Why Rams won't regret not prying 10th overall pick from Jets GM Joe Douglas

Georgia TE Brock Bowers

The LA Rams' fascination with the tight end position is well-documented now. The team tried to trade up and failed to select Utah TE Dalton Kincaid in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Months before the draft, we identified Georgia TE Brock Bowers as the team's most likely prospect to lure them into trading up to call out his name.

Pausing and considering the candidacy of Brock Bowers, he was the prized offensive weapon of the team's young quarterback, Stetson Bennett. Was that a factor in setting the draft board? While I would not place much weight on the condition, it was certainly a 'bonus benefit,' and was a solid link between the team and the tight end.

As Bowers fell to the 10th overall spot, the Rams clearly sprang into action to make their offer to trade up official. And as the film clearly portrays, the Rams did indeed offer their Round 1 and 2 picks to the Jets to move up.

The Rams were not finished. After trading back to the 11th pick (via trade with the Minnesota Vikings), the Jets heard from the Rams once more. This time, the Rams sweetened the deal, packaging three picks in Rounds 1, 2, and 3 respectively, and asking for the Jets 11th overall pick, as well as a Round 6 pick (185th overall) in return.

Once more, the Rams were turned away. At this point in time, the Rams continued to attempt connecting with other NFL teams as long as Bowers was still on the board.

The Rams may have pursued similar trades when Bowers was selected but with Byron Murphy still on the board. Once both Bowers and Murphy were off the board, the Rams seemed to be content to hunker down and let their draft board fall to them.