the one player that most teams are coveting when looking to trade up to the second pick. While nowhere near the prized prospect that RGIII was back in 2012, Bridgewater has franchise written all over him. This has led some to believe that the Rams may consider him at two, but it's obvious that Snead and Co. are still sold on Bradford.
Cleveland Browns: They might only have to jump one spot to get the quarterback they want, but it's a rather big spot. Depending on who the Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars value as the No. 1 quarterback in the draft, it really could be a game of cat and mouse. Assuming they're both sold on Bridgewater as being head and shoulders above the rest, not really a reach, St. Louis would have the upper hand here. Likely nothing short of two second-round picks would get this deal done.
Minnesota Vikings: This would take a whole lot. According to Draft Breakdown's trade value chart, Minnesota would be looking at having to yield its second and third rounders this year, the No. 8 overall pick and a first-round pick in 2015 to trade up for a quarterback at two. It's also important to note that the Vikings had openly expressed an interest of trading down. This seems to indicate any move up is far fetched.
Likeliest Scenario
St. Louis trade down in the top six and is still able to nab Jake Matthews from Texas A&M. Cleveland, Oakland and Atlanta all have specific needs and the best players at those positions will be off the board by the time they're slated to pick. If I had to put money on it, Cleveland seems like the obvious choice.