Turf Show Times
Snead believes in a new roster construction strategy...
On Monday morning, the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers announced a massive trade; sending players Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith plus a 2027 seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and 2027 fifth-round pick.
After being rumored to Ramsey for much of the NFL offseason, the Los Angeles Rams were left emptied-handed. But the Rams decision not to make a move should not come as a huge surprise. Ever since the end of the 2022 season, the Los Angeles Rams have been changing their modus operandi (M.O.) and that comes from the top by Les Snead. Here is why LA’s willingness to resist a trade package for Jalen Ramsey was the right move after all...
Based on the decision to trade their 2025 first round pick and land a 2026 first round pick, a 2025 second round pick, and a 2025 seventh round pick, the Rams value draft capital.
It comes as no surprise since the team has had significant success with Day 2 and Day 3 draft picks like Steve Avila (2nd), Braden Fiske (2nd), Byron Young (3rd), Kam Kinchens (3rd), Kobie Turner (3rd), Cooper Kupp (3rd), John Johnson (3rd), Greg Gaines (4th), Kyren Williams (5th), Puka Nacua (5th), Quentin Lake (6th), Sebastian Joseph-Day (6th), Joshua Karty (6th), Jordan Whittington (6th), and Beaux Limmer (6th). All of these players have played significant snaps or held a role as a starter at some point in time. LA’s ability to draft and develop players may have changed Les Snead’s mind about trading away capital to acquire star players. Jalen Ramsey cost two first round picks but he lasted just three and a half seasons with Los Angeles. LA traded a second round pick for 8 games of Von Miller. Others significant rentals included: Sony Michel (one year for a 4th & 6th), Brandin Cooks (two years for a 1st), Marcus Peters (two years for a 2nd & 6th), and Sammy Watkins (one year for a 2nd). First rounders offer four years of service plus a team option, not to mention that they contain upside and are cheaper assets. It seems that LA has had a hard time rectifying a trade for a player and then giving an extension. Matthew Stafford has stuck with Los Angeles the longest; heading into his fifth season with the Rams but the organization is already making plans for a franchise quarterback once Stafford retires.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad the Rams made those trades through 2017 to 2021. They capitalized on the market at the time. But the market has changed. The Rams appear focused on building through the draft and then supplementing in free agency and trades as necessary. And in their opinion, Jalen Ramsey was not necessary at the expense of draft picks.
When the Rams traded Jalen...
