The Los Angeles Rams appear to be well-positioned for future success following a strategic trade with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2023 NFL Draft. The Rams traded their 26th overall pick and a third-round selection (No. 101) to acquire the Falcons’ first-round pick in 2026, along with their second-round pick (No. 46) and seventh-round pick (No. 242) in 2025. The Falcons used the 26th pick to select outside linebacker James Pearce Jr., who has made an impressive impact with 8.5 sacks this season, leading all rookies.
With the Rams currently boasting a record of 11-4, their first-round selection in 2026 is projected to be No. 28, while the Falcons’ pick could potentially fall within the top 10. This positions the Rams favorably, either to trade up for a future quarterback to succeed Matthew Stafford or to continue enhancing their roster around the veteran signal-caller, who is a strong contender for the MVP title entering Week 17 of the season.
During a recent news conference, Rams head coach Sean McVay emphasized the flexibility that these additional draft picks provide. “It just gives us more ammo to be able to really upgrade the totality of your roster,” he stated. “To be able to have two first-round picks gives you flexibility and the ability to move around or identify players that you would maybe want that you’re realistically in the range that they would be projected to go.”
As the Rams prepare to face the Falcons on “Monday Night Football” at 8:15 p.m. ET, McVay acknowledged that discussions about the draft are not immediate priorities. Nonetheless, the long-term outlook for the Rams appears promising. The team has shifted from a strategy that relied heavily on trading away first-round picks to one that embraces the opportunity to rebuild and strengthen their lineup.
In the past, the Rams had gone seven years without a first-round draft pick, a period marked by significant trades, including acquiring quarterback Jared Goff in 2016 and Jalen Ramsey in 2020. This strategy culminated in their victory at Super Bowl LVI in February 2022. Recently, McVay reflected on this past approach, stating, “We look at all avenues to try to be able to shape out the most competitive roster.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the Rams find themselves with substantial salary cap flexibility. According to Over the Cap, they will have over $81 million in cap space, ranking sixth in the NFL. This financial room allows Los Angeles to pursue extensions for key players from their 2023 draft class, including wide receiver Puka Nacua and outside linebacker Byron Young.
As speculation continues about Stafford’s future, he remains under contract for another season following a restructured deal. The three-time Pro Bowler, now in his 17th season, has opted to evaluate his career year by year. In June, he remarked, “I don’t want to set any expectations, and I don’t want to set any limitations.”
This season, Stafford has performed at an exceptional level, throwing for 4,179 yards, with 40 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He currently ranks third in passing yards and leads the league in touchdown passes, a testament to his elite performance.
McVay has praised Stafford’s ability to elevate the team, describing him as “outstanding” this season. “He’s a total ‘G’ and he’s been ‘G’. I think it’s just getting more recognized now, but this isn’t new to us,” McVay said. Stafford’s contributions have not only solidified his status in the league but have also set the stage for the Rams’ future.
As the team eyes another postseason run, their strategic trade with the Falcons has provided them with valuable assets that could shape the organization for years to come. Whether these picks will lead to a new quarterback or further bolster the current roster, the Rams’ future looks bright, thanks in part to their collaboration with Atlanta.
