3:13pm: The Rams have a target in mind, but Russini adds they are not pursuing a quarterback in Round 1. A Rams QB move could come later, though the team has seen 2023 fifth-rounder Stetson Bennett re-emerge after spending his rookie year on the NFI list. Bennett is stationed behind Stafford and UFA pickup Jimmy Garoppolo.
1:00pm: Known for a near-decade-long stretch of moving off first-round picks, the Rams hold their own selection heading into the draft. They are trying to make a deal to move up.
Mentioned Wednesday as a team that is likely interested in coming up the board, the Rams appear to indeed be intrigued by the prospect of such a move. Sean McVay‘s team is contacting teams with an aim to climb into the top 10, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini tweets.
It would be surprising if the Rams were a team interested in trading up for a quarterback, and it is interesting to see a non-QB-seeking (presumably) team linked to a trade into the top 10. The Cardinals and Chargers have made it known they are interested in moving down, but a climb into the top five may be unrealistic for the Rams, who sit at No. 19. The Titans, at No. 7, have been mentioned as a team open to sliding down the board. But Tennessee, closely linked to tackles, will probably want to see how the board looks before serious considering dealing its top choice.
The Rams have major holes on defense. They saw arguably the best defensive tackle in NFL history retire after an All-Pro season. Aaron Donald elevated the Rams’ defense for a decade, and the team’s edge rushers — from Leonard Floyd to Von Miller to Dante Fowler — benefited from the all-time great’s presence inside. The Rams also need help on the edge, being rumored to be targeting OLB help earlier this offseason.
Los Angeles holds the Nos. 52, 83 and 99 selections on Day 2, the latter coming after the Falcons hired Raheem Morris as their head coach. Given Morris’ ties to the Rams, it would not surprise if Falcons-Rams talks took place today. Also linked to defensive players — in a top 10 expected to be heavy on offense — Atlanta holds the No. 8 overall pick.
The Bears have No. 9, and with only four picks in the draft, Chicago makes sense as a trade-down team. Though, the team also has been tied to wanting a skill-position or edge-rushing upgrade at 9. An early-April report suggested the Jets were hoping a team makes them a good offer for No. 10, but with Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh on hot seats, staying at 10 and adding another weapon for Aaron Rodgers is also firmly in play.
A quarterback move perhaps should be entirely ruled out; Matthew Stafford is going into his age-36 season and battled injuries throughout 2022. The veteran has played through significant injury trouble in Detroit and Los Angeles. A Rams-Bo Nix connection surfaced recently, via Rams GM Les Snead being at Auburn with Bo’s father (Patrick Nix) was playing QB for the Tigers, though the Oregon alum is not viewed as worthy of a top-10 pick. That said, Nix has been linked to the Vikings (No. 11) and Broncos (No. 12). It would be fascinating to learn the Rams were targeting one of this draft’s higher-profile arms.
The team certainly is not shy about dealing future first-round picks for assets, but given the team needs on defense, it would be risky for the team — even with its penchant for finding quality defenders on Days 2 and 3 — to eschew major needs for down-the-road help. Stafford’s $40MM-per-year extension runs through 2026. The Rams crashing the party as a Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr. suitor would inject more intrigue into a draft teeming with trade-up buzz.
I can see the Rams doing a deal with Chicago with the Bears with only 4 picks, and that big of leap into the top 10 from 19 it will cost the Rams the 19th, 52nd, their first in 2025 and 2nd in 2025 at least and that is the minimal.
You might be the worst person at predicting trades in the history of the internet. Get a new hobby and maybe a clue.
Just saying the Rams with this being the contract year and age factor for Stafford, the Rams could be looking at one of the six QB’s looking that may go earlier than 19. And like I said the Bears only have a very few picks in this draft this would work for both teams. Remember my friend it is OK to think outside the box, and with this draft expecting some trades that no one even thought about from teams moving up at least 10 to 12 picks in the first round.
“Think outside the box” well you would have to be outside of your mind to come up with some of your suggestions. Like the other day when you claimed in order to move from 12 to 4 the Broncos would have to give up Surtain first this year second this year first next year third next year. They were asking for 2 firsts for Surtain. So you think to move up 8 spots to take the 4th quarterback it will essentially cost 4 firsts a second and a third. Again that’s not outside the box that’s outside the brain.
Why is he the worst? Is his trade far fetched, sure. But it’s not out of the realm of possibility. This is a game of supply and demand. Remember, SF and WAS gave up three 1st to get a QB. Sure, one can argue that a QB is worth that. The Bears are in no position to move. So if they want to drop 10 spots (and out of the blue chip area), it will cost a team.
Because he makes a ridiculous post like this on a couple articles a day. Trust me I wouldn’t have commented just based on this one post. It doesn’t even crack his top 5 most absurd.
sn33 – I did not know you were the editor and everything has to run through you personally before posting. Your to d*** serious for your own good, lighten up Francis. This is supposed to be fun, don’t take it so seriously.
I never claimed to be an editor or anything close to that but nice try to deflect. I just said your proposals are ridiculous. Lighten up Francis there is no need to get butt hurt this is supposed to be fun! Also It’s “you’re too d*** serious” not your and to. So I guess you not only are clueless about pick value and trades, but you can’t even spell as well as a first grader. Pretty sad.
Why so angry man, just saying as a whole wilder thing have happened when it comes to Rams making trades, just like 49ers trading for a QB they moved up to get a couple years, traded to Cowboy two years later and now is a backup. So when teams are really sure they want a QB they will give a lot more than normal to get one, so outside the box trades could happen. That is all there is, I really am sorry if it disturbed you so much. Just having fun with life and fun with this forum. But if I am not taking this forum as serious as you, I am sorry I will try to do better.
No you are right I don’t need to be such a jerk about it.
Bears trade 1-9 for 1-18, 2-52, and 3-99.
Who says no?
The Rams…
First, the Rams have pick #19. Second, depending who’s on the board, the Bears will say no. The Bears will easily want a 1st next year to drop 10 spots. Third, if that trade were to happen, Bears would want pick #83.
Lol we have one person saying Bears and one saying Rams so I guess it’s a good trade.
19*
The Bears. It is even enough, but I don’t think teams trade down for “even”.
A Rams-Bo Nix connection surfaced recently, via Rams GM Les Snead being at Auburn with Bo’s father
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Does anyone think this matters whatsoever? Like the GM ran into the guy 30 years ago, so that means he is going to draft the guy’s son?
Any of the top 3 WR’s or Bowers would make that Offense hum! The 2 old banged up QB’s can fill in for each other as they inevitably get hurt.
They want verse
That makes sense. Would they be sure to get him at 9, or even 8? Rams 19, 52, a fourth and a 25 second to Chargers for 5.
Called it haha