The Los Angeles Rams probably don’t wouldn’t want to re-do their 2025 draft after picking up an extra first-round pick in 2026 that they used to draft quarterback Ty Simpson. While that pick was criticized, having multiple first-round picks did also helped L.A. trade their own first-rounder for Trent McDuffie earlier this year.
However, there is a scenario in which the Rams offense looks even more high-powered heading into 2026 if they went in a different direction in the first round of last year’s draft. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport had the Rams taking Missouri receiver Luther Burden with the No. 26 instead of trading it to the Atlanta Falcons.
The Los Angeles Rams have arguably the NFL’s most complete roster on paper. There’s aren’t many holes on either side of the ball, and the team blasted away at the biggest one entering the offseason (cornerback) with the trade for Trent McDuffie and the signing of Jaylen Watson.
However, the Rams were reportedly searching for an upgrade at wide receiver this offseason, and in that regard the team was unsuccessful—until now.
Luther Burden III didn’t post huge numbers as a rookie with the Chicago Bears—47 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns. But he posted a pir of games with both 100 receiving yards and a touchdown, displaying ability to do some real damage from the slot.
As if the Rams aren’t frightening enough as constructed, imagine them with Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Burden as their top three wideouts.
Adding Burden to the mix is exactly what a lot of fans and experts thought the Rams would do at No. 13 this year with someone like Makai Lemon. They could have done it a year ago anyway if they were in on Burden, who ended up going 13 spots later at No. 39 — before the Rams’ first pick at No. 46 in 2025.
Instead, L.A. added tight end Terrence Ferguson in the second round and receiver Konata Mumpfield in the seventh round for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Both are young and still raw, but were still solid contributors in 2025. And now the Rams have their quarterback of the future in Simpson, thanks to their decisions from a year ago.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams take offensive weapon instead of trading pick in 2025 re-draft
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Oliver G., Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
