The Rams are often one of the most active teams in the draft each year when it comes to moving up and down the board. They traded back three times before landing on Taylor Rapp last year, and typically make at least a few deals every year.
The trades made by GM Les Snead early in the draft are usually to move back, though – with the exception of going up for Jared Goff in 2016. This year, the Rams have four picks in the top 104, and they could package some of those selections in an attempt to move up for a prospect.
Who might they target if they trade up from No. 52? There are a number of prospects who would make sense for the Rams to go up and get, namely these seven.
C/G Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
Ruiz is viewed as the top interior lineman in the draft, and that might be the Rams’ most pressing need. Unfortunately, it’s highly unlikely Ruiz will fall to No. 52. He could be selected as early as the mid-20s in the first round.
He’d be a perfect fit in the Rams’ scheme at either center or guard, though center remains the bigger priority. Brian Allen looked overmatched last season before getting hurt and Austin Blythe was solid at center in 2018.
Regardless of where he ends up, Ruiz would give the Rams options on the offensive line, which they could certainly use.