3 players the Rams could trade during draft season

The LA Rams have 11 picks to spend in the 2024 NFL Draft. In the pre-draft conversations so far, there are those who believe this draft to be talent-light, and expect the team to trade up to land a clear starter for the 2024 NFL season. But how does the front office view the readiness of this roster?

Do the coaches and personnel executives view the team as just one or two players away? Perhaps more importantly, does the same group in the brain trust see one or two prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft as that player? I don't have the answer to that question. But the Rams have plenty of reasons to double-dip for some position groups in this draft. Addressing the same position group in the draft not only adds depth to the roster but also increases the chances of finding a quality player in an uncertain draft class.

So what happens to those veteran players who find themselves buried on the depth charts after the 2024 NFL Draft? Well, we know that the team has already lowered veteran TE Hunter Long from his lofty position as TE2 from 2023 to the fourth tight end spot on the depth chart. But what is the fate of IOL Logan Bruss now? And what of seldom used WR Tutu Atwell?

III: OL Logan Bruss

We know that the team is currently at a net deficit of two interior offensive linemen so far before the 2024 NFL Draft arrives. It makes sense for the team to take advantage of the surplus of offensive tackles and centers in this draft class and add one or two new prospects to the mix. But what is the fate of IOL Logan Bruss now?

If the team fails to draft any offensive linemen, or is content to add one offensive tackle, then oft-injured Logan Bruss is safe. But if the team adds multiple offensive linemen in the draft, or adds an interior offensive lineman, then the team may be willing to consider trading Logan Bruss.

Keep in mind that Bruss was drafted in 2022, before the tem hired OL Coach Ryan Wendell. He was also cut from the team's 53-man roster before signing on to the team's 2023 practice squad. Without knowing if he showed drastic improvement last season, the fit may no longer be right for the guy. If the team decides to go in a different direction, look for Bruss to be traded after the draft. Two teams that may be willing to trade for him are the Seattle Seahawks and/or the Atlanta Falcons.

II: TE Hunter Long

Well, we know the team has already lowered veteran TE Hunter Long from his lofty position as TE2 from 2023 to the fourth tight end spot on the depth chart. As of right now, Long will be fighting for his NFL career against the injured TE Tyler Higbee, second-year tight end Davis Allen, and newly-arrived veteran Colby Parkinson.

What happens if the team drafts another tight end?

In that case, the team may be actively shopping Long in the post-draft trade market. Perhaps an NFL team will be seeking a tight end to add to their roster if they fail to select the prospect they targeted in the draft. I could see the Rams phoning the Minnesota Vikings and/or the Atlanta Falcons after the draft to test their interest.

I: WR Tutu Atwell

What does the team have planned for seldom-used WR Tutu Atwell? Rams rumors heated up over the team's interest in Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans before he re-signed. And the team has been linked to tall WR prospect Rome Odunze.

If the team is willing to pursue taller receivers, is there enough room for Atwell to make a positive impact in 2024? Well, we know that the team has their top three receivers back this season with Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Demarcus Robinson. The team has even extended WR Tyler Johnson. So what happens if the team taps into the surplus of receiver talent in this draft class?

Well, that spells trouble for Tutu.

But it also opens the possibility for a draft day trade that could get the Rams a pick in Round 4. If the Buffalo Bills are unable to land a starting caliber WR in the 2024 NFL Draft on Days 1 or 2, they could view Tutu Atwell as a viable option to start on their offense. If that scenario develops, I believe both teams could pursue and agree to ship Atwell off to the Bills for their second pick in Round 4.

Atwell is on his final season of his rookie contract, making him an ideally suited option for the Bills offense. The Rams would love to make a selection in Round 4 of this draft. It's a win-win situation for both teams, which is the prerequisite for an NFL trade to take place.

Three players, three trades. Two after the draft, and one during the draft itself.

As always, thanks for reading.