NFL Draft: Los Angeles Rams relinquish initial-round selection to Atlanta Falcons
LA Rams' GM Les Snead Axes First-Round Pick in a Shrewd Move for More Draft Capital
Some might say LA Rams' General Manager Les Snead doesn't give a hoot about streaks, and they wouldn't be far off the mark. With the 2025 NFL Draft upon us, Snead boldly traded away the team's first-round pick this year.
In a deal with the Atlanta Falcons, the Rams exchanged the 26th pick and a third-round selection (101) for a second-round pick (46) in the same draft, a seventh-round selection, and a mind-boggling first-round pick in 2026.
Now, the Rams hold one pick in the second, third, fourth, four in the sixth, and one in the seventh round for this year's draft. The remainder of the draft kicks off with the second and third rounds on Friday, with the fourth and seventh rounds scheduled for Saturday.
NFL Draft Recap:
Miami quarterback Cam Ward gracefully took the top spot in this year's draft, but Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders managed to escape being drafted in the first round. The Rams, since 2015 and 2016, haven't drafted a player in successive first rounds, and that streak remains intact. Back then, they selected running back Todd Gurley and quarterback Jared Goff. The team traded up a record-breaking 14 spots to draft Goff first overall, but the cost was high, surrendering several first-round picks.
In subsequent years, Snead traded away numerous first-round picks in exchange for talents like cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Thus, the selection of edge rusher Jared Verse last year with the 19th pick marked the first time the Rams had made a first-round pick since Goff.
Looking Ahead:
- Rams' Ongoing Draft Run: The Rams aim to continue their trend of successful draft selections in the 2025 NFL draft.
- Quarterback Conundrum: Although the Rams opted to trade their first-round pick this year, there is still speculation about whether they might draft a quarterback when they pick again in the second round.
Intriguing Insights
Les Snead's latest decision to trade the Rams' first-round pick fit his strategic approach of swapping out later in the first round to gather more draft capital. The inclusion of a future first-round pick (2026) from the Falcons adds extra value to the deal and aligns with the Rams' long-term team-building strategy. By focusing on amassing draft assets, the Rams may have calculated a better selection in the 2026 draft or addressing a future roster need. This approach demonstrates Snead's flexibility and foresight in shaping the Rams' roster.
- The Rams' General Manager Les Snead's latest decision to trade away the team's first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is a strategic move to gather more draft capital, aligning with the team's long-term building strategy.
- Snead's approach of swapping out later in the first round is not new, as seen in the past, where he traded away numerous first-round picks in exchange for talents like Jalen Ramsey.
- The Rams aim to continue their trend of successful draft selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite trading their first-round pick this year.
- Despite trading their first-round pick, there is still speculation about whether the Rams might draft a quarterback when they pick again in the second round, hinting at a potential quarterback conundrum.
- The Rams' inclusion of a future first-round pick (2026) from the Atlanta Falcons in the trade adds extra value to the deal, indicating a calculated move to ensure a better selection in the 2026 draft or addressing a future roster need.
