Will Rams keep or trade first Round 1 pick since 2016? GM Les Snead has been picky

The Rams have not had a first-round pick since NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduced Jared Goff as the top selection of the 2016 draft. (Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press)

It’s been nearly a decade since the Rams selected a player in the first round of the NFL draft.

Consider: Sean McVay has coached the Rams for seven seasons, twice guiding them to the Super Bowl, without once opening camp with a newly minted first-round pick.

That could change on April 25.

For the first time since 2016, general manager Les Snead is poised to choose a player among the first 32 picks in the NFL draft.

The Rams currently hold the No. 19 pick but Snead’s history suggests he will trade back for more picks or, possibly, trade up for a desired prospect.

The Rams have run “models” that also involve their second-round pick if they choose a player at No. 19 or move up or back, Snead said last month at the NFL owners’ meeting.

Read more: Rams knew all along Aaron Donald was retiring but can scheme or draft compensate?

“There are scenarios where, right, if you move back, move up, maybe there’s a chance you get three players in the first and second rounds versus two,” he said, “and then there’s a possibility you only end up with one, right, if you move up.”

Snead has been on the job since 2012. While showing a great knack for acquiring former first-round picks through trades and free-agent signings, he has chosen players in the first round in only five drafts, including two when the Rams had two first-round picks.

Future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald represents the most successful pick, Greg Robinson the least. Coincidentally, both were taken in 2014.

Even before Donald announced his retirement last month, the Rams were in desperate need of pass rushers, especially edge rushers.

“It will definitely be a priority,” Snead said.

Young players such as tackle Kobie Turner and outside linebacker Byron Young showed as rookies last season that they can be effective. New…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-keep-trade-first-round-111643993.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-04-08 11:16:43

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