The noise about the Los Angeles Rams making a significant trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft hasn't died down and has continued to build up steam over time. Now, a day before the draft, ESPN Insider Dan Graziano named the Rams as a team making calls to move up in this year's draft and getting aggressive in pursuing the top talent in this year's class.
The people I talk to think we're likely to see more trades in the second half of the first round than in the first half. The Colts (No. 15), Jaguars (No. 17), Rams (No. 19) and Eagles (No. 22) are all teams I've heard have been making calls about potentially moving up.
Interestingly enough, Graziano later said, "If the Rams move up, it would be to get one of their top targets on defense". If this is to be believed, that points to one of Alabama pass rusher Dallas Turner or Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell, as neither are expected to be close to available by the 19th overall pick.
However, I can't imagine that the Rams would be this aggressive and not select one of the best offensive players there, whether it be Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, or LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers. The Rams have been opting to spend high on the offensive side and take swings on defense to fill out the depth. The retirement of Aaron Donald might have shifted that approach somewhat, but it didn't impact their process enough throughout free agency to say for sure it would change their draft strategy.
Where could they move up to? Keep an eye on the Atlanta Falcons, Les Snead's former employer, at #8 overall. The Denver Broncos at #12 overall also seem interested in a move down to recoup some lost draft capital as well.
