ESPN's bold offseason move for the Rams actually isn't so bold
The Los Angeles Rams find themselves in a foreign position this offseason. For the first time since 2016, the Rams actually possess their first-round pick and, as of now, have not traded it away. The last time the Rams had a first-round pick, they took Jared Goff number one overall. Since then, they haven't seemed to be too worried about having first-rounders.
As of now, that's going to change this year. The Rams still have their first-round selection and would pick 19th overall. Simply keeping that first-round pick and spending it on a major need is what Aaron Schatz of ESPN listed as the Rams' bold offseason move they should make.
"That's it. That's the bold move. The Rams have not actually used a first-round pick since Jared Goff in 2016. This would be a great place to add to an offensive line that might lose two starters in free agency, perhaps by drafting a tackle prospect who could play inside at first and then move outside after a couple of years. Possibilities include Alabama's JC Latham, Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga and Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton."
- Aaron Schatz
Rams need to use their first-round pick this year
As Schatz mentioned, the Rams could lose two of their offensive linemen this offseason to free agency and they could use this first-round pick to offset one of those departures. If the team wants to ensure that Matthew Stafford stays healthy in 2024, giving him the best possible protection upfront is a good start.
It'll be weird to actually have the Rams included in the first night of the draft, as it's something fans haven't experienced in eight years. There's still a chance, of course, that the Rams change course and trade their first-round pick away but it makes perfect sense for them to hold onto this year. They've proven they have a good enough team to compete so now it's time to find the right talent in the draft to add to an already competitive roster.