Although, i don't think it will happen, i am with the OP on this one. What if we signed and traded Mario with the mentioned picks for that #2. As was mentioned earlier, we were still a top defensive team without Mario the majority of the season. Maybe even throwing Ben Tate in to sweeten the deal. We have enough RB to back up Foster and could probably draft another one late. Yes, i know it is a lot to give for a rookie QB and it doesn't make sense to do so, but we are talking about a kid who has already broken records in the combine. Not just any record, but Mike Vicks record. This is an opportunity that only comes aroundonce every 10 years or so. The Texans really need to jump on this. They already have the team built for him for the next 5+ years. A move like this would net us dynasty-like results.
You can't sign and trade Mario if he doesn't want to be signed and traded. I'm not sure if you can franchise and trade, but even if you could, why would the Rams want to rent a high dollar player like Mario for a year when they aren't even close to contending? The Rams are looking to build a core of good, young players. Their team is horrible at almost every position. I doubt they'd be interested in trading away their 2nd overall pick for a giant contract, Ben Tate, and a couple late 1st rounders.
I can see the conversation going something like this. Rick Smith: What would you take for the #2 Pick? Les Snead (Rams GM): It'll take a lot, and it starts with Duane Brown. Rick Smith: Well, we want to keep Duane Brown. Click...
5 seasons as a starter, he's been healthy for 3 of them. We aren't talking Yao Ming by any stretch, but it is still a legitimate concern, though not a reason to sell him.
Initially I thought this was a joke and that you were yanking the OP's chain. Now I'm starting to question it though.
We are a very young team, we could be relevent for a while. Why not take a chance on a young superstar and add him to the plethora of talent we already have. With him, we would have almost every thing you need to become the next dynasty. It will never happen but what if......
