Here's why Rams fans may not be thrilled by team trading back in Round 1

There are many options for Los Angeles Rams GM Les Snead when the team steps up to make their Round 1 selection with the 26th overall pick. The most obvious choice for the Rams is to stand pat and select the best player available who fits the Rams' needs and roster. Of course, that may not be what the team does this year.

We know that the Rams have tried without success to trade up for the best tight end in each of the past two drafts. But each time, that effort was denied as the team could not find a suitable trade partner who was willing to trade back. If the Rams have their hearts set on the best tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft, they are likely taking aim at Penn State TE Tyler Warren. But to get him, the team will need to leapfrog several tight end-needy teams, starting with the New York Jets at the seventh overall pick. So what will it cost to jump up to the sixth pick?

We explored what that trade could cost, and it's a heavy price to pay. How much? It likely will cost two Round 1 picks and both Round 3 picks, and even then it's debatable as to whether the Rams will find a trade partner. The deal looks like this:

Of course, this is all hypothetical. But even in this scenario, the Rams lose significant value and opportunities to act in the rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft where most of the true value lies - in the middle rounds. But, what happens if the Rams choose to trade back from the 26th overall pick? What might that look like?

Rams Round 1 pick may not get top value

From what we know or can guess at right now, the Rams may not be the only team seeking more picks. Per the latest NFL draft updates from a panel of ESPN experts, multiple teams are already hanging the 'for sale' sign on their Round 1 pick. Not surprisingly, all fall outside the top 10 or so, which is where the talent level plummets from elite to NFL-starter.

Worse yet, the talent level late in Round 1 plateaus for an extended number of rookie prospects, with some estimating that similar talent could still be on the draft board well into Day 3. With multiple teams seeking to trade back, and the talent level of prospects plateauing , the Rams are facing a draft day scenario that does not favor getting premium value for their 26th overall pick.

Still, if the right rookie prospect is still on the board, the right teams could be lured into seeking a trade with the Rams to get their guys. Now the question remains as to what the Rams fans can expect if that happens.

NFL Draft chart tells a sobering tale

To get an idea of what the Rams market for the 26th overall pick could be, we can refer to the 2025 NFL Draft Draftek value chart. While the team seems to pay more to trade up and receive less to trade back, the chart does provide a solid reference point. So what might the Rams get if they do elect to trade back from the 26th overall pick?

Let's set up the return via a data table as reflected in the value chart. So, some of the value the Rams could get are:

• Chiefs Round 1 (31st overall) | Round 3 (95th overall)
• Eagles Round 1 (32nd overall) | Round 3 (96th overall)
• Browns Round 2 (33rd overall) | Round 4 (104th overall) | Round 6 (179th overall)
• Giants Round 2 (34th overall) | Round 4 (105th overall) | Round 5 (154th overall)
• Saints Round 2 (40th overall) | Round 3 (93rd overall) | Round 4 (112th overall)

So, why would a team wish to trade up with the Rams? We explored those reasons in detail after former Rams legendary quarterback Jim Everett shared that he expects the Rams to trade back in Round 1. For teams who end Day 1, they could be motivated to jump ahead of a conference rival to ensure they get the prospect who is the best fit for their needs. For teams who trade up from Round 2, they could be motivated to select a rookie quarterback who was not quite worth an early Round 1 selection.

Are picks in Rounds 2, 4, and 6 worth it to all Rams fans to delay the team's first selection in this year's draft? If past drafts are any indication, that seems unlikely. It's even less likely if a favored rookie prospect waits on the draft board as the team chooses to dive into Round 2 instead of Round 1.

In either scenario, the Rams could emerge from Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft with more picks and no rookies. And for many fans, that could be the best outcome from Round 1 that anyone could hope for.

As always, thanks for reading.

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