Ravens trade boosts LA Rams chances to draft OL

The dynamics of an NFL Draft are as interrelated as a gossamer spider’s web, and that is both the boon and the bane of the LA Rams‘ role of entering the draft for the first time late in the second round. So the latest development in the NFL, the trade between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs, should have little to do with the Rams draft strategy right?

Oh, forgive me. What trade? Well, it seems that the Chiefs traded for Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown. In exchange, the Chiefs traded back 27 spots and gave up a third-round and a fourth-round pick to boot.

So let’s look at the trade, and then we’ll get back to this.

This is obvious, but it should be noted: While the #Ravens traded a standout offensive tackle in Orlando Brown, they also bring back a Pro Bowl LT in Ronnie Stanley. It’s rare you trade someone who played left tackle… and have an All-Pro to step in. But here we are. https://t.co/WC4OZbFgIE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 23, 2021

How will this impact the LA Rams draft? Well, this exchange takes the Chiefs out of the urgent need to draft an offensive lineman. But even if they still see an offensive lineman as a need, they now join the Houston Texans as a team that is picking after the LA Rams.

The Baltimore Ravens will now select twice on day one. While we know that they are very interested in adding skill weapons to help their passing game, they will also be seeking pass rush help to replace free agency losses. Prior to this trade, the Kansas City Chiefs were frequently mocked as taking an offensive lineman with their pick at 31.

Instead, the Ravens will likely be seeking offensive help at catching passes or help sacking quarterbacks. One less offensive lineman chosen, one more offensive lineman on the board. That is a positive for the Rams, who are absolutely in the market for offensive linemen in this draft.

NFL teams have a bit of herd mentality during an NFL Draft. When one team picks an offensive lineman, it seems that the run on offensive linemen starts. If the Ravens pick other positions late in round one, that could help preserve the supply of offensive linemen until after the Rams pick.

light. Trending. LA Rams met with Houston Cougars LB/S Grant Stuard

Of course, the Rams may pick elsewhere. But I’d rather the team frustrate me by not selecting a player I expect them to, rather than the Rams never getting that chance in the first place.

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