Which 2025 draftee would you trade up for, if any? Why or why not?

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Elmgrovegnome

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I'm not sure many undervalue Kyren, but many have come to realize he leaves tons of yards on the field due to his physical limitations. Kyren makes up for that with his incredible vision and feel for the run game. He simply cannot make house calls. If we had a back that did that, this offense would go to a whole other level. I also personally don't see a TE having that type of impact at all, at least not right away. It takes time for TEs to transition vs a running back. I personally would trade Kyren only if we somehow got great draft compensation if the Rams ended up drafting a running back at #26 as that to me would indicate that they aren't re-signing him. Would it be a risk to do that? Of course, but we did draft a Kyren clone in Corum plus we still have the Soul Snatcher with Puka and Adams on the outside. I'd also venture to say an elite slot such as Burden would have a much better impact right away than a TE. Lastly, with how deep this TE class is, we can still get a nice one later in the draft. We'll eventually see how the Rams go about their drafting strategy.
Lately, a lot of tight ends have produced in their first year
 

El Chapo Jr

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Lately, a lot of tight ends have produced in their first year
So the most current one to produce was Bowers but to me, Bowers is head and shoulders way better than any TE in this class. Next one I can think of is Sam LaPorta yet his teammate, Gibbs, adds way more to that offense than him. Stud running backs can transform offenses better in my opinion.
 

Elmgrovegnome

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So the most current one to produce was Bowers but to me, Bowers is head and shoulders way better than any TE in this class. Next one I can think of is Sam LaPorta yet his teammate, Gibbs, adds way more to that offense than him. Stud running backs can transform offenses better in my opinion.
It all depends. How many Runningbacks has KC featured in recent years and how many Tight Ends? One tight end to what? 3-4 RBs? It’s more about the individual than the position. Do you think the Niners would be as good without Kittle all of those years.

It’s possible the Rams try to recreate the Lions backfield duo but in that case Henderson is closest to being a Gibbs, and he ain’t no Gibbs.
 

El Chapo Jr

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It all depends. How many Runningbacks has KC featured in recent years and how many Tight Ends? One tight end to what? 3-4 RBs? It’s more about the individual than the position. Do you think the Niners would be as good without Kittle all of those years.

It’s possible the Rams try to recreate the Lions backfield duo but in that case Henderson is closest to being a Gibbs, and he ain’t no Gibbs.
Honestly think the Rams have multiple ideas of how to enhance the offense but definitely depends how the draft breaks down. KC didn't draft Kelce in the 1st so going after one right away isn't necessary just like it isn't with a running back. I just personally see a running back adding way more since our WR room is already legit enough to make everyone's job easier. I'd love a running back that has better home run ability than Kyren if possible. Also, we have no clue if some team will want to trade up and offer the Rams a sweet deal they may not be able to refuse. Henderson is only close to Gibbs in speed but in no way is even close to the running back Gibbs is. I know I was one that wanted Gibbs badly because I saw how fast he was plus how tough of a running back he was in college. I just so happen to like Judkins way more than Henderson because Judkins is a bigger back with slightly less speed that can get those tough yards. Getting those tough yards is a must in the NFL. Funny thing is Rams could be like nah we're drafting defense though lol.
 

Elmgrovegnome

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Honestly think the Rams have multiple ideas of how to enhance the offense but definitely depends how the draft breaks down. KC didn't draft Kelce in the 1st so going after one right away isn't necessary just like it isn't with a running back. I just personally see a running back adding way more since our WR room is already legit enough to make everyone's job easier. I'd love a running back that has better home run ability than Kyren if possible. Also, we have no clue if some team will want to trade up and offer the Rams a sweet deal they may not be able to refuse. Henderson is only close to Gibbs in speed but in no way is even close to the running back Gibbs is. I know I was one that wanted Gibbs badly because I saw how fast he was plus how tough of a running back he was in college. I just so happen to like Judkins way more than Henderson because Judkins is a bigger back with slightly less speed that can get those tough yards. Getting those tough yards is a must in the NFL. Funny thing is Rams could be like nah we're drafting defense though lol.
I’ll be surprised if the Rams move off of Kyren. So to me, taking a back in round one seems less likely, especially since they just got Corum. I like Gibbs too and felt the ‘No RBs in round 1’ talk was nonsense. You look at the player, not the position. That’s why I’m higher on Warren and even Loveland than most on this board. I love Emmanwori for the Rams defense. I think he could have Ramsey like impact at the star.

Unless there is a specific need at a premium position like Left tackle or edge, teams should take BPA. That can be any position, especially in a first round that is low on star players. Some players talent exceeds their position and allows them to have a bigger impact on the field.
 

Elmgrovegnome

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Snead’s comments about 26 being purgatory indicates that he’d prefer to move up to pick a better player than what he feels will be available at 26.

It also makes it sound like, if he can’t trade up, he might as well try to trade back.
 

So Ram

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Yes. I said a Tight end. I don’t think Warren will be available anywhere near 26. Maybe we should be talking about the Rams drafting Cam Ward, or Will Campbell, if the skies the limit.
You’d want Cam Ward ? Not a Fan !

Jihaad Campbell would help solidify The defense for the next 2 to 3 years.
 

