These 7 irresistible prospects could convince Rams to trade up in 2024 NFL Draft

For the first time since 2016, the LA Rams scouting crew and personnel executives have reason to show up on Day 1 of the annual 3-day NFL Draft event. This is the year that many NFL fans, analysts, commentators, and pundits have awaited, With their first pick of the NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams select . . .

The question is, after an eight year wait, will it be worth it? I believe so, yes. The thing is, we have little concrete evidence to base any assertions about the Rams Round 1 draft strategy upon, because quite frankly this is all uncharted territory. The only time that the team did hold a first round pick was the 2019 NFL Draft.

The front office accepted an offer to trade back that year, packaging the 31st and 203rd overall picks to the Atlanta Falcons to acquire the 45th and 79th overall picks. The Falcons then opted to select OT Kaleb McGary. And the trade gave the Rams draft board an opportunity to select someone in Round 2, while adding a third pick in Round 3.

So trading back is clearly an option for the team. But what about trading up? Well, after the 2023 NFL Draft, the team showed significant interest in doing exactly that. Several sources reported after the draft on Rams rumors of attempts to trade from early in Round 2 into Round 1. Reported targets for the Rams were either Clemson Edge Myles Murphy or Utah TE Dalton Kincaid. Just for the record, it all worked out for the best.

DE Myles Murphy was selected 28th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals, appearing in 17 games and recording 20 tackles and 3.0 quarterback sacks. TE Dalton Kincaid was selected 25th overall by the Buffalo Bills, appearing in 16 games with 11 starts, catching 73 of 91 passes thrown his way for 673 yards and two touchdowns. Both made positive impacts for their respective teams, but trading up would have cost the Rams ability to select IOL Steve Avila, WR Puka Nacua, and very likely TE Davis Allen.,

But does anyone in the personnel department regret letting either 2023 Round 1 prospect get away? If so, the 2024 NFL Draft could be the occasion for those draft scouts or personnel executives draw a line in the sand. So which rookie prospects could prompt such a face off in this draft? We have identified seven prospects who could evoke a passionate plea to trade up and get there.

Now, let's see who they are. For more information, I recommend turning to the website NFL Draft Buzz 2024 Big Board to see more about these fine prospects.

7 Round 1 prospects who could cause LA Rams draft to trade up

1. VII: In a rush to get to the quarterback
2. VI: Here's the beef
3. V: A bona-fide franchise left tackle
4. IV: A true shutdown corner
5. III: Catch this falling star and put him on the roster
6. II: A WR who could push Kupp and Nacua for playing time?
7. I: This player is the talk of the 2024 NFL Draft

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VII: In a rush to get to the quarterback

While I believe that there is a lot more pressure coming after opposing quarterbacks in 2024, I won't discount the interest to add more where that came from. I truly believe that the hiring of former LB Coach/Pass Runsh Coordinator Chris Shula as the new Defensive Coordinator could signal a renewed commitment to get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Edge Dallas Turner could prove to be a wise investment.

It was clear from my streaming experience of watching Super Bowl LVIII that the way to derail San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is to get guys in his face when he drops back to pass. At times the Kansas City Chiefs had as many as two spies on defense that were prepared to tackle Purdy if and when he pulled the ball down. Right now, the Rams have players who can apply the pressure. But in terms of consistent pressure, the defense could use one more playmaker. Alabama outside linebacker Dallas Turner could be the key to a devastatingly effective Rams resurging pass rush.

Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at a burly 242-pounds, Dallas Turner is an ideal complement to the Rams' current pass rush. Adding him to the roster would allow the Rams to field a defensive front of OLB Byron Young (8.0 sacks), DT Aaron Donald (8.0 sacks), NT Kobie Turner (9.0 sacks), DE Michael Hoecht (6.0 sacks), and debut rookie OLB Dallas Turner (projected 8.0 sacks).

