Rams have no consolation prize waiting in 2027 draft (no matter how the season ends)

When it rains, it pours. That's the never-ending train of storm clouds lining up for the Los Angeles Rams this year. Not only have they been overwhelmingly disappointed with their lack of success, but a cascade of injuries has squelched any optimism for a turnaround.

Well, at least there is the upcoming NFL draft. But wait... In the urgency to get better in 2026, general manager Les Snead spent 2027 draft picks like pocket change in a vending machine. As a result, Los Angeles no longer owns a first-round pick next year. In fact, LA currently holds just four of its seven allotted picks.

Rams' 2027 draft picks:

• Round 1 Traded to the Cleveland Browns for DE Myles Garrett
• Round 2
• Round 3 Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for CB Trent McDuffie
• Round 4
• Round 5
• Round 6
• Round 7 Traded to the Baltimore Ravens with CB Tre White for a 2026 Round 7 pick

And just like that, the consolation prize embedded to aid teams after a disappointing season will benefit the Cleveland Browns and not Los Angeles.

The parallels with Rams' 2022 season are impossible to ignore

It's not just a disappointing season. 2026 is already drawing undeniable comparisons to 2022. After stumbling to a 5-12 finish, the Rams had to sit and watch the Detroit Lions use LA's first-rounder in a draft-day exchange that netted the Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson with the sixth overall pick.

Los Angeles made 14 draft selections in 2023. Shockingly, nine of those players are still with the team, and many are vital starters. That's how the Rams were able to rebound so quickly. Rather than cling to veterans, they shed highly compensated stars, gathered as many draft picks as possible, and completely overhauled the roster.

What felt like insanity at the time proved to be inspired wisdom. On a roster filled with holes, rookies easily earned starting roles. The team benefited from developing plug-and-play dynamos who have become the roster's core.

The gamble paid off with a jackpot. With a first-round draft pick, the Rams had to begin the rebuild in Round 2. They made the practical decision to commit their first three selections to addressing the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Those picks were offensive lineman Steve Avila, edge rusher Byron Young, and defensive tackle. Now-starting tackle Warren McClendon followed in the fifth round, three picks ahead of receiver Puka Nacua.

There is no pot of gold waiting after this season. All that awaits this team, and the fans that support it, is the chance to roll up their sleeves and get back to work. It won't be easy. But as long as the Rams continue to aim for passionate players, hard work is its own reward.

As always, thanks for reading.

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