Los Angeles Rams Actively Exploring First-Round NFL Draft Trades

POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, USA — The Los Angeles Rams are poised to make a significant move in the upcoming NFL Draft, holding the 13th overall selection in the first round, a position of power they...

Editorial Desk

April 23, 2026 2 Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, USA — The Los Angeles Rams are poised to make a significant move in the upcoming NFL Draft, holding the 13th overall selection in the first round, a position of power they haven’t held in almost a decade.

This advantageous spot, their highest since 2016 when they drafted Jared Goff first overall, does not guarantee they will remain there. Reports from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated indicate that the Rams’ front office has been diligently exploring various scenarios, including both trading up for a higher pick and moving down the draft board.

Strategic Flexibility at Pick 13

The Rams are not alone in their strategic maneuvering. Breer’s reporting suggests that several other prominent NFL franchises, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and Philadelphia Eagles, are also evaluating similar trade possibilities in the initial round. All four teams are reportedly making calls regarding both ascending and descending in the draft order.

This dynamic environment underscores the high-stakes decision-making happening as teams finalize their draft strategies. The ability to pivot between trading up for an immediate impact player or trading down to acquire additional assets offers significant tactical advantages.

Potential Targets and Capital Considerations

Should the Rams decide to trade up from their No. 13 position, speculation points towards skill players as their primary interest. Breer highlighted two enticing prospects in particular: running back Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.

“For the Rams, my guess would be a skill guy, like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love or Tyson,” Breer noted, suggesting a focus on offensive firepower.

The Rams possess three selections within the top 100 picks, providing them with ample draft capital to facilitate a trade-up if a desired player becomes available. However, their current absence of fourth and fifth-round picks also makes the option of trading back highly attractive, as it would allow them to replenish their mid-round selections.

General Manager’s Perspective

General Manager Les Snead previously indicated a willingness to part with Day 3 picks, as demonstrated by their trade for Trent McDuffie earlier this offseason. Snead’s rationale was that the talent pool tends to thin out significantly in the later rounds, which might suggest a lower priority on accumulating numerous late-round selections in the current draft class.

The final direction the Los Angeles Rams will take remains uncertain as the draft approaches. Their decisions will significantly shape their roster for the upcoming season.