As Rams GM he is not locking himself into anything at this point. But rest assured, Snead is making at least two plans known: The Rams are willing to trade the pick, and Sam Bradford is (for now) their 2014 starting quarterback.

"I don't want to sit here and go — guess what, we're trading back no matter what. You've always got to prepare for if you're there and nobody wants to trade. What if you actually want to take a player?" he told reporters this week.

With the Texans mulling defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney, SN's expected first choice, there should be a flock of quarterbacks available in May when commissioner Roger Goodell calls for the draft's salutatorian.

The Rams own the No. 2 that was awarded the Redskins for their awful 3-13 season. The Rams also have their own selection, No. 13. Snead is willing to wheel and deal, which is how he landed the second this year. It's part of the bounty from trading last year's No. 2 so the 'Skins could select Robert Griffin III.

That worked out well for Washington last season, not so well this season. Meanwhile, Snead keeps the Rams focused on the long haul, as in acquiring talent to nurture into a contender. Scoff not, because the past two drafts have landed Tavon Austin, Alec Ogletree, Zac Stacy, Michael Brockers and Janoris Jenkins.

"Here's what I can truly say: I don't think we have just this glaring need that's beeping, at all," Snead said. "I'll say it a ton of times: We have a core here to keep adding to."

So teams interested in Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater, Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel or Fresno State's Derek Carr, all projected first-round picks, should have Snead on speed dial.

Bidders welcome.


SAMMY WHAMMY


Sammy Watkins is atop wide receiver rankings on every NFL draft board, and his plan to bypass a senior year at Clemson is no surprise. He's preparing for the NFL Combine off a superb season.

Scouts got all they wanted as he had 101 catches for 1,464 yards this season, both Clemson single-season records. That's finishing with a flourish.

"I think that's how I approached the season and that's how the coaches approached me this year," Watkins told reporters Friday. "They were going to get the best out of me and they were going to get the ball to me all year and I've got to be a complete player."

"I think I managed that well."

At 6-1, 205, Watkins added bulk from his first two seasons and likely will continue to grow. He also has matured, learning from his two-game suspension in 2012.

"Everyone thinks of that as a bad point of my life, but I think it helped me out," he said. "It helped me see the bigger picture."

Hard questions await as teams look into his character, with a drug arrest among concerns. But on the field he put a cherry on top as Orange Bowl MVP, with 16 catches for 227 yards and two touchdowns against Ohio State.


COACHING CAROUSEL


Finalists for the open Vikings job will trek to the Twin Cities in the coming days. Although at least one candidate remains out of reach, the team has wrapped up its initial search process, according to NFL.com.

Two men are believed finalists. Both are defensive coordinators: Mike Zimmer of the Bengals and Todd Bowles of the Cardinals. The other man awaiting further discussion is Greg Roman, offensive coordinator of the 49ers who has a least one more game to coach.

Zimmer is pegged as the favorite to replace Leslie Frazier, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He met with team officials Wednesday, two days after Bowles reportedly aced his interview.

Jay Gruden had been the primary object of the Vikings' affection before he hired on with the Redskins.

Both Zimmer and Bowles are getting acquainted with other teams seeking coaches, so neither is a lock.

Vikings leaders also talked with Darrell Bevell, a one-time Vikings offensive coordinator; and defensive gurus Dan Quinn of the Seahawks and Ray Horton of the Browns.

Meanwhile:

— Former Titans coach Mike Munchak, once a star player in Houston, headed that direction to meet new coach Bill O’Brien about becoming offensive line coach. Munchak this week set his sights higher by interviewing with the Lions, who seek a replacement for coach Jim Schwartz.

— Jim Caldwell, former Colts coach, has the Browns interested. Reports this week said Caldwell might bring in former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel to run his offense. Tressel, working as a college administrator, says he’s interested in an NFL job but denies having talked to the Browns.

Don't discount the Browns turning to Ken Whisenhunt, the Chargers' offensive coordinator, when he becomes available. Whisenhunt led the Cardinals to the Super Bowl and has a Steelers pedigree.

Contributors: Ray Slover, The Associated Press

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