Report: Rams have 'at least sniffed around' on trading up in 1st round

[ASFN Admin]

The Los Angeles Rams currently own the 13th overall pick, but a recent report states the team may not be satisfied with staying at that slot.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports that the Rams have made inquiries into the possibility of trading up during the NFL Draft. Breer says he "wouldn't count on it" happening, but the Rams have at least talked about the possibility of moving up from No. 13.

After trading for Trent McDuffie trade, the Rams are working with a lower number of picks than they normally do, so I’d expect GM Les Snead and COO Tony Pastoors to work the phones to move around some. But at 13, most across the league expect the Rams to take a receiver, both because Davante Adams is 33 and because Puka Nacua—presuming he gets his house in order—is going to be very expensive soon (meaning they’ll need a more affordable option on the roster). Most of the scuttlebutt with other teams connects USC’s Makai Lemon to the Rams, and I’d buy that in Lemon (and Cooper, for that matter) being their type of receiver. But I’d also bet, based on what I know, that Sean McVay might see a little something in Tyson based on the Rams’ affection for Tetairoa McMillan last year. The Rams have at least sniffed around on a trade-up. I wouldn’t count on it, but … Also, I listed cornerback as a need, even with McDuffie and Jaylen Watson aboard, just because the Rams continued to do a lot of work on the position even after those acquisitions.

As Breer mentioned, the Rams attempted to trade up for Tetairoa McMillan last year and there's a strong belief they also tried to trade up for Emeka Egbuka, as well. Both players went on to have strong rookie seasons, standing out as the top two wideouts in the class. The Rams traded up twice last year to select Ty Hamilton and Jarquez Hunter, and in 2024, they tried to trade up for Byron Murphy II, so this isn't anything new for the organization.

The perceived reason the Rams might make a move to trade up is for an outside receiver or a coverage linebacker. The linebacker would be Ohio State's Sonny Styles. There are two wide receivers who are widely believed to be selected before the 13th overall pick.

Ohio State's Carnell Tate is one of them, of course. And after a stellar personal pro day, as well as some strong PR support in response to some unfounded rumors circulating about his toughness and health, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson is the other. Breer mentioned Tyson could be an option for the Rams, given their interest in McMillan.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL draft rumor: Rams have 'sniffed around' on trading up in 1st round

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