The Los Angeles Rams have made yet another big move in the offseason, trading away their first-round pick in 2026 to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for star cornerback Trent McDuffie. This may come as no surprise to fans, as the Rams have not used their first-round picks very often in recent years. In fact, since 2016, they have made only two first-round selections. While this may seem like an unconventional approach to building a successful team, the Rams have proven that it can be effective. Let’s take a look at the team’s past 10 first-round draft picks and see how this strategy has played out for them.
2016: Jared Goff, QB (1st overall)
The Rams’ first-round pick in 2016 was used to select quarterback Jared Goff. This pick was crucial in the team’s move back to Los Angeles and helped generate excitement among fans. While Goff did have some successful seasons with the Rams, including leading them to a Super Bowl appearance, his inconsistencies ultimately led to the team trading him to the Detroit Lions in 2021.
2017: None
In 2017, the Rams did not have a first-round pick as a result of the trade for Goff. This allowed them to focus on building their team through free agency and trades.
2018: None
Once again, the Rams did not have a first-round pick in 2018 due to a trade for wide receiver Brandin Cooks. This further solidified their strategy of building their team through big-name acquisitions rather than relying on the draft.
2019: None
The Rams continued their trend of not having a first-round pick in 2019, as it was traded for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. This move proved to be a game-changer for the team, as Ramsey became a key player on their defense and earned a contract extension in 2020.
2020: None
In 2020, the Rams once again did not have a first-round pick. Instead, they traded for another star player, cornerback Jalen Ramsey. This move was seen as a win-now move, as the Rams were determined to solidify their chances of making a deep playoff run.
2021: Tutu Atwell, WR (57th overall)
After going six years without a first-round pick, the Rams finally made a selection in the second round of the 2021 draft. They used it to select wide receiver Tutu Atwell from Louisville. While it may have initially raised some eyebrows, Atwell has shown flashes of potential in the preseason and could be a valuable weapon for the Rams’ offense.
2022: None
The Rams are not expected to have a first-round pick in the 2022 draft either, as they traded it for quarterback Matthew Stafford in 2021. This move shows their commitment to winning now and putting together a strong roster to compete for a Super Bowl.
2023: None
Once again, the Rams are projected to have no first-round pick in 2023. This is due to the trade for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, which shows just how important he is to their team.
2024: None
In 2024, the Rams will not have a first-round pick due to the trade for linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. While Fowler Jr. is no longer on the team, the Rams were able to use him as part of the trade package for Matthew Stafford.
2025: None
In 2025, the Rams are once again expected to not have a first-round pick. This time, it is because of the trade for defensive tackle Michael Brockers. Brockers was a key player on the Rams’ defensive line and helped them reach the Super Bowl in 2019.
Overall, the Rams have strayed away from using first-round picks and have instead relied on trades and free agency to build a strong team. This approach has had mixed results, with some draft picks seeing success and others not panning out. However, it’s clear that the Rams are confident in this approach and are willing to take risks in order to create a winning team.
The trade for Trent McDuffie is just another example of the Rams’ unconventional method of roster building. McDuffie is a talented defensive back who could make an immediate impact on the Rams’ defense. With the addition of McDuffie, the Rams’ secondary now has two top-tier cornerbacks in Ramsey and McDuff
