This weekend, the New York Giants traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft. The Los Angeles Rams, who own the 13th overall pick, will be dealing with a draft board that has changed significantly. The Giants now own the fifth and 10th picks, while the Bengals got a crucial piece for their defense.
This deal may not seem related to the Rams at all, but here are three ways the trade impacts them in the draft.
Jordyn Tyson’s a top-10 pick
After an outstanding week where Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson proved his potential, paired with the Giants’ need for another weapon to flank Jaxson Dart, the Giants and several others picking in the top 10 are heavily interested in both Tyson’s and Carnell Tate’s services.
If the Rams want an outside threat, they will have to trade up. Tyson and other receivers now seem more likely to go in the top 10 because the Giants have a much greater need at the position than the Bengals do.
Edge rushers will be a premium
With this move, the Giants place themselves in position to make a splash in the draft. In response, I expect the Dallas Cowboys to make a move up for an edge rusher. Considering the positional need for the Jets and fellow NFC East rival Washington Commanders, I’m predicting four edge players will be selected in the first 10 picks.
If the Rams have their eyes on a player, they may have to move up. If that player isn’t an edge, they will likely have their choice of a top talent at another position.
Deja vu?
The Super Bowl is in Los Angeles, the Rams are coming off a playoff loss to the NFC’s No. 1 seed, and the Bengals just added a star on the defensive line. This could be a repeat of 2021? Thus, we must look back at that draft to see how it impacted both teams. The Rams did not have a first-round pick but the Bengals did select Ja’Marr Chase to get them over the hump. Perhaps this means it’s the Rams’ time to add a pass catcher as the Bengals once did for a rising Joe Burrow.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 ways the Dexter Lawrence trade impacts the Rams
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
