The Los Angeles Rams struck a deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night, trading back from No. 31 to 45. They picked up an additional third-round pick in the process, giving them four top-100 picks.
The trade didn’t surprise anyone due to Les Snead’s affinity for moving back in the draft and accumulating picks, but he may not be done dealing just yet. Snead could make another trade (or two) on Friday night, heading in either direction.
Here are five more trades the Rams should consider making on Day 2 with point totals from the trade value chart.
Trade up with Broncos
Rams trade: Nos. 45 and 133 (489 points)
Broncos trade: No. 41 (490 points)
The Broncos looked like potential trade partners for the Rams’ pick at No. 31, but this scenario has Los Angeles moving up instead. If a defensive back such as Nasir Adderley or Byron Murphy, among others, begins to fall, maybe the Rams will move up to secure him and fortify the secondary.
Giving up a fourth-round pick might be too high a price to pay for four spots, but with the Bengals, Lions and Packers all in front of Los Angeles, a move up might be necessary to grab a top defensive back.
Trade down with Chiefs
Rams trade: No. 45 (450)
Chiefs trade: Nos. 63, 84 and 214 (451.4)
Never rule out another trade down from Snead. The Chiefs are on the verge of losing Tyreek Hill and could be in the market for a wide receiver to replace him. If A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf or Parris Campbell fall to the Rams at No. 45, they might be able to entice the Chiefs into a trade for the pick.
This move would give the Rams five top-100 picks and although waiting until 63 would be difficult to do, the haul would be hard to pass up.
Trade up with Raiders
Rams trade: Nos. 45 and 99 (554)
Raiders trade: Nos. 35 and 218 (553.8)
This is a bigger trade up with the Rams jumping 10 spots, potentially to grab an offensive lineman like Erik McCoy, Dalton Risner or Jawaan Taylor. The Rams have made their interest in offensive linemen clear and if the Cardinals and Colts go another direction, Los Angeles might jump at the opportunity to select the top center, guard or tackle available.
This trade would still leave the Rams with three top 100 picks like they began the draft with, while also adding a seventh rounder – essentially replacing the 203rd overall pick they gave the Falcons.
Trade down with Patriots
Rams trade: No. 45 (450)
Patriots trade: Nos. 56 and 97 (452)
The Patriots and Rams struck a deal for Brandin Cooks last year, so why not give Bill Belichick a call again this year? New England needs a replacement for Rob Gronkowski and if Irv Smith Jr. begins to fall, Belichick might want to move up 11 spots to No. 45. The Patriots have two second-rounders and three third-rounders, so it’s not as if they don’t have the ammunition to trade up.
New England might also target a safety with the 45th pick to eventually replace Devin McCourty.
Trade up with Broncos
Rams trade: Nos. 79 and 133 (234)
Broncos trade: No. 71 (235)
Apparently the Rams and Broncos are perfect trade partners based on all the possible scenarios. Instead of moving up from No. 45, though, this one involves Los Angeles trading forward from the 79th pick, which it acquired from the Falcons.
This trade costs the Rams their fourth-round pick, but if they select a defensive back at 45th overall, they might set their sights on Jachai Polite and go up to grab him.
