The Los Angeles Rams traded their first-round pick on Thursday. They sent pick 31 and pick 203 to the Atlanta Falcons for picks 45 and 79.
What that really meant though, was that for the third straight year, the Los Angeles Rams didn't make a selection in the first-round.
The Rams didn't make a first-round draft pick for the third consecutive year.
by @gregbeacham https://t.co/W1epwDCkeK
— AP NFL (@AP_NFL) April 26, 2019
This is a method that some fans aren't exactly excited about. However, it's clearly something that's working for the Rams. They're stock-piling later picks, which gives them a better chance to add to the depth of their team.
Why this works so well for them is because Los Angeles doesn't have an absolute needs. Without the desperate need for something, they can focus on improving everywhere, instead of worrying about one lone position. That means they don't need to reach for anyone.
With them not needing to reach, the Rams clearly felt they didn't need the 31st overall pick. They must've felt like the guys they wanted wouldn't need to be taken there.
It's also important to note the picks in the trade. Los Angeles gave up their first and a sixth-round pick. Meanwhile, they got back a second and a third rounder from the Falcons.
Basically, they moved back 14 spots for one pick to move up 124 spots with the other. That's value, and it's hard to argue with.
So although the Rams once again didn't have a first-round pick, it's a strategy that's working for them. They made it to the Super Bowl last season – and have high hopes for 2019 as well. Let's see if trading back pays off for them once again.
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