In response to a report that the Buccaneers and the Rams are talking about a trade that would allow Tampa to jump from No. 3 to the top spot in the 2010 draft, St. Louis G.M. Billy Devaney said in a chat on the team’s web site that he has had no discussions with Tampa.
“I am being completely honest when I say that I have not talked to anyone in Tampa Bay,” Devaney said. “I’m not saying that won’t happen at some point but to date there is absolutely nothing going on.”
Since Devaney said he’s being completely honest, we’ll believe him. And we’re being completely honest when we say that.
That’s not a knock on Devaney; it’s a comment regarding the reality of the pre-draft maneuverings. It’s an extended game of poker, where deception is part of the dance. And the truth gets told only when doing so meshes with the overall strategic objectives of the team.
Either way, Devaney left the door open -- and that makes sense. The Rams have problems far bigger than any one player can fix, and if they can turn that No. 1 selection into multiple draft choices, they should explore any such possibilities.