Les Snead could believe LA is just a tight end away
After taking the Philadelphia Eagles to the finals second in the NFC Divisional round the Los Angeles Rams look primed to make a run for it all this season. After rumors have circulated that six teams have had private workouts with the number one tight end prospect in Tyler Warren, Los Angeles being one of them, it could mean they believe they are just an impactful tight end away from being lethal. Last year Les Snead attempted to move up to nab Brock Bowers before the Las Vegas Raiders, this year it could be the Raider’s pick that allows them to find their tight end of the future.
That would mean moving up all the way from the 26th pick to the sixth pick of this year’s NFL draft. Without a second-round pick to barter because of last year’s exchange to get Braden Fiske early day two it will likely cost LA their first round pick next year and at least two third round picks.
Tyler Warren is a TE that can do it all
: 2025 #NFLDraft – April 24-26 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
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Why it would make sense for the Raiders
Despite showing a “win-now” demeanor in their pursuit to lure Matthew Stafford to their team this offseason the Raiders are in the middle of a rebuild. Geno Smith will be the bridge-QB and allow Pete Carroll to run the offense the way he wants to. There is some talent on the defense, especially in Max Crosby, but there are enough holes on the roster to derail any deep playoff scenarios. They are in one of the best divisions in football with three of the four teams making it to the playoff last year (Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and the Los Angeles Chargers). Trading away their sixth pick of the draft will net them several picks, but the most important one will of course be LA’s first round pick in 2026. They can leverage those picks to move up in next year’s draft and get their franchise quarterback or use it to expedite their rebuild if they flop and end up with another early pick next year.
Why it would make sense for the Rams
If the expectations are Super Bowl, then next year’s draft pick is a late first round pick that puts them in the exact scenario they are currently in—a high draft pick with no obvious player to take. Colston Loveland could land to them at the 26th pick but it would be a bit of an overpay for a tight end that has had issues with breaking tackles and setting blocks. Stafford’s future with the team will be in question every year until he either retires or moves on from LA so it makes sense to surround him with talent while he is still under contract. If Snead truly believes the team is just a tight end away from winning it all then it is a no-brainer to spend draft capitol to make it happen.
Why it doesn’t make sense for the Raiders
If the Raider’s organization believes that the Rams are primed to make a run for the Lombardi this season, would they really want a late round draft pick next year? LA also does not have a second-round pick to barter with in this year’s draft which could make the deal less enticing. Surely there are other teams out there with more draft capital that would be willing to overpay for the sixth-round pick of the draft.
Why it doesn’t make sense for the Rams
Stafford’s replacement will need to be drafted soon to avoid falling-off after his departure from the team. This year’s draft class is questionable at best and some even have Shadeur Sanders falling in the first round which could give LA the chance to address their QB situation earlier than expected. Trading away their first round pick next year would eliminate them from any aspiration of landing Arch Manning and put them out of a scenario to draft a first round worthy QB. Tyler Higbee is also nothing to write-off and has been a solid contributor to the team when healthy and Colby Parkinson has shown some ability when he’s had the opportunity as well. There are also other key positions that still need to be addressed through the draft that would take a premium pick.
Do you want to see the Rams make a splash for Tyler Warren or would you rather them stay put at 26? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