The Rams would be foolish not to target this guy if he drops out of the Top-10. He has the power and agility to turn the corner and close quickly on quarterbacks. He can fend off blockers and set a formidable edge that turns plays inside. He has the fluidity and football IQ to cover receivers in the flat, crossing, and swing routes.

If you want to upgrade the Rams defense, Dallas Turner certainly appears to be a rookie prospect worth investing in. But if your mind remains undecided, we have more players to showcase.

VI: Here's the beef

It's pretty clear that winning a Super Bowl will come down to winning in the trenches. While that means both the offensive and defensive fronts, there could be concerns about the teams defensive line heading into 2024. As of right now, the team is projected to lose both DE Jonah Williams (RFA) and DT Larrell Murchison (UFA). While that may not concern fans, it does make the depth at that position suspect, and could open the door for the Rams to draft a new defensive lineman in 2024. If they are looking for a Day 1 starter, then they may look no further than Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton

The front office does not hesitate to add defensive players who measure 6-foot-2, and Newton is no exception. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 295 pounds, he is considered by some NFL draft scouts to be among the smaller players under consideration for defensive linemen in 2024. But if you loved what nose tackle Kobie Turner did in his rookie debut on defense, you will want to sit up and take notice with this young man. He is certainly worth consideration.

If you check out his draft profile, it nearly reads identically to that of LA Rams rookie NT Kobie Turner, or that of All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald himself. Perhaps that similar profile may dissuade the front office from pursuing him. But with the results of both Turner and Donald, why not shoot for the Trifecta?

Newton possesses a devastating combination of power and balance, enough to allow him to hold his own against run blocking. Better still, he owns an incredible burst that often allows him to beat offensive linemen to the punch. Because he is so agile, swift and powerful, he is a natural to line up at virtually any defensive line position, allowing the Rams to move Aaron Donald around at will as well.

His skillset already possesses an amazing array of pass rush moves and countermoves. It's that ability to rush the passer as well as stop the run that fans will appreciate the most. If you are one of the fans who cries for the team to get some help at rushing the passer for Aaron Donald, you should lobby hard for the team to consider trading up for this rookie prospect.

V: A bona-fide franchise left tackle

There are plenty of outstanding offensive linemen on the 2024 NFL Draft board. In many regards, there are as many as seven prospects who can be viewed as Day 1 starters among this rookie class. Sometimes an ample supply for one positional group allows teams to target less numerous elite players, in hopes that enough quality prospects will remain on the board for Round 2, or at least for the team to trade back into the end of Round 1 to add one before the supply runs out. But Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu is worth trading up for, even in a deep class. Here's why:

He is a 6-foot-6 319-pound athletic freak who just happens to play one of the most physically demanding positions in professional football. Unlike many offensive linemen who are viewed as a prospect who can compete at left tackle, Olumuyiwa Fashanu is viewed as the prototype for the position, without hesitation, caveats, or qualifiers. He is an NFL left tackle.

Will he fall? Early grades have Notre Dame OT Joe Alt as the prize bull for the position. The next six offensive tackle prospects are nearly interchangeable on many draft boards. When that happens, the order of player selection can surprise many fans. Perhaps Georgia OT Amarius Mims connected with a team's scout or position coach better. Perhaps Oregon's Taliese Fuaga put up better test scores at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine? With a deep rookie class at the position, perhaps NFL team needs will compel them to seek other positions in Round 1.

The Rams have an outstanding young left guard in Steve Avila. Imagine lining him up next to an elite offensive tackle prospect in 2024 like Olumuyiwa Fashanu? The duo would be incredibly effective, not just on a play-by-play basis, but could form an impenetrable phalanx for the team in short yardage, red zone, and goal line scenarios.

The dividends of investing in an offensive line do pay off for years into the future. The Rams could use the addition of Fashanu to cross-train Alaric Jackson as a left or right guard, and perhaps move Steve Avila to center. Some believe that Avila is earmarked to become the Rams center in 2024, a rumor that he nimbly evaded in a recent interview. Fashanu may not only translate into upgrading the team at left tackle, but he could help the front office reform the entire offensive line configuration without breaking the bank to do so.

