Rams' Trade Strategy: Winning Without First-Round Picks

0:00On March 5th, the Los Angeles Rams have a distinctive approach to the NFL draft, trading away nearly all their first round picks since 20. 17. Except for past Russia-Jered vs. from Florida State in 2024. That even since this year's first round selection, plus a couple other picks to the Kansas City Chiefs for all pro-corner back, Trent McDuffy. Since Sean McVay took over as head coach that same year, the Rams have reached a playoff seven times and won their division four times. They've made two Super Bowl appearances, losing to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 53, but beating the Cincinnati Bengals at home in Super Bowl 56. That success comes from smart trades and free agency moves, like bringing in quarterback Matthew Stafford before their Super Bowl winning 20, 21 season. They've also landed stars such as Jalen Ramsey and Vaughn Miller through trades, both key to that title run. In a free agency, they've added talents like Odell Beckham Jr. and more recently,

1:00Devonte Adams. Even without focusing on first rounders, they found gems later in the draft, including wide receiver Pukka Nakua, edge rusher Byron Young, defensive, tackle Kobe Turner, and running back Kyron Williams. This trade-heavy strategy keeps the Rams competitive year after year, proving they don't need early picks to build a contender.