NFL Draft weekend always brings a different kind of energy and for the Los Angeles Rams that buzz feels especially familiar this year. Under general manager Les Snead, the Rams have built a reputation for being one of the league’s most unpredictable—and aggressive—teams when the clock starts ticking. Whether it’s trading up for a targeted star or sliding back to accumulate future assets, Snead has never been shy about reshaping the board in real time.
This year is no different. Leading into the draft,
rumors are swirling around positional priorities, potential trade-down scenarios, and surprise veteran moves that could shake up the roster before a single pick is officially made. Some insiders suggest the Rams are once again preparing for an active draft weekend, with Snead reportedly exploring multiple avenues to maximize value across the board.
In this “Buy or Sell” breakdown, we’ll sift through the noise, evaluate the most intriguing Rams rumors and predictions, and decide what feels legitimate and what might just be pure smoke.
Rumor #1: Rams are looking to trade up from Pick 13
According to Albert Breer, the Los Angeles Rams may try to trade up after all, despite Les Snead saying earlier this month that it was unlikely. Never say never. In classic Les Snead fashion, it appears the Rams could try to get inside the top 10. Teams that could be looking to trade back include: Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, and the New York Giants (pick #10). The Washington Commanders seem like the most realistic option as it would not cripple the Rams future draft capital to go from #13 overall to #7 overall.
Verdict: Buy
Rumor #2: Rams “out” on first round wide receiver
Early Monday morning, Todd McShay reported that he was hearing the Rams are considering not taking a wide receiver with the 13th overall pick and that they will wait until Round 2 to find a playmaker on the outside.
“I think the Rams are more likely to draft a wide receiver in the second than in the first. What’s the difference between Makai Lemon and De’Zhaun Stribling in that system? They could also get Germie Bernard or Chris Bell in the second. That frees up the Rams to use the 13th pick on their best player available. This pick is a huge deal in the league. If it’s not a receiver and it isn’t Simpson, who is it? They don’t have a glaring need. Their selection could throw off the plans for the next handful of teams and become one of the biggest pivot points in this first round.”
This just does not seem to be accurate at all. The Rams do not have many holes on their roster and the most glaring spot is finding a replacement for Davante Adams beyond 2026. Not to mention, the Rams could stand to find a WR3 when they work out of 11 personnel.
Verdict: Sell
Rumor #3: Rams have interest in Ty Simpson
This rumor comes from Adam Schefter, regarding the Rams interest in Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
When the Rams sent the No. 29 pick to the Chiefs in a deal for cornerback Trent McDuffie, it had one unintended consequence that some might not have realized: It hurt the chances that quarteback Ty Simpson would be a first-round pick.
League sources say the Rams had been eyeing him, but more so with the No. 29 pick than No. 13, which they still hold. Had the Rams not traded for McDuffie and held onto No. 29, sources say that Simpson would have been square in the conversation to land in Los Angeles behind Matthew Stafford.
As it is, the Rams still are scheduled to have seven picks, but after picking at No. 13, their next selection isn’t until the end of Round 2 (No. 61), and many say Simpson will be off the board by then.
The two teams that seem to be most interested in Simpson are the Jets and Cardinals. The Jets hold the No. 16 pick in the middle of Round 1 and the No. 33 pick at the top of Round 2. The Cardinals hold No. 34 in Round 2, right behind the Jets. If Arizona wants to leapfrog New York, it could not only land Simpson but also get the fifth-year option on his rookie contract by taking him in Round 1.
Do the Rams have interest in Ty Simpson? Yes. Will they use the 13th overall pick on him? Definitely not. A move up in Round 2 is plausible. Or if the Rams trade back from 13th overall and pick up Day 2 capital, it could make the chances of drafting the signal caller more likely.
Verdict: “Push” (lean buy)
Rumor #4: Rams will grab a linebacker in early rounds
ESPN’s Matt Miller’s suggested this one as the team only as one quality linebacker on the roster with Nate Landman.
Sources around the league have pointed at linebacker as an early-round target. With receiver seeming like an obvious pick at No. 13, linebacker is the most likely direction in Round 2, especially if Josiah Trotter (Missouri) is available.
Based on their due diligence up to this point, there seems to not only be smoke but fire to this rumor. It may not happen in Round 1 or 2 but surely the Rams will grab a linebacker no later than Round 3 based on their current roster and depth chart needs.
Verdict: Buy