IV: A true shutdown corner

I may be a voice in the desert on this matter, but I truly believe that the team's secondary is the weakest link right now on the defense, and perhaps the most urgent need for the team this offseason. In fact, the need could be so great this offseason that the team may need to address defensive backs multiple time in the 2024 NFL Draft. CB Kool-Aid McKinstry would be one that I can see the team trading up to add to the roster.

Like the 2024 rookie quarterback class, the cornerbacks who are on the draft board are numerous and talented, This class is so talented that even the toast of the Senior Bowl, Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell, is currently viewed as just the seventh-best defensive back in this draft class. While this article may talk about McKinstry, the Rams may trade up for one of the top defensive backs from this draft class.

What attracted me to Ga’Quincy McKinstry, or "Kool-Aid" to most folks, was the name. Kool-Aid is an incredible name for a defensive back. But, it's his athleticism, he fearlessness, and his physical size, that truly kept me poking around to see if he could be an answer for the team's secondary woes. Then there is the added bonus that he brings to the team in the form of an exemplary punt return book of business that the team is desperately in need of.

This guy is as much of a fit for Rams DB Coach Aubrey Pleasant as rookie NT Kobie Turner was an ideal fit for former Rams DL Coach Eric Henderson. He has the football IQ to call out covererages, understanding the value of communication lines to ensure solid secondary play. He has the ability to play outside corner, but can slide in to cover the slot in the same game. He has amazing ball instincts,

He does not fall apart in the face of adversity or after a bad play. He collects himself and reestablishes solid pass defense. He is quite adept at press coverage, and can stick to his receiver like a shadow, whether on short, intermediate, or deep routes.

He is not perfect. He will need to refine his use of hand in the NFL to avoid penalties. He will also need to improve coverage on elite route runners, as he can stray away from sharp cuts. But if the Rams hope to shut down opposing receivers, Kool-Aid McKinstry needs to be on their shopping list, and the team must be prepared to trade up to get him.

III: Catch this falling star and put him on the roster

The jury among Rams fans who I have seen discussing the virtues of adding a 2024 rookie backup quarterback to the roster seem to be split down the middle. Some recognize that the timing of doing so is dictated by when the talent level and supply manifests in a rookie class, and 2024 certainly has that going for it. On the other hand, many argue that veteran QB Matthew Stafford's restoration in 2023 is a shining example of what a solid offensive line and a dangerous running game can do for him. But I believe if North Carolina QB Drake Maye falls on the draft board, he would be an ideal prospect for the Rams to trade up for:

Of course, trading up for the guy is predicated on the presumption that he falls on the draft board in the first place. Right now, he has been projected in most 2024 mock drafts as being selected anywhere from the first overall pick to as low as the seventh over pick. Because the Rams first pick in the draft does not occur until the 19th overall pick, Drake Maye would need to plummet on Day 1. Even if he does, the Rams would need to trade up significantly from their current spot to even hope to get him.

But, NFL rumors are already surfacing that he may be the rookie who falls inexplicably from a Top-3 perch to a mid-Round 1 selection. In 2023, top prospect DL Jalen Carter fell to a ninth overall selection by the Philadelphia Eagles. Top defensive back Christian Gonzalez fell to a 17th overall player selected by the New England Patriots.

Rumors are that at least one NFL evaluator believes that Drake Maye could be a player to be selected lower than expected.

So how could a tumbleweed in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft lure the Rams to trade up to get him?

Drake Maye checks all of the boxes for an NFL starting quarterback. He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 230 pounds, and ideal size for an NFL quarterback who plans to enjoy a long career. He is a dual threat quarterback, an offensive pilot who can take command of the entire offense aircraft carrier, or one who can hop into a jet and take off all on his own, laying a path of offensive yards to frustrate even the most determined defenses.

