Surprise team exploring trade into top 10

Mentioned Wednesday as a team that is likely interested in coming up the board, the Rams appear to indeed be intrigued by the prospect of such a move. Sean McVay‘s team is contacting teams with an aim to climb into the top 10, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini tweets.

It would be surprising if the Rams were a team interested in trading up for a quarterback, and it is interesting to see a non-QB-seeking (presumably) team linked to a trade into the top 10. 

The Cardinals and Chargers have made it known they are interested in moving down, but a climb into the top five may be unrealistic for the Rams, who sit at No. 19. The Titans, at No. 7, have been mentioned as a team open to sliding down the board. But Tennessee, closely linked to tackles, will probably want to see how the board looks before seriously considering dealing its top choice.

The Rams have major holes on defense. They saw arguably the best defensive tackle in NFL history retire after an All-Pro season. Aaron Donald elevated the Rams’ defense for a decade, and the team’s edge rushers — from Leonard Floyd to Von Miller to Dante Fowler — benefited from the all-time great’s presence inside. The Rams also need help on the edge, being rumored to be targeting OLB help earlier this offseason.

Los Angeles holds the Nos. 52, 83 and 99 selections on Day 2, the latter coming after the Falcons hired Raheem Morris as their head coach. Given Morris’ ties to the Rams, it would not surprise if Falcons-Rams talks took place Thursday. Also linked to defensive players — in a top 10 expected to be heavy on offense — Atlanta holds the No. 8 overall pick. The Bears have No. 9, and with only four picks in the draft, Chicago makes sense as a trade-down team. An early-April report suggested the Jets were hoping a team makes them a good offer for No. 10, but with Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh on hot seats, staying at 10 and adding another weapon for Aaron Rodgers is also firmly in play.