ESPN's Dan Graziano braces fans to expect the unexpected from Rams in Round 1

The Los Angeles Rams sit at 13th overall in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. That puts them within reach of trading up for an elite and unique rookie prospect. It also holds them high enough to trade back, perhaps for a 2027 NFL Draft first-round pick. Or, the team may choose to stand pat, trusting the draft board to hold a talented player when their selection arrives.

But ESPN's Dan Graziano has plenty to say about LA's impact in this draft, even daring to dust off the term 'wild card' when it comes to general manager Les Snead. Graziano hints that Snead may be so attracted to Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love that they would be willing to trade into a top-three pick to select him.

That is wild. And here is how Graziano describes it:

"So, if the Rams think they can find the impact receiver in the second round or later, what do they do in the first? Could be anything. Some people are even watching to see if they make a big move up for Love, who would be a very exciting cherry on top of their offensive sundae. There's always the chance they trade down the way they did last year."

It seems like a narrative that tries to touch base on many options. Perhaps that is his point. The team is unlikely to start any rookies on the offensive side of the ball, and is loaded with young talent on the defensive side of the ball.

Rams interest in Jeremiyah Love may be remarkably real

Pragmatically speaking, the running back position is the last plans fans expect Les Snead to address in Round 1. After the dynamic duo of running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined to give the offense an unstoppable 1-2 punch on offense, fans look for the team to direct early selections elsewhere.

1. Rams entertained idea of trading Davante Adams

There are no sacred cows on the Rams roster. The LA Rams cut veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp in 2025. And the team entertained the idea of trading away veteran wide receiver Davante Adams, reportedly to make room for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown. The point is that drafting Jeremiyah Love fits the interest of this team to upgrade anywhere. Love is considered an elite playmaker. If he joins the team, he could be an immediate impact player.

2. Rams investment in running back Jarquez Hunter has not panned out, yet

LA's running back room is already loaded with talent. But the team drafted Auburn's promising running back Jarquez Hunter in 2025, only to sit him on the bench for the entire season. Clearly, the team envisioned room for more production from the running back room. If Hunter is not the answer, perhaps Jeremiyah Love could be.

3. Todd Gurley was remarkably effective in LA Rams offense

Nobody expects Los Angeles to select the Notre Dame running back, which is why you cannot rule it out. Love carries the same upside to the NFL as former Rams superstar Todd Gurley. The thing is, he does not carry any medical flags. Rams fans would jump for joy to return to the Gurley-powered offense that propelled the team to Super Bowl LIII. And Love, while an untested rookie, is getting nods from every scout or draft analyst.

4. Mysterious NFL rumor aligns with Rams trade-up scenario

Even as Graziano plants the seed of Les Snead trading up for Jeremiyah Love, NFL insider Jay Glazer expresses an NFL rumor that he swore not to reveal, but involves something that will happen in Round 1 that will shake up the draft.

Well, the LA Rams trading up to select Jeremiyah Love certainly checks all the boxes of that type of NFL rumor. Les Snead opting to trade up would shock nobody, particularly for a player of Love's caliber. And Jay Glazer has historically been plugged into the LA Rams thinking.

Going all in would certainly include actively adding the best running back from this draft. And it's not a stretch of the imagination to envision instant production from Love in his rookie season.

Whether or not you believe the LA Rams are a wild card in this draft is up to you. But one thing is certain. If LA trades up to select running back Jeremiyah Love, that would be one of the wildest events imaginable.

As always, thanks for reading.

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