The NFL Draft is a chess match, and Los Angeles Rams General Manager Les Snead is a grandmaster of the board. Known for his affinity for stockpiling selections, Snead's strategy often involves trading down to accumulate more picks and build a deeper, more competitive roster. With the Rams holding the 13th overall pick in the first round, they find themselves in a prime position to execute this very strategy.
Picking at 13 offers a tantalizing choice: select a potential blue-chip prospect or slide down the board to acquire additional draft capital while still securing a first-round talent. This flexibility is especially valuable if a player coveted by other teams begins to fall on draft night. Using the popular Rich Hill trade value chart as our guide, let's explore five realistic scenarios where the Rams could move back and bolster their draft haul.
A modest but strategic move, trading back just five spots with the Minnesota Vikings could net the Rams a crucial third-round pick. With nine total selections, the Vikings have the ammunition to move up, perhaps to secure a target like Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. For the Rams, adding a pick in the 80s would be a smart return for a short slide down the order.
If the Pittsburgh Steelers are determined to land a specific quarterback or offensive lineman before division rivals can pounce, they might be motivated to jump up to No. 13. In exchange for moving back to 18, the Rams could secure Pittsburgh's valuable second-round pick (No. 51) and a fourth-rounder (No. 129), dramatically improving their asset pool for the middle rounds.
This scenario presents a major haul. If a team like the Chicago Bears, armed with multiple early picks, falls in love with a defensive prospect still on the board at 13, they could offer a package to move up. The Rams moving back to 21 could realistically bring back an additional second-round selection and more, giving Snead tremendous flexibility on Day 2 of the draft to address multiple needs.
Even a small move back within the teens can be fruitful. A trade with the Atlanta Falcons, sliding from 13 to 16, could allow the Rams to recoup the fourth and fifth-round picks they currently lack. This would perfectly bridge the gap in their draft slate and provide ammunition to target specific role players in the middle rounds.
Finally, a partnership with an AFC contender like the Buffalo Bills is always possible. If Buffalo wants to ensure they get a top cornerback or receiver, moving up to 13 might be their play. The Rams could slide to the end of the first round, picking up an extra Day 2 pick in the process and still selecting a high-quality player to build around for the future.
For the Rams, the draft is about maximizing value and building a complete team. Trading down from the 13th pick could be the key to achieving both goals, setting the stage for another competitive season in Los Angeles.