Risk vs. Reward: Prospects the Rams should consider in a trade up

Which blue chip player would be worth it for LA?

The Los Angeles Rams finally made a first round selection during the Sean McVay era last year when the took Jared Verse with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But what if the 2025 NFL Draft was the first year that Sean McVay and the Rams were to trade up in the first round. For a team that was a few yards short of advancing to the NFC Championship Game, they might feel as if they are one player away. In that case, who might be worth trading up for? I have identified five prospects that fit the ball; weighing pros and cons of making such a move.

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Throughout the College Football Season, Jeanty cemented himself as a top prospect heading into April. He carried (literally) the Broncos to a Fiesta Bowl appearance. Beyond his college statistics, Jeanty provides NFL teams a sturdy presence in the backfield, capable of causing defenses headaches with his muscular frame coupled with elements of balance and cut back speed.

Pro of trading up: Los Angeles would be able to create more explosiveness in its run game. Kyren Williams is a good running back, but he doesn’t scare NFL defenses where he might take it to the endzone on one singular long play.

Con of trading up: Taking running backs in the first round has been long scrutinized. But trading up for one would bring its own criticism as well. Jeanty is expected to land inside the top 15, so LA would have to sacrifice substantial capital and hope Jeanty lasts longer than the recent Todd Gurley (a top 10 pick).

2. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Matthew Golden turned in promising combine numbers when he ran a 4.29 40-yard dash. This draft class is spilling with WR talent, but Golden brings his fair share of perks.

Pro of a trade up: Golden has been described as a perfect fit for LA. With Puka Nacua & Davante Adams working more in the intermediate; Golden provides the team with speed to take the top off of defenses. In addition, Golden also specializes on in-breaking routes – something Los Angeles frequently demands of their WRs.

Con of a trade up: The Rams have shown they can find WR talent late in drafts. They found Kupp in the 3rd round of 2017. They drafted Nacua in the 5th round of 2023. And even recently they added Jordan Whittington in 2024. Do they need to draft one earlier than 26th overall in 2025? Not necessarily.

3. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Tyler Warren is a 6’6” 255 lb tight end that screams ideal size, speed, athleticism, and football competitor. Tyler Warren’s senior year cemented his standing as college football’s best tight end and the draft’s best for that position.

Pro of trade up: The Rams were infatuated with Brock Bowers last year, so it would seem that they have their eye on Tyler Warren this year. Giving Stafford another weapon will diversify the LA offense heading into 2025. Warren fits the description of a Ram too: “elite talent & elite character.”

Con of a trade up: When has Sean McVay ever really used a tight end? Tyler Higbee had a brief moment in 2019. But that seemed to be more because of Jared Goff’s regression in the system. In addition, the Rams have already committed resources to Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson. Davis Allen will also be in year three and has shown sufficient ability in the passing game.

4. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Loveland also features prototypical size at the tight end position with a 6’6” frame, strong hands, and a polished route tree. If there is a 1A and 1B in this draft it’s Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland.

Pro of a trade up: Tight ends that win at all three levels aren’t everywhere in the NFL. McVay would have another toy at his disposal to attack defenses if they try to take away Puka Nacua and/or Davante Adams.

Con of a trade up: If you aren’t trading up for Tyler Warren, why go for Loveland? Warren’s production significantly outweighs Loveland and you’d think that grabbing the better TE when trading up would be the move to get 1A not 1B.

5. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

All you need to know about Emmanwori is that his RAS score is near flawless. Defensive backs of his nature do not grow on trees. He is without question the most athletic player amongst defensive backs.

Pro of a trade up: LA’s young defense, while promising, lacks talent on the back end. Kam Kinchens and Kam Curl are talented safeties, but Emmanwori is a hybrid defender in that he could be used in the star role of Chris Shula’s defense. Quentin Lake is fine, but they can definitely upgrade his spot.

Con of a trade up: Is safety the blue chip player that makes Los Angeles one player away from being an NFC Championship bound team? Maybe. But it always seemed like the offense was the side of the ball that needed one more player.