While the Los Angeles Rams could use their first-round pick this year to add talent to the roster that could contribute immediately, or even trade back to add more picks, there is growing steam that the team could target a quarterback in the first round.
A few mocks have had Shedeur Sanders slide deep to the late first round, while others link the Rams to the Ole Miss prospect Jaxson Dart.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell just released his annual mock draft, which includes first-round trades for all 32 teams. In one scenario, he has the Rams trading up to pick 20 with the Denver Broncos.
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Los Angeles Rams Trade Up In NFL Draft With Denver Broncos
While moving up six spots in the back-half of the first round would not cost a ton, it would relinquish another pick, which is typically the opposite of what Les Snead likes to do.
Draft compensation:
- Broncos get: 1-26, 3-90
- Rams get: 1-20
In trading up, the Rams could target elite tight end Colston Loveland or one of the top cornerbacks, such as Will Johnson. While they would lose a 3rd rounder, it would be good value to get one of the top players at a position of need.
However, Barnwell suggests that this trade-up would be for a quarterback.
“While the Rams are without a second-round pick as part of last year’s move up for Braden Fiske, they have an extra third-rounder from the Falcons hiring away assistant coach Raheem Morris in 2024,” writes Barnwell. “With the Steelers picking at No. 21 this could be a move up if L.A. thinks there’s a quarterback worth drafting as a success or Matthew Stafford, such as Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss).”
I’m sure most fans would not love this idea, but as of now, the Rams have no plan for the future at the most important position. They did a good job in free agency to retain important players while also adding talent at positions of need.
Outside of Linebacker, they do not have any glaring needs that need to be addressed in the first round. So, while it may feel like a waste to most fans, this might actually be the best year to get the QB of the future, and depending on how the board falls, it may require a trade-up.
Thoughts, Ramily?
Also Read: Los Angeles Rams Showing Serious Interest In TE Prospect, Holding Private Pre-Draft Workout