In what could be a pivotal move for their long-term future, the Los Angeles Rams have executed a strategic trade with the Atlanta Falcons that could reshape the trajectory of their franchise. The Rams dealt their first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft to the Falcons in exchange for Atlanta’s first-round selection in next year’s draft. While such a trade might raise eyebrows at first glance, it speaks volumes about the Rams’ approach to sustained competitiveness and calculated roster building.
Rather than focusing solely on the immediate future, Los Angeles is playing the long game. This move now gives the Rams two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft—offering them valuable draft capital and increased flexibility. In today’s NFL, where draft picks are currency, doubling up on high-value selections allows general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay to make bold moves that can either bolster the team directly or serve as leverage in future trades.
NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller of ESPN weighed in on the potential implications of this trade, highlighting the strategic brilliance behind it. According to Miller, the Falcons are projected to finish with a poor record this season, potentially placing their 2026 first-round pick within the top 10. That could give the Rams access to elite talent early in the draft—something that has historically led to franchise-altering results.
“With two first-rounders in the 2026 draft, the Rams have plenty of flexibility,” Miller noted. He specifically mentioned offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor as a player who could be a top target should he declare for the draft that year. Proctor, standing at a monstrous 6-foot-7 and weighing 370 pounds, already boasts the physical tools to dominate in the NFL trenches. Known for his sheer strength and aggressive play style, Proctor could be a cornerstone on the offensive line—particularly as the Rams eye a successor to veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein.
However, Proctor isn’t a finished product. “Proctor has more potential than any lineman in this class … if he can improve his consistency,” Miller cautioned. His performance tends to fluctuate, but the raw talent and upside are undeniable. For a team like the Rams, who have a proven track record of developing young talent under McVay’s leadership, Proctor could become a franchise lineman if placed in the right environment.
Coach McVay himself has emphasized the importance of veteran leadership on the offensive line, recently highlighting Havenstein’s impact as instrumental to the team’s recent success. That kind of mentorship and continuity is exactly what Proctor—or any future rookie—would benefit from.
In the grander scheme, this trade highlights a shift in how the Rams are approaching their team-building strategy. Once known for their aggressive “win-now” mentality—often trading away draft picks for proven veterans—this latest move suggests a more measured, forward-thinking approach. By accumulating draft capital, the Rams are setting themselves up to remain competitive for years to come.
While it may take time to see the full results of this decision, the foundation is being laid for something special in Los Angeles. With savvy front office moves and a vision focused on both today and tomorrow, the Rams are once again proving why they’re one of the most innovative teams in the NFL.