7 trades to increase the LA Rams number of draft picks

Offensive tackle

The LA Rams have made use of offensive lineman Joseph Noteboom in many ways. And if in their opinion, he is the next heir apparent for the offensive left tackle behind Andrew Whitworth, then they should re-sign him now before his price skyrockets. I see him as being in that role.

But the consensus of many is that Noteboom is not starting left tackle material for the Rams offensive line. In fact, with the loss of his 2020 starting role at offensive guard to teammate David Edwards, the status of Noteboom is somewhat in flux. To make matters worse, the Rams lose Noteboom to the 2022 NFL Free agency market.  He is a versatile offensive lineman who has started both at offensive guard and offensive tackle and he is on the last year of his rookie contract.

And yes, that is still worth a lot in the NFL.

The Cincinnati Bengals need offensive line help for their now second-year quarterback Joe Burrow. And they could use interior offensive line help as well. Two offensive line positions with one player seem like an outstanding bargain. The Bengals need offensive line help, but most mock drafts have them aiming at tight end Kyle Pitts from Florida. And that is an ideal time to pull the trigger to get their offensive tackle:

In this scenario, the Rams lose a sound backup offensive lineman who can start for the Bengals at either offensive tackle or guard. In exchange, the Rams get a valuable day two pick (which the Bengals would have used for an offensive lineman anyways) and a small upgrade of their round-six pick on day three.

With Noteboom traded, the Rams will be able to focus intensely upon a true succession plan for the offensive line positions that involve players not leaving in 2022. And with more picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Rams would have more ammunition to select impact players for 2021.