The Rams are often one of the most active teams in the draft each year when it comes to moving up and down the board. They traded back three times before landing on Taylor Rapp last year, and typically make at least a few deals every year.
The trades made by GM Les Snead early in the draft are usually to move back, though – with the exception of going up for Jared Goff in 2016. This year, the Rams have four picks in the top 104, and they could package some of those selections in an attempt to move up for a prospect.
Who might they target if they trade up from No. 52? There are a number of prospects who would make sense for the Rams to go up and get, namely these seven.
C/G Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
Ruiz is viewed as the top interior lineman in the draft, and that might be the Rams’ most pressing need. Unfortunately, it’s highly unlikely Ruiz will fall to No. 52. He could be selected as early as the mid-20s in the first round.
He’d be a perfect fit in the Rams’ scheme at either center or guard, though center remains the bigger priority. Brian Allen looked overmatched last season before getting hurt and Austin Blythe was solid at center in 2018.
Regardless of where he ends up, Ruiz would give the Rams options on the offensive line, which they could certainly use.
OT Josh Jones, Houston
The Rams had a video call with Jones in place of a top-30 visit, which is an indication of their interest in the Houston product. He has all the tools and traits you want in a left tackle, which might land him in the first round, but he also needs polish.
As raw as he is, the Rams are a good landing spot for Jones. Andrew Whitworth will be the left tackle for at least one more year, which would allow Jones to sit and learn for a season before potentially taking over as Jared Goff’s blindside blocker.
The Rams might be able to land Jones early in Round 2 if they were to trade up.
WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
Mims is one of the most popular (and polarizing) prospects in the class, boasting elite size and athleticism but also a limited route tree and minor drop issues. The Rams are among the teams showing the most interest in Mims, which was reported before they even traded away Brandin Cooks.
There’s no doubt the Rams have the talent at wide receiver to succeed in 2020, but the depth chart gets murkier beyond that. Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds are both free agents after this season, which complicates things. Mims can immediately be an upgraded version of Reynolds in 2020 thanks to his 4.38 speed and exceptional leaping ability, while potentially turning into a true No. 1 receiver in the coming years.
Mims is all but guaranteed to be gone by No. 52 and may not escape the top 25 picks.
EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
Gross-Matos is a perfect prospect for the Rams. He can play outside linebacker, defensive end and even defensive tackle in their scheme, and versatility on the defensive front is something new DC Brandon Staley has emphasized.
Gross-Matos may take a year to have a big impact on whichever team drafts him, but his motor, length and pass-rush repertoire make him an enticing prospect. The Rams are deep along the defensive line, but with Dante Fowler Jr. and Clay Matthews gone, they could use some help at outside linebacker.
Moving up for Gross-Matos wouldn’t be a bad idea if he slips into the early second round.
WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
Aiyuk won’t require as big a move up as some of the other prospects on this list, but he’s still a good match for the Rams early in the second round. There’s even a chance he’ll fall to No. 52 if the run on receivers starts later than expected.
He can play outside and in the slot, is phenomenal after the catch and can also contribute on special teams as returner. Those are all spots the Rams could use help at with Cooks and JoJo Natson gone.
Aiyuk would contribute right away and essentially replace Cooks as the X-receiver on the outside thanks to his ability to stretch the defense.
EDGE Zack Baun, Wisconsin
Similarly to Gross-Matos, Baun brings versatility on the defensive front, though not on the defensive line. Rather, he can play inside or outside linebacker, showing the ability to drop back in coverage, play the run and rush the passer.
He’s a fringe first-round prospect and will be out of the Rams’ reach after an outstanding Senior Bowl and great combine showing, but a trade up for the Wisconsin Badger shouldn’t be ruled out. With two first-round picks, the Rams have the ammo to go get him, should they see linebacker as their biggest area of need.
LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Of all the prospects on this list, Murray is the least likely one for the Rams to trade up for. Not because he isn’t a great player, but because A) he could go in the top 20 and B) inside linebacker isn’t typically a position you make a big move up for.
That being said, Murray would elevate the entire defense and prove to be a seamless fit at Cory Littleton’s position. He’d be a no-brainer at No. 52, but there’s no chance he falls that far unless something crazy happens between now and Thursday.
