The theme of the
Rams draft was to improve the talent level and depth on the defensive side of the ball, with a chance at also improving one of the leagues worst special teams units. The Rams entered the draft with a 1st, 2nd and two 3rd round picks and were pleased to parlay them into a 1st and three 2nd round picks.
With the first 2 picks, the
Rams were able to stay within the abovementioned theme and still take players at positions of need in
DE Math Roth and
ILB Channing Crowder. The way the board broke, however, the
Rams would have been better off with an interior OL or an OLB at the 40th pick, using pick 50 for Barrett Ruud. I messed up (is that Georgina Frontiere on the phone?)
Feeling that there isn't value at a primary position of need at this point, I focus on the theme of the Rams' draft and rely on my NASCAR roots (I feel the need for speed for the fast track that is the Rams home) and select a player to help with defensive depth and special teams.
The
Rams select Oklahoma
CB Antonio Perkins; 6'0" 188 lbs 4.35. He should provide immediate help on special teams while developing as a nickle/ backup corner, or possibly a FS.
QUICK STRENGTHS: Fluidity, return ability, closing speed
QUICK WEAKNESSES: strength
NFL COMPARISONS: Fast, fluid and a great punt returner, very similar to Deltha O'Neal.
All American punt returner entering his second year as a starter at cornerback.
Set Oklahoma timing day record with a 4.31 forty and also posted a 42-inch vertical.
Excellent punt returner whose athletic ability also translates well to the cornerback position. A very fluid athlete, Perkins turns and runs well with receivers. He likes to play more physically than his listed size would indicate. He is thinly built but puts some big hits on receivers. Turns directions fluidly and quickly but sometimes gets fooled by double moves and loses his man. Has good closing speed and does a good job of getting a hand on the passes but doesn't have the greatest ball skills. Doesn't necessarily go for the interceptions and only has average hands. As a punt returner, he has excellent vision, patience and elusiveness. He has a great burst of speed and knows just when to turn it on. He is a big play man who can go the distace at any time.
Even if he had no ability at CB, his return ability alone with give him a spot in the pros. But the fact that he's improving quickly as a corner and that he has the size and athleticism to eventually become a top cover corner gives him a shot at the 1st Round. But he'll need a big senior season to validate that lofty post.
http://www.draftshowcase.com/AntonioPerkins.htm
Strengths:
Amazing return man ... Good size ... Excellent speed ...Very good athletic ability...Has a lot of experience...Knows how to go get the football...A threat to score anytime he touches the ball.
Weaknesses: Lacks strength and can get pushed around ... Not very physical and only an average tackler ... Played on a very talented defense which was of great help ... Doesn't appear to have great instincts.
Notes:
One of the best return men in NCAA history and could be a first day pick based on that skill alone ... Should at the very least develop into a great special teams player and backup corner if not more.
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/playerprofiles/cb/antonioperkins.html