The Los Angeles Rams have once again made a bold move in the NFL, trading away their first-round pick in the 2026 draft to the Kansas City Chiefs for star cornerback Trent McDuffie. This is just the latest in a series of moves by the Rams that have seen them prioritize acquiring established talent over drafting young prospects. While this strategy has certainly paid off for the team in recent years, it begs the question: what has become of the Rams’ past first-round draft picks?
Since 2016, the Rams have only used their first-round pick twice, with the majority of their selections being traded away for established players. This approach has certainly raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, with many questioning the long-term sustainability of this roster building strategy. However, with the Rams consistently making deep playoff runs and remaining competitive in the tough NFC West, it’s hard to argue with their success.
Let’s take a closer look at the Rams’ past 10 first-round draft picks and how they have fared in the NFL.
2016: Jared Goff, QB (1st overall)
The Rams’ first-round pick in 2016 was used to select quarterback Jared Goff, who was expected to be the franchise quarterback for years to come. While Goff did lead the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in 2018, his inconsistent play and high salary ultimately led to his departure from the team in 2021. However, it cannot be denied that Goff played a crucial role in the Rams’ success during his time with the team.
2017: None
In 2017, the Rams traded away their first-round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for the first overall pick in the 2016 draft, which they used to select Goff. This move proved to be a wise one, as Goff played a significant role in the Rams’ success over the next few years.
2018: None
Once again, the Rams did not have a first-round pick in 2018, as they traded it away to the New England Patriots in exchange for wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Cooks had a solid season with the Rams, helping them reach the Super Bowl, but was eventually traded to the Houston Texans in 2020.
2019: None
The Rams’ first-round pick in 2019 was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for wide receiver Julio Jones. While Jones was a dominant force on the field, injuries limited his impact with the team, and he was eventually released in 2021.
2020: None
In 2020, the Rams once again traded away their first-round pick, this time to the Jacksonville Jaguars for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey has been a key player for the Rams’ defense, earning two Pro Bowl selections and helping the team reach the playoffs in both of his seasons with the team.
2021: None
The Rams’ first-round pick in 2021 was traded to the Detroit Lions as part of the deal that sent Goff to the Lions and brought quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Rams. Stafford has been a significant upgrade for the Rams at the quarterback position, and his strong play has helped the team remain competitive in the NFC.
2022: None
In 2022, the Rams will once again be without a first-round pick, as they traded it to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. While this may seem like a risky move, it’s hard to argue with the results so far.
2023: None
The Rams’ first-round pick in 2023 was traded to the Detroit Lions as part of the deal that brought Stafford to the team. While it’s still early to judge this trade, Stafford’s strong play in his first season with the Rams suggests that it will be another successful move for the team.
2024: None
In 2024, the Rams will once again be without a first-round pick, as they traded it to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for cornerback Marcus Peters. Peters played a key role in the Rams’ defense during his time with the team, but was eventually traded to the Ravens in 2019.
2025: None
The Rams’ first-round pick in 2025 was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. While this may seem like a lot to give up for one player, Ramsey has proven to be worth the investment with his stellar play on the field.
In conclusion
