Rams Strategy and Recent Success
The Los Angeles Rams continue to rely on their “draft and development” philosophy—a strategy that has already brought playoff appearances and a closely contested run against the reigning Super Bowl champions. With the team steadily getting younger and showing growth potential, much of the credit goes to general manager Les Snead for his work over the past two to three years.
Draft Position and Trade Considerations
With free agency on the horizon, the upcoming NFL Draft has naturally elevated expectations for the franchise. The Rams hold the No. 26 overall pick in the first round, and their next selection comes in the later part of the third round at No. 90. Their second-round pick remains with the Carolina Panthers as a result of a previous trade to acquire defensive tackle Braden Fiske. This setup has led the Rams to consider trading back into the Day Two segment of the draft, a move that could help them secure additional picks and potentially bolster their roster depth.
Exploring the Trade-Back Option
A prominent option on the table is to trade down with the Indianapolis Colts during the first round. This maneuver would not only secure a spot in the middle of the second round but would also bring back additional assets—a second-round pick in 2026 and a third-round selection. By enhancing their array of top-100 picks, the Rams position themselves to exploit the depth found in the second and third rounds. The rationale is straightforward: this draft class does not present many high-end, superstar prospects, but it does offer multiple chances to find immediate contributors.
Potential Impact from Day Two Selections
Under a proposed three-round mock scenario, the trade-back could yield intriguing prospects. At No. 45 (via the Colts), Purdue offensive lineman Marcus Mbow might emerge as a future starting right tackle. In the third round at No. 80, Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr. could anchor the interior linebacker position. Additional selections, such as Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals and Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson, present opportunities to add playmakers across different positions. In essence, the strategy would allow the Rams to widen their scope, increasing the likelihood of landing players who can contribute immediately.
Evaluating the Options
Of course, the Rams could choose to stick with their current first-round selection if a desirable option falls to them. However, by opting to trade back, the team would be maximizing its draft capital in a deep Day Two group, potentially enhancing both depth and overall roster quality. The deliberation reflects a broader team-oriented approach that prioritizes long-term growth alongside short-term improvements.
A calculated strategy designed to extract maximum value in a draft known for its deeper pools of talent. Sources close to the club informed that this trade-back scenario is among several options being rigorously analyzed as the offseason unfolds.