Despite All In mantra, trading back may make the most sense for Rams on Day 1

All in holds different meanings to different people. So when the Los Angeles Rams take up the yoke of going All In for 2026, there is no clear consensus as to what that might entail. But the general direction of the phrase suggests that general manager Les Snead will forego future concerns in an effort to optimize the competitiveness of the Rams roster for 2026.

Those parameters certainly seem to cover Snead's willingness to package multiple draft picks to acquire cornerback Trent McDuffie. Even now, some NFL experts hint that the cost of going for broke may have had unintended consequences for the team's future.

Such is the gamble in the NFL. No risk, no reward.

But a different set of rules may apply in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft. Unless Snead is convinced of the value available within reach of that 13th overall pick, he faces a dilemma. How can he optimize 2026 without a sure-fire needle-moving option on the draft board?

In that scenario, it makes far more sense to trade back. Here's why:

Let Les Snead be Les Snead in the 2026 NFL Draft

Since hiring head coach Sean McVay in 2027, the LA Rams have selected in Round 1 of the NFL draft just once. That pick landed outstanding outside linebacker Jared Verse. But Verse is not enough to explain the team's sustained success.

Snead knows how to sniff out late draft gold nuggets and has done so consistently. The Rams landed six starters in the 2023 NFL Draft, despite lacking a single first-round pick. In fact, per the current draft value chart, the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft holds a greater value than the sum of all drafted rookies from the 2023 NFL Draft.

Still shaking your head no at trading back?

The pickle that LA finds itself in at the end of 2026 is perilous. The Horns risk losing nearly two dozen contributors to free agency due to expiring contracts. And despite the projected available cash space in 2027, the team cannot afford to extend everyone. So, this year's draft strategy would be wise to consider the team's needs beyond this season.

There's no worry as long as the team affords Snead a sufficient number of picks, spaced at regular intervals, to allow him to navigate the draft board as it unfolds. Right now, the gap between Rounds 3 and 6 is too great.

LA may not have much ground to cover for the 2026 NFL season. But there are huge holes in the projected 2027 Rams roster. The only solution is to prepare for the inevitable exodus of players.

And the only way to ensure that happens is to trade back and harvest more picks.

As always, thanks for reading.

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