Rams hometown paper reports potential interest in Jenkins

by Tom V.

In a development that could have a direct impact on the Rams’ first-round draft plans, the Carolina Panthers are putting defensive tackle Kris Jenkins on the trading block.

The Rams have a lot of insight on Jenkins because Tony Softli, the Rams’ vice president of player personnel, was the Panthers’ director of college scouting in 2001 when Carolina selected Jenkins in the second round out of Maryland.

St. Louis does need an interior lineman after they endured another poor season against the run, and, as reported earlier, the Panthers have made it clear they are willing to listen to offers. St. Louis picks 13th overall and, incidentally, this major draft website’s mock draft predicted the Rams taking defensive tackle Amobi Okoye.

But even if the trade would happen, its implications on the overall draft picture would be negligible — the teams draft back to back, 13th and 14th overall. So a simple exchange of 1st rounders will not happen. Either St. Louis will simply offer its first round pick for Jenkins, or each team will exchange first rounders and the Rams will throw in a second rounder this year or future picks.