The Los Angeles Rams, currently holding the 13th pick in the NFL Draft, may consider trading up to secure a top prospect. Six potential targets include players like Sonny Styles from Ohio State.
Key points
Los Angeles Rams hold the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft
Rams may consider trading up for a top prospect
Six potential trade-up targets mentioned
Previous attempts to trade for players like Tetairoa McMillan
Les Snead hints at possible aggressive draft strategy
Sonny StylesTetairoa McMillanBrock BowersByron Murphy II
The Los Angeles Rams are sitting at No. 13 overall in the first round and as likely as it is for them to come away with a top prospect at that spot, they might not be content sitting and picking. They've attempted to trade up for players such as Tetairoa McMillan, Brock Bowers and Byron Murphy II in recent years, so it's possible they'll try to make a move again – despite what Les Snead says.
If the Rams do get aggressive and want to pursue a true blue-chip prospect in the first 12 picks, they could attempt to trade up. We already laid out various scenarios based on the trade value chart, but who might they target?
These six players would make sense as potential players for the Rams.
There's almost no chance Styles falls to the Rams at No. 13. He could land in the top five, which is far out of the Rams' range. But if he starts to slip toward No. 7 or 8, the Rams should consider making a move.
Yes, the history of first-round linebackers is not very good and it's hard to see Los Angeles – a team that has deprioritized the position for years – trading up to get one. But Styles is different. He's a freak athlete who was outstanding in college and has an incredibly high ceiling in the NFL.
He'd be a decades-long starter for the Rams and solidify a position that's been a trouble spot for over a decade.
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Offensive tackle isn't a pressing need with Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr. on the roster, but Mauigoa would be an upgrade on the right side. Not to mention, he'd be a cost-controlled player for four-plus years, whereas McClendon might need a new contract as early as next offseason – one that could pay him $20 plus million per year.
By drafting a surefire starter like Mauigoa, the Rams would save money at right tackle and likely even get better at that spot.
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
This wide receiver class isn't loaded at the top despite the possibility that three guys could go in the first 15 picks. But Tate looks like a sure thing after a productive career at Ohio State where he got better each year. He's not overly explosive, fast or big, but he does everything well.
He's the type of receiver who fits well with what the Rams need. He can win downfield, dominate the middle of the field and he runs great routes for an incoming rookie. Tate looks like he could go around Pick 7, which wouldn't be too far for the Rams to go.
If they were to select him, he'd be an awesome WR3 right now and a great complement to Puka Nacua after Davante Adams leaves or retires.
CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Another trade for a cornerback after already acquiring Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson? It might seem like overkill, but imagine a secondary with McDuffie in the slot, Delane and Watson on the outside, and Quentin Lake and Kam Curl at safety? That's without even factoring in Kam Kinchens as the third safety.
Delane is a shutdown-type cornerback on the outside and can play in any scheme, which works well for the Rams as they transition more toward man coverage. Delane probably won't last until the 13th overall pick, especially with the Dolphins and Cowboys picking in front of the Rams. But leaping those two teams could net Los Angeles the top corner in the draft.
The Rams already paid Lake and Curl, so would they really trade up for another safety? Downs isn't just a traditional safety who patrols the deep part of the field. He's like Lake in that he can play several spots and impact the game as both a run defender and in coverage.
His instincts are outstanding and he has a penchant for making plays deep and near the line of scrimmage. With how frequently Chris Shula deploys three-safety sets and uses dime packages, Downs would fit right in as an every-down player.
Ask yourself this: Would you take Todd Gurley on this Rams roster right now? If the answer is yes, then Love makes sense. He's a dynamic dual-threat running back who can catch passes out of the backfield, run between the tackles, break off big plays to the outside and dodge defenders in the open field.
Love is the unquestioned top running back in this class and some might even prefer him to Ashton Jeanty. The Rams shouldn't completely mortgage the future for him but if it only costs an extra Day 2 pick, it might be worth the price.
