The Los Angeles Rams are in a very enviable position in the 2026 NFL draft. With the No. 13 overall pick and no clear need to fill, the Rams can easily decide to move up or down the draft board, depending on which players fall where.
While general manager Les Snead has said the team likely won’t trade up, recent reports indicate the Rams have “sniffed around” picks earlier in the first round. Snead has never shied away from big trades, so the NFL can never rule out the Rams from making a move to get a player they want.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton offered two hypothetical trades the Rams could consider — one for trading up and one for trading down. In the trade-up, the Rams could secure the future of their offensive line. In trading down, L.A. could fortify their secondary and build arguably the strongest defense in the NFL.
Here are two hypothetical trade options:
Scenario 1: Trade up for OT Spencer Fano
Rams acquire No. 7 from the Washington Commanders for Nos. 13 and 61 to draft Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano
The Los Angeles Rams gave their first-round pick to the Chiefs in the Trent McDuffie trade, but they can use the Atlanta Falcons’ first-round pick to move up for one of the top offensive tackles in the class.
Following the 2025 season, Rob Havenstein retired, leaving Warren McClendon Jr. in line to compete for the starting job.
Head coach Sean McVay told reporters that McClendon earned the opportunity to fill the vacancy at right tackle. However, the Rams may be intrigued by Spencer Fano, who has three years of starting experience at the position, two on the right side and one on the left.
The Rams have a Super Bowl-caliber roster. If Fano is a rotational player or backup in his rookie term, it wouldn’t be a big blow to their title aspirations. Still, it’s important that they make sure Matthew Stafford has quality pass protection. Fano and McClendon can ensure that.
Scenario 2: Trade back three spots to pick up two Day 3 picks
Rams acquire No. 16, No. 103 and a 2027 fourth-round pick from the New York Jets for No. 13
If the Rams are comfortable waiting a few more picks, they could offer up the No. 13 pick to the highest bidder to get some more draft capital. In this mock draft, the Jets trade their No. 16 and two fourth-round picks for the chance to take Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.
For the Rams, they would still be in a good position to take a receiver or possibly another offensive lineman. They would also have more capital to move about the board in the later rounds or find a player they like early in Day 3.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Analyst offers hypothetical trade-up and trade-down options for Rams
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
