Key Insights from Sean McVay and Les Snead on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft: Trade Strategies with the Falcons and What’s Next for the Rams

Rams Make Smart Trade with Falcons

The Rams recently made an interesting trade with the Falcons. They moved back 20 spots in the draft, going from pick 26 to 46. This shift allowed them to snag a future first-round pick from Atlanta. It’s a big move, especially since they also included their third-round pick (No. 101) in the deal.

Rams’ General Manager Les Snead explained that they weren’t expecting this future first-round pick in return. They considered the scenario of drafting a quarterback if one slipped through, but this opportunity was too good to overlook. Snead noted, “Usually it is a QB. But you can’t plan for that one.”

Coach Sean McVay echoed Snead’s sentiments, emphasizing that having a future first-round pick is significant. Moving back only 20 spots and gaining such value felt like a win for the Rams. Snead added, “Now the real work begins. We’ll see how the draft unfolds based on our needs and player fits.”

This trade has unlocked more flexibility for the Rams. Instead of staring at a long gap between picks, they have 44 picks separating their two selections going into Day 2 of the draft. The current draft board is wide open, which could lead to exciting opportunities for the team.

Recent conversations among coaches and analysts suggest that the value of players in the draft doesn’t shift as dramatically from pick 20 to pick 50. McVay pointed out, “There’s a lot of appreciation for the top 100 players. The difference between the top 15 and those later picks isn’t as large.” This means the Rams could still find valuable talent as they move forward in the draft.

Interestingly, the Rams also explored trading up during the draft. However, the cost was too steep for what they were looking for. “The value going up was not worth it,” Snead said, indicating that the asking prices were higher than they were willing to pay. It seems the Rams are cautious but strategic in their approach.

The Rams’ decision to focus on acquiring a future first-round pick reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where many teams are valuing draft capital highly. A recent survey revealed that 70% of NFL executives believe having extra draft picks can be more beneficial than acquiring veteran players. This approach allows teams, like the Rams, to build for the future while still managing the present.

In this fast-paced draft landscape, the Rams’ trade with the Falcons shows a commitment to smart decisions. They are looking to enhance their roster without overspending, and fans can anticipate that this strategy will bear fruit as they continue to reshape their team.

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