Division rival could become draft day ally if Rams seek trade up scenario

Who do the LA Rams thirst for in the 2024 NFL Draft?

We know that the LA Rams love to pass the football. And we also know that if the team has a weakness in any draft setting, that weakness is often revealed to be drafting wide receivers. Since the Rams united GM Les Snead with HC Sean McVay, the front office has drafted seven wide receivers. Ignore free agency for the time being.

The Rams have not had a pick in Round 1 over the past eight drafts. And yet, the Rams have selected wide receivers in the following distribution table:

• Round 2 - Van Jefferson (2020), Tutu Atwell (2021)
• Round 3 - Cooper Kupp (2017)
• Round 4 - Josh Reynolds (2017), Jacob Harris (2021)
• Round 5 - Puka Nacua (2023)
• Round 6 - Ben Skowronek (2021)

Of the group, the Rams have used one of the top two picks on the position three of eight times. Based on this evidence, The Rams are almost certain to use one of their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on the wide receiver position. But will a wide receiver whom the team views as a Day 1 starter in 2024 fall to them at 19 or 52?

That is where it gets tricky.

You see, the LA Rams have already been linked to Washington Huskies WR Rome Odunze, having been reported to have met with him. The confounding nature of that meeting is the fact that the Rams know that Odunze will not fall to them at 19.

But they met with him anyway:

Have the Rams fallen in love with Odunze? If they have, who could blame them?

Odunze stands 6-foot-3, weighs 212 pounds, can block, threatens defenses all over the football field, and is viewed as a Day 1 starter by virtually every NFL Draft scout and analyst. Throughout his four years of college football, he demonstrated rapid growth and development, culminating in 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023 in 15 games.

He is a very physical wide receiver who can catch anything thrown near him. He is one of the best route runners in this rookie class, and has potential to put up massive chunks of yardage after the catch.

He is the perfect receiver star for Coach McVay's offense. Now, about that challenge of trading up to get him . . .