NFL Draft Trade Rumors: Chicago Bears and St Louis Rams Talking Trade
Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers (90) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Just over 24 hours until the NFL Draft and there’s a little trade rumor brewing. The rumor has the Chicago Bears and St Louis Rams talking trade.
So the Bears would give up #7 to pick up the Rams pick at #10 and get defensive lineman Michael Brockers. If you look at a Draft Value chart, #7 is worth 1500 points and #10 is worth 1300 points. The 200 points to move up is the equivalent of a mid third round pick. Brockers was the Rams #14 pick in the 2012 draft.
The Rams just picked up the fifth year option on Brockers, who has become less of a factor for the Rams last season when rookie Aaron Donald burst onto the scene.
The massive 6’5″ 322 pound Brockers had steady production for the Rams in his first two seasons, totaling 78 tackles, 9.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles. Last season, he only had 32 tackles and 2 sacks as he was moved to a more traditional nose tackle role to occupy blockers to let Donald make plays. Brockers was the 36th defensive tackle according to PFF. The Rams also added DT Nick Fairley via free agency to bolster an already stout defensive line.
The move would make a lot of sense for the Bears, who only have 6 draft picks. It would essentially give them another draft pick to get a young guy like Brockers at a position of need. The Bears only really have Jeremiah Ratliff and possibly Ego Ferguson to anchor their new 30-front defensive line. The Bears would have Brockers under contract through 2016, giving them two seasons to decide how well he fits Vic Fangio’s scheme.
If they slide from #7 to #10, it’s likely the Bears would miss out on receivers like Amari Cooper and Kevin White and pass rushers like Dante Fowler or Vic Beasley, but it could keep the Bears in a position to take Breshad Perriman or Devante Parker or a pass rusher like Bud Dupree and Randy Gregory.
For the Rams, they could parlay an expendable asset to position themselves to grab one of those top playmakers.
What would you think of the deal? Does it make sense for the Chicago Bears and St Louis Rams to talk trade?