Should Rams Consider Derrick Henry?

[Wildflecken]

It could be a smokescreen, but I like Rams/Snead's philosophy of finding a qb in rounds 2 and 3 of the draft. What I do know is Snead puts a lot of value in the studies he constructs and last season the draft was all about the offensive line and finding run blockers, this season his studies where on points allowed and starting quarterbacks (those discussed publically anyway)

Rams need an impact player at 15 (or in round 1 wherever that picks ends up being). This is a deep draft at a number of positions and while many do not agree, it is a deep draft at the quarterback position. Much deeper than any draft under Snead's regime. And one of the qb's selected in rounds 2 or 3 this class very well could end up the best qb to come out of this draft.

Many have suggested a philosophy of using the additional second round pick acquired in the Bradford/Foles trade and moving back into late round 1 to select a qb. But what if it is not a qb the Rams target after moving back up? What if the Rams added Derrick Henry to a backfield that already includes Todd Gurley? The more I look at this draft class and look for prospects who can help immediately in 2016, the more this search leads me back to Derrick Henry. The Giants and the Dolphins are two teams that immediately come to mind that rode a dynamic dual/triple running threat and a stellar defense to a Super Bowl victory. And what contributes more to the team accomplishing what Snead envisions with his studies, keeping opponents scoring low, than a running attack that eats up large chunks of possession time and a stellar defense who gets off field quickly due to playing rested and superior personnel ?

Here is what I do know. If Gurley goes down to injury the hopes for a return to the playoffs do as well. Handing the reigns to Mason is not going to do it. However a triple threat of Gurley, Henry and TA out of the backfield should ensure Rams are able to generate the rushing yards needed each and every week during the long grueling act that is the 16 game season. The benefits of adding Henry to this roster are just too numerous to ignore. Not only does it serve to extend Gurley's career it should soften the defense each week while Gurley is taking a breather. Henry is workhorse back who can carry the full load if Gurley is unavailable due to injury. Having to tackle both Gurley and Henry for 4 quarters would be an extreme advantage for our offense over the opposing defense. And the strategy fits perfectly with the offensive lineman selected last draft more for their ability to run block than for their pass pro prowess. And TA is the perfect pure speed option out of backfield to compliment both Gurley and Henry.

If the Rams can come out of this draft with both Ragland and Henry, I have zero issues with them waiting until round 3 for a quarterback, as I fully believe adding these two players alone will result in a return to the playoffs in 2016. The addition of Henry adds more to this offense for 2016 than any wr this class can. Thoughts?

[Ants]

I wouldn't mind going after D. Henry.
I imagine most would disagree, but I also think Cunningham is capable of carrying the load at RB for the Rams.

[Ramsblood]

Only if Henry falls to the Rams 2 nd rounder do I consider him bit not if a much more needed player is equally rated like at FS, WR or a QB. BPA in the 1 St or trade down.

[RamFanFor55]

Only if Henry falls to the Rams 2 nd rounder do I consider him bit not if a much more needed player is equally rated like at FS, WR or a QB. BPA in the 1 St or trade down.

Another one of those "wow, let's go after XXX !!" postings that are pretty off the wall. The Rams have NO starting FS, the worst receiving corps in the NFL, and no depth at DT and LB. So hey, let's get a backup for one of the few good players on the team!!

C'mon...really? Really?!?

[Rampager66]

Kristian Bryant can play. I hear the staff really like him too and expectations are high. They will need some depth at the position no doubt but he's the next man up.

[Wildflecken]

Only if Henry falls to the Rams 2 nd rounder do I consider him bit not if a much more needed player is equally rated like at FS, WR or a QB. BPA in the 1 St or trade down.

Another one of those "wow, let's go after XXX !!" postings that are pretty off the wall. The Rams have NO starting FS, the worst receiving corps in the NFL, and no depth at DT and LB. So hey, let's get a backup for one of the few good players on the team!!

C'mon...really? Really?!?

Championship teams take on an identity of their own. Those organizations that are always attempting to copy the last champions model find themselves drafting towards the top on an annual basis. Yes for real, Rams model is game management approach, limiting mistakes on offense with a run heavy identity and winning low scoring defensive led battles. If that is your identity, have the best backfield and best run blocking Oline you can find. Hoping Gurley stays healthy and plays a full 16 game schedule. But if he does not, Rams chances for playoffs end the week he goes down.

However the choice is made for the dimension it adds with a healthy Gurley for the full 16. Many ways to disguise holes in your roster and one is with a ground controlled, possession offense that eats clock even if drive ends in three versus seven. Draft a Tyler Higbee to go along with Britt as a red zone target and now drives may end in 7 once inside red zone.

Rams have better depth than many realize, Christian Bryant/Cody Davis at S, Roberson/Gaines at cb etc.. What they lack is an offensive identity and a backfield of Gurley, Henry and TA gives them one provided the Oline can indeed do what they were drafted to do, run block. Both the Giants and Dolphins rode this philosophy to a Super Bowl title, with the Dolphins going undefeated. Doubt this draft has a free safety talent that is round 1 worthy and would provide the impact drafting Derrick Henry would in 2016. If fact outside of adding a Ragland or similar defensive prospect, don't see an offensive player who would have a large impact on Rams offense than Henry would unless they hit a home run in obtaining a qb in the draft. The wr class is weak with bad scheme fit talent, lots of Britt and Quick types, a TA in Coleman etc.. Treadwell is projected inside so he may help and provide an immediate impact but there is concern here if he can get the needed separation at next level, a task made harder in Rams offense that lacks a true #1 outside receiver

[Ramsblood]

Like I said, only if he's the clear cut BPA if there in the 2nd
Or significant trade down in 1st

[NN1Badboy]

Only if Henry falls to the Rams 2 nd rounder do I consider him bit not if a much more needed player is equally rated like at FS, WR or a QB. BPA in the 1 St or trade down.

Another one of those "wow, let's go after XXX !!" postings that are pretty off the wall. The Rams have NO starting FS, the worst receiving corps in the NFL, and no depth at DT and LB. So hey, let's get a backup for one of the few good players on the team!!

C'mon...really? Really?!?

Man, I really like the way you think. I was thinking along the same lines. I like the idea of WR, TE, FS or LB in the first two rounds. Then whatever position we don’t take, plus C, DT or QB in the later rounds.

BUT, if either Henry is available in round two when we pick, then i’d be all over them. It wouldn’t upset me one bit if we managed to get both. Imagine Treadwell (or Doctson) in round one. And both Derrick Henry, and Hunter Henry in round 2. Wow, that would be a shot in the arm on offense.

I know we don’t need it, but just imagine Gurley, and Henry as a 1-2 punch. On top of that, if one were to get injured then we would still have a starting caliber RB. Could it work? Seems like a waste of a pick, but it may not be.