RamFan503

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Yes. I said a Tight end. I don’t think Warren will be available anywhere near 26. Maybe we should be talking about the Rams drafting Cam Ward, or Will Campbell, if the skies the limit.
You’ve been talking up Warren pretty well non-stop so I assumed. My apologies.
 

dieterbrock

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So the most current one to produce was Bowers but to me, Bowers is head and shoulders way better than any TE in this class. Next one I can think of is Sam LaPorta yet his teammate, Gibbs, adds way more to that offense than him. Stud running backs can transform offenses better in my opinion.
TE can produce right away, recent 1st rounders:
Bowers- 112/1194
Kincaid- 73/673
Pitts- 68/1026
LaPorta- (2nd round but since he was mentioned)-86/889
 

Merlin

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If the Rams were to take a TE who has natural pass game instincts (recent examples being LaPorta two drafts ago who went in our faces early round 2, and Bowers this past draft who rightly went very high) those instincts would be magnified by McVay who can scheme dudes open with the best of them, and by Stafford who can look dudes open and will feed them if they're a consistent option.

So for example if Warren were to be on the board at 13 (and I mention that because the Colts at 14 seem likely to take him) it would not surprise me to hear McVay is trying to get up to get him. Because I think he would plug right in and feast in this offense. He would in combination with Higs open up a ton of 12 sets. And he'd give us that element we lost when Kupp went out of the offense, which is owning the middle of the field. That is crucial for this offense.

But a couple things of note here with Warren... First I don't like that he hasn't run. I love the player but in terms of slotting him he feels like a 15-30 type moreso than a top ten type. The top ten TEs are usually big time threats who put up elite 40 times and I just don't see Warren doing that. His comp ceiling is Gronk, that big target who is always open because he can body corners and outrun backers, with the mad catch radius and focus in contested situations. And that is extremely valuable. But I think the reason he's being listed top ten this year is because this draft is weak on bluechip types at the very top. Strong draft in many positions, but that top end just feels weak overall so a guy like him who is a plug 'n play starter has a ton of value.
 

DzRams

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If McVay is serious about getting faster and more explosive on offense a TE probably isn't the best answer though Loveland and Arroyo could do well. But, sticking to 11 personnel and adding someone like Jaylin Noel in the slot would do the trick.


View: https://youtu.be/jggi_n950r0?si=SVvAVi-Bp1tNqK-R

It's likely this is what they already have in mind for Tutu. If he doesn't work, having a mismatch with Warren, Loveland, Arroyo, or Fannin would be a great option.
 

dang

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If the Rams were to take a TE who has natural pass game instincts (recent examples being LaPorta two drafts ago who went in our faces early round 2, and Bowers this past draft who rightly went very high) those instincts would be magnified by McVay who can scheme dudes open with the best of them, and by Stafford who can look dudes open and will feed them if they're a consistent option.

So for example if Warren were to be on the board at 13 (and I mention that because the Colts at 14 seem likely to take him) it would not surprise me to hear McVay is trying to get up to get him. Because I think he would plug right in and feast in this offense. He would in combination with Higs open up a ton of 12 sets. And he'd give us that element we lost when Kupp went out of the offense, which is owning the middle of the field. That is crucial for this offense.

But a couple things of note here with Warren... First I don't like that he hasn't run. I love the player but in terms of slotting him he feels like a 15-30 type moreso than a top ten type. The top ten TEs are usually big time threats who put up elite 40 times and I just don't see Warren doing that. His comp ceiling is Gronk, that big target who is always open because he can body corners and outrun backers, with the mad catch radius and focus in contested situations. And that is extremely valuable. But I think the reason he's being listed top ten this year is because this draft is weak on bluechip types at the very top. Strong draft in many positions, but that top end just feels weak overall so a guy like him who is a plug 'n play starter has a ton of value.
Another consideration is Warren was a QB in HS and I believe signed as a QB prospect so he’s maybe 3 years into learning how to be a receiver. I think his ceiling is higher than we have seen so far but trading up to R 1.13 or higher is quite a commitment from the Rams.
 

Elmgrovegnome

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KW is a free agent next year so are you expecting them to sign him to an extension now?
Some suggest drafting a back and trading Kyren afterwards. I don’t think that’s likely.

I think they will try to sign him next winter. If he wants to much they will move on.
 

Elmgrovegnome

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You’ve been talking up Warren pretty well non-stop so I assumed. My apologies.
Oh, I that’s mostly in my conversation with Memphis. I would trade up for Warren if it’s possible, but I don’t think it will be possible. He’s not the only person I would trade up for depending on the situation.
 

DzRams

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Some suggest drafting a back and trading Kyren afterwards. I don’t think that’s likely.

I think they will try to sign him next winter. If he wants to much they will move on.
I agree. I don't feel it's likely that they draft a back and then cut/trade him either. But I do believe that they will decide on his future with the Rams by draft day, similar to E. Jones last year.

If they don't feel they'll be able to sign him to an extension because he wants more than whatever number they have in mind, then it's likely they'll let him play out his contract, he'll hit the FA market, and they will probably draft a RB fairly early.
 

Elmgrovegnome

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I agree. I don't feel it's likely that they draft a back and then cut/trade him either. But I do believe that they will decide on his future with the Rams by draft day, similar to E. Jones last year.

If they don't feel they'll be able to sign him to an extension because he wants more than whatever number they have in mind, then it's likely they'll let him play out his contract, he'll hit the FA market, and they will probably draft a RB fairly early.
In one of the games last year (Bears or Raiders maybe) Romo said Kyren was one of the smartest players he’s ever talked to. He said it was like talking to a QB. The other announcer agreed. McVay values high football IQ and character. Replacing those traits isn’t always an easy thing to do.