Rams should be looking to trade up, not back in NFL Draft

Nov 22, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) tackles Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) during the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images Over the last couple of years, the Los Angeles Rams have taken an aggressive mindset when it comes to the NFL Draft. In 2024, they tried to trade up for Brock Bowers, but were unable to get a deal done.

Last year, they tried to trade up in the first round for Tet McMillan and Emeka Egbuka while teams stood firm. While the Rams were unable to trade up in the first round, they traded up three other times in the draft. When it comes to fanbases, the preference seems to always be trade back.

Trading back equals more picks later in the draft and therefore more darts to be thrown at the board. That’s more chances to hit on a player late in the draft. Sometimes, that works out.

However, trading back also means passing on better talent. In 2019, the Rams traded back from 31st overall all the way down to 61st overall to take Taylor Rapp. They passed on drafting seven Pro Bowl caliber players in the process.