I don't know whether I should criticize the Rams for
their first-round pick or salute them for sticking to their guns.
I personally think the Rams should have selected an offensive lineman.
They have lost C Mike Gruttadauria and OT Fred Miller to free agency. I think their
starting lineup will still be fine, but depth is a concern. Hence my belief that an
offensive lineman was the way to go in Round One.
Instead they went with RB Trung Canidate. A pessimist would say why take
Canidate to rot on the bench behind superstar RB Marshall Faulk?
The rationale, however, is that Canidate is a perfect fit for the
philosophy the Rams used to become Super Bowl champions last season. Those Rams were
built on speed, speed, speed and some more speed.
Guess what Canidate gives them more of? You've got it. More speed. He has
initial quickness. He has breakaway quickness. He can go the distance.
Here's something else to chew on: What is the one spot on offense where an
injury would most hurt the Rams?
It's not quarterback where they have both Kurt Warner and Trent Green.
It's not at wide receiver where if Isaac Bruce were to get hurt, Torry
Holt is ready to emerge as a big-time star.
You could make an argument that an injury to OT Orlando Pace would really
hurt, and you would be right. That said, I think an injury to Faulk would be even more
crushing. He did so many things for the Rams last season, and there are those who will
argue that he should have been the NFL MVP instead of Warner.
If Faulk were to get hurt, the Rams were not really equipped to deal with
it even after acquiring Derek Loville. If Faulk were to get hurt for a decent but not
monumental portion of the season, I think Canidate could probably stop the bleeding for a
bit much like James Stewart did for the Jaguars last season when Fred Taylor was injured.
Plus, I am sure the Rams will try to find some ways to get Canidate on the
field at the same time as Faulk, Bruce and Holt on occasion to completely scare the
daylights out of opponents.
Were I pulling the trigger from the Rams draft room I'd have taken an
offensive lineman, but given how well the Rams philosophy of speed worked last season I
think they are entitled to the benefit of the doubt.
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