What if L.A. trades up in second round and ends up with two first round picks?

The Los Angeles Rams are in a unique position in the first-round of the NFL Draft as they are a team with limitless options. They could trade up into the top-10 if the right prospect falls, trade back and acquire more picks, or stay at 19. However, one option that does not seem to be getting discussed is the possibility of trading up from 52 in the second round and ending up with two first round picks. This was something that we say in 2018 with the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson as well as 2013 with the Minnesota Vikings trading up for Cordarrell Patterson.

With the Rams needing top-end talent, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make this type of move. They would also have the option of a fifth-year with both rookies. This would give the Rams the option of making a luxury pick at 19 and then potentially getting a player at more of a position of need by trading back into the first round or vice versa.

For example, the Rams could take a player like LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. at 19 which would be considered a luxury pick. The Rams do have a need at wide receiver, especially heading into next year. Thomas fits the type of wide receiver that the Rams typically target at the “x” and with the signing of Demarcus Robinson, there wouldn’t be pressure to perform right away.

A trade up from 52 is where the first round could get really interesting for the Rams. In the case that a player such as Chop Robinson were to fall past 25, Los Angeles could look to trade up and get two players with first round talent. The question here becomes whether or not the player is worth the cost. When the Ravens moved up for Jackson at the end of the first round, they gave up their second round pick, a fourth round pick, and a second round pick in the following draft. In 2013, to move up to 29 from 52, the Vikings gave up their second, third, fourth, and seventh round picks. Something in that realm is likely what the Rams would have to give up as well. They would be looking at giving up their second round pick at 52, either 83 or 99 in the third round, and then potentially a 2025 pick as well.

This type of move would give the Rams two first round talent added to their roster for next season, but at the same time, cost them some potential depth as the lose most of their day two draft picks.

Here’s what that could look like:

• 19 – WR Brian Thomas Jr, LSU
• 26 – EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State (Trade 52, 99, and 2025 2nd)
• 83 – DL Mekhi Wingo, LSU
• 154 – CB Elijah Jones, Boston College
• 155 – LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
• 196 – iOL Sataoa Laumea, Utah
• 209 – S Dominique Hampton, Washington
• 213 – K Cam Little, Arkansas
• 254 – RB Rasheed Ali, Marshall

Again, that gap between 26 and 83 and then 83 to 154 is felt. It’s a balance of figuring out if whether or not the trade off for two first round picks with five years of control is worth that sort of trade package. The prospects also don’t have to be Brian Thomas Jr. and Chop Robinson. This could be Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy and wide receiver Xavier Worthy or Troy Fautano on the offensive line and then another defensive player at the end of the first round.

It’s an interesting scenario and one that the Rams will potentially have in mind come draft night. This is a roster that needs top-end talent and that caliber of player is typically found in the first-round. The Rams could look to maximize this draft by trading back into the first-round and end up with two first-round picks.