He is not a system-quarterback, nor has he been blessed with dominating offensive line play. He is a feisty helmsman, a player who creates yards out of busted plays, and he can obliterate defenses with huge runs and with huge passes. He is not a finished product, as his processing time needs to speed up to align with NFL speed. But he would be well-served become Matthew Stafford's understudy. Then when his time to start arrives, the Rams offense would not miss a beat.

II: A WR who could push Kupp and Nacua for playing time?

There is no doubt in my mind that the LA Rams will be targeting the wide receiver position in the 2024 NFL Draft. But will that interest result in the team emerging with a record setter like WR Puka Nacua, or with a player who struggles to get playing time like WR Tutu Atwell? Ultimately, any receiver who hopes to see any significant amount of playing time has to be durable, fearless, willing to block players twice his size, catch anything thrown near him, and maintain a positive outlook through it all. Washington WR Rome Odunze may check all of the boxes.

Let's not try to fool anyone. Odunze is not Ohio State's WR Marvin Harrison Jr., a player who tops many draft boards and some mock drafts have coming off as the first overall selection of the 2024 NFL Draft. But Rome Odunze could fall far enough to be within reach for the Rams to consider. And should that happen, he would be a remarkably ideal addition to the team's receiver room.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, he has an intimidating physical presence that would serve him well in HC Sean McVay's offense. The team has struggled to fully optimizing taller receivers, having parted ways with 6-foot-3 WR Josh Reynolds, and 6-foot-5 TE/WR Jacob Harris. Could third time be the charm?

There is plenty to love about Odunze, and even more when set up to succeed in McVay's pass-happy offense. He already is listed among Bruce Feldman's athletic freaks, an impressive starting point for any receiver. But Rome Odunze brings so much more to the table. He is already getting high praise for his YAC (yards after the catch), has the size and power to make and stick with blocks, has impressive speed, and exhibits great balance and body control. He has soft hands that seem to catch anything and a catch radius of Stretch Armstrong. Best of all, he instinctively knows the holes in zone coverage and sits in space to await the pass.

He may not be the polished superstar rookie who will shatter Puka Nacua's rookie receiver records, but he has all the makings of a third and dependable receiver in this offense. And should the team need him to step up for a larger role, has has plenty of capacity to do so seamlessly.

I: This player is the talk of the 2024 NFL Draft

Of the top four teams in the NFL, in terms of competing in the NFC and AFC Championship games in 2024, all boasted incredible play from their tight end positions. While I am optimistic that second-year tight end Davis Allen could prove to be a significant offensive weapon if given the opportunity, he is only one player. TE Brock Bowers. I truly have no reservations about the team trading up to get him if Bowers falls below the 10th overall selection.

The question is, will he?

There are plenty of talented players who are considered more draft-worthy on the 2024 NFL Draft board. Adding to the argument that he will fall is the history that the tight end position is simply not a position that is selected among the Top-10 picks in any given draft. Still, Brock Bowers is viewed by many as a unicorn, a tight end whos skillset and talents are so compelling that a rookie prospect possessing similar profile may not appear for several years.

And all four teams that competed in the NFL Conference Championship games this year boasted elite tight ends. I do not consider the Rams roster to boast an elite tight end, even if Tyler Higbee was fully healthy.

Brock Bowwers stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 240 pounds. While those are not remarkable measurements, they are probably the only average thing about him. He boasts remarkable speed for a tight end, and is expected to get even faster by the time he competes at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. You should take note that while many teams will be blown away by his speed and ability to catch a pass, the Rams will fall in love with Bowers' blocking ability.

He may not be viewed by all NFL teams as the next great NFL tight end. His size is less than dominating, opening the door to doubts about his ability to claim a similar level of success in the pros as was the case in college play. The Rams have been able to shape wide receivers into pseudo-tight ends to fit their offense. I believe that Brock Bowers gives the team enough potential to lure them into trading up to get him.

On the other hand, with a selection of seven players who could fall to the 19th overall pick, should the team take the more conservative route and simply let the draft board fall to them?

Thank you for reading.