Rams' return in Mark Redman trade adds a drop to near-empty future draft bucket

As the Los Angeles Rams whittled down to a 53-man roster by Sunday's deadline, one noteworthy transaction caught fans' attention: namely, the trade of promising tight end Mark Redman to the Green Bay Packers. But the details were not readily available.

No Rams fan expected anything of significance in exchange. Still, an important bit of information that was absent. Well, we have the details now. The Rams traded Redman for a 2028 seventh-round pick, as reported on the official team website.

Some may view the return as underwhelming. The truth is that LA faced losing Redman to a waiver claim anyway. In this scenario, the Horns get something out of the deal. And something is always better than nothing.

Rams still face deficit in future draft picks

The Rams have spent a significant amount of money propping up the 2026 roster. They have also spent multiple draft picks in blockbuster trades. That 2028 seventh-rounder while nice, does nothing to help reload the roster in 2027.

Here are LA's draft picks over the next three seasons.

2027:

• * Round 1 - traded to Browns for DE Myles Garrett
• Round 2
• * Round 3 - traded to Chiefs for CB Trent McDuffie
• Round 4
• Round 5
• Round 6
• * Round 7 - traded to Ravens (2024) with CB Tre'Davious White for 2026 Round 7 pick

The Rams' 2027 draft outlook presents a challenge for a team that could struggle to retain nearly half its players: the number bound for free-agency next offseason.

2028:

• Round 1
• * Round 2 - traded for Garrett
• Round 3
• Round 4
• Round 5
• Round 6
• Round 7 - via Browns (2025) for offensive tackle K.T. Leveston
• Round 7 - via Packers for TE Mark Redman
• Round 7

While now boasting eight picks, six fall on Day 3 of the draft. Three fall in the final round. Of course, general manager Les Snead has a proven track record for finding gems late. But a backloaded draft certainly does create a challenge.

2029:

• Round 1
• Round 2
• * Round 3 - traded for Garrett
• Round 4
• Round 5
• Round 6
• Round 7

No changes to the arsenal of 2029 picks.

Even as fans giddily anticipate the 2026 season, it's worth acknowledging that there will be a toll to pay, which will come due in 2027. But if the Rams can weather the storm next year, they can look forward to restocking the roster in 2028 and beyond.

As always, thanks for reading.

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