Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles Rams made a strategic move during the NFL draft, opting to trade their first-round pick at No. 26 overall to the Atlanta Falcons. In return, the Rams acquired the 46th overall pick in the second round, Atlanta’s 2026 first-round pick, and a seventh-round pick. This decision came as no surprise, considering the Rams’ draft history under the leadership of General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay.
McVay expressed his satisfaction with acquiring a future first-round pick, emphasizing the value of moving back 20 spots in the current draft. He highlighted the excitement surrounding the upcoming selections, confident that the team would secure talented players in the following rounds. Snead echoed McVay’s sentiments, acknowledging that the Rams were not expecting to land a first-round pick in exchange for their initial slot.
The Rams’ lack of a second-round pick in this year’s draft prompted the decision to prioritize acquiring assets. Snead revealed that multiple teams had expressed interest in moving up in the draft, but the Falcons ultimately offered the most appealing package. Despite considering trading up themselves, the Rams deemed the asking price from other teams to be excessive.
With two first-round picks secured for the 2026 draft, the Rams are well-positioned to address their quarterback situation in the near future. Amid uncertainty surrounding their current quarterback’s future, the abundance of talented quarterbacks in the upcoming drafts provides the Rams with promising options for the seasons ahead. This strategic move sets the stage for potential growth and evolution within the team’s roster.