4 teams that could steal Rams’ top Day 2 draft targets

IV: Cincinnati Bengals - Biggest needs: WR, OT, DT, TE, CB

The Cincinnati Bengals did not earn a berth in the 2024 NFL Playoffs, despite finishing the season with a 9-8 record. As a result, their Day 2 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft are scheduled to take place at 49, 80, and 97. That allows the Bengals to select three picks sooner than the Rams in Round 2 and Round 3. And with similar needs at defensive line and cornerback, it will be almost impossible for the Rams to outmaneuver the Bengals in each round.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is all too familiar with Rams HC Sean McVay and GM Les Snead, as he was the team's Assistant WR Coach (2017) and QB Coach (2018). He has used that knowledge to reshape the Bengals roster to become fiercely competitive once more. Because many of the Bengals needs are also needs held by the LA Rams roster, the Bengals will be able to help themselves to the draft board first. As of right now, unless the Rams trade up in the draft, there is nothing that the front office can do to avoid that scenario.

III: New Orleans Saints - Biggest needs: Edge, WR, OT, CB, DT

The New Orleans Saints are another NFL team that failed to earn a berth in the 2024 NFL Playoffs, despite a 9-8 finish to the 2023 NFL season. As such, they are just as hopeful that a solid draft class can push them back into the playoff picture this season. And as wide open as the NFC South Division appears to be right now, they could be right.

The Saints pose a problem for the Rams in Round 2, as they currently hold the 45th overall pick. If they wanted to make a selection in Round 3, they could conceivably trade back and try to pick up another draft pick in Round 3. Even without a Round 3 pick, the Saints are in a perfect position to snag a top Edge, DT, or CB before the Rams can step up to the podium.