The Rams had a famous saying not that long ago. "F them picks," they'd say. Coming off a disappointing 2022 season and now heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, there might be a new mantra in Los Angeles.
"Where them picks?"
Unless a trade happens, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will walk across the Kansas City stage 32 times on Thursday night without mentioning the Rams once. It's a team name that Goodell hasn't called on the first night of the draft since 2016.
In a busy season for front offices across the league, HC Sean McVay and GM Les Snead get to enjoy the event without worrying that their draft board has been shaken up by a surprise pick. But they also get to enjoy for a good reason.
Those picks that were shipped out brought them home a Super Bowl ring -- a piece of jewelry that every team hopes their draft picks can someday deliver. When that is the outcome, every team would be willing to pay the price.
For the price of making history and all the glory, Los Angeles will now most likely enter a rebuild, without the necessary draft picks to expedite the process -- at least this year.
Here's why the Rams don't have a first-round pick in 2023 and what they got in return for it:
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Rams draft picks 2023
The Rams have 11 picks in the 2023 draft as they look to infuse the roster with young talent. If they make their selection at 36th overall, it will be the highest pick the team has made since drafting Jared Goff first overall in 2016.
| Round | Pick |
| 2 | 36 |
| 3 | 69 |
| 3 | 77 |
| 5 | 167 |
| 5 | 171 |
| 5 | 177 |
| 6 | 182 |
| 6 | 189 |
| 6 | 191 |
| 7 | 223 |
| 7 | 251 |
MORE: Full list of all 259 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft
Why don't the Rams have a first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The price to pay for acquiring Matthew Stafford was the Rams 2023 first rounder and then some. All things considered, the deal worked out nicely for both sides. Los Angeles won a Super Bowl, the Lions had the chance to do right by a franchise legend and Detroit has a capable quarterback along with some extra draft capital.
There were definitely worse outcomes in the realm of possibility.
In March 2021, the Rams' Snead shipped Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round pick (No. 101), a 2022 first-round pick (No. 32) and the 2023 first-round pick (No. 6) in exchange for Stafford's services.
Here's what happened with those picks:
- 2021 No. 101: Ifeatu Melifonwu
- 2022 No. 32: This pick was traded by Detroit to move up to the No. 12 selection. The Lions would take Alabama receiver Jameson Williams and the Vikings would use No. 32 to select Georgia defensive back Lewis Cine.
Who is picking in the Rams' position?
Dan Campbell and his Lions will be on the clock at No. 6 with the Rams pick. Los Angeles dealt with plenty of injuries in 2022, finishing 5-12. Detroit's season was a promising one as the organization went 9-8 -- a change from their typical losing record in recent years. This pick presents a big opportunity for the Lions front office to continue building toward a potential contender.
