LA Rams revisit 2016 NFL Draft blockbuster Jared Goff trade

Truly a win-win deal

After that trade, you know the Rams history. With Goff under center, the Rams skyrocketed into the NFL Playoffs and into Super Bowl 53.  Without the trade, the team never lands their franchise quarterback.  But what of the other picks and players?

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The Titans fourth ended up in the hands of the Chicago Bears who selected LB Nick Kwiatkoski.  In return, the Rams got the Bears picks at 117 and 206.  At 117, the Rams selected WR Pharoah Cooper, and at 206 they chose WR Mike Thomas. Cooper is now playing for the Arizona Cardinals, while Thomas remains with the Rams.

The Titans sixth became tight end Temarrick Hemingway.  Hemingway now plays for the Carolina Panthers.  Of course, the trade was not about the 4th nor the 6th round picks received for the Rams. It was always about the opportunity to draft QB Jared Goff.

All in all, the LA Rams did what they needed to do. Leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft, the team floundered behind “meh” play at quarterback.  From the moment of that trade, the LA Rams have been successful.  Goff has been the catalyst for the LA Rams, the face of the franchise, just as intended. Without him, the Rams do not play in Super Bowl 53.  That type of certainty out of the NFL Draft comes at a dear and precious price.

All teams want that level of success. Few general managers have enough confidence to take the risk to seize it.