Los Angeles Rams Draft – Hypothetical Trade Up Cost

To determine what it might cost the Los Angeles Rams to trade up from the 26th pick to the 15th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, we can use established NFL draft trade value charts as a framework. These charts assign point values to each draft pick, providing a rough guide for what teams might expect in a trade. While the exact cost depends on real-time factors like the players available, team needs, and negotiation dynamics, we can estimate based on historical models like the Jimmy Johnson Trade Value Chart and the more modern Rich Hill Trade Value Model, both widely referenced in draft analysis.

Context of the 2025 NFL Draft

The Rams hold the 26th pick and are targeting the 15th pick, as a trade-up example. The Rams, under GM Les Snead, have a history of bold draft moves, often trading up for marquee players, though recent years have seen them accumulate mid-round picks instead. Trading from 26 to 15 would likely aim to secure a high-impact player—perhaps a tightened such as Tyler Warren, or reach for a quarterback such as Jaxson Dart—depending on the board’s flow.

Trade Value Charts

1. Jimmy Johnson Trade Value Chart
   • Pick 15: 1,050 points
   • Pick 26: 700 points
   • Difference: 1,050 – 700 = 350 points.
   • Rams pick: 90 140 points
   • Rams pick 101 96 points
   • Trading our first-round pick at #29 and BOTH our third-round picks would still leave a deficient of 114

The Atlanta Falcons hold the 15th pick. Perhaps Snead could convince his old pal Raheem Morris to swing a deal (not likely).

Historical Precedents

Looking at past trades for similar jumps in the first round:

• 2024 Draft: Lions move from 29 to 24 (via Cowboys)
  • Lions gave: Pick 29 (725 points) + Pick 73 (225 points) = 950 points
  • Received: Pick 24 (740 points) + 2025 7th (~3 points) = ~743 points
  • Cost: Roughly a third-round pick to move up 5 spots.
• 2023 Draft: Cardinals move from 12 to 6 (via Lions)
  • Cardinals gave: Pick 12 (1,200 points) + Pick 34 (560 points) + Pick 168 (~40 points) = ~1,800 points
  • Received: Pick 6 (1,600 points) = 1,600 points
  • Cost: A high second-round pick plus a late pick to move up 6 spots.

A move from 26 to 15 (11 spots) is a bigger leap than these examples, suggesting a steeper price than a single third-rounder or even two – but less than 2026 a first-round pick’s value.

Estimating the Cost

Teams trading up typically “overpay” slightly to secure their target, especially if quarterbacks or premium prospects are in play. Given the Rams’ current roster needs—offensive tackle depth, tight end, or secondary help post-free agency—let’s assume they’re chasing a falling blue-chip talent at 15.

Wrapping It Up

For the Rams to trade from 26 to 15 in the 2025 NFL Draft, they’d likely need to surrender their 26th pick, a 2026 second-round pick (e.g., Pick 58), and a 2025 third-round pick. This package—roughly a 10–15% premium over Pick 15’s value—fits historical norms for an 11-spot jump and aligns with the Rams’ aggressive yet calculated draft strategy. If the target is a premium position player and competition heats up, a future first-rounder could enter the conversation, but based on current trends, the above package would take more than the Rams should offer. Given the cost of trading up, if the Rams do make a trade, they are more likely to trade down to acquire a second-round pick and perhaps another 3rd or 4th round pick

NFL Draft Value Chart

In reality, it all depends on the team they would be trading with and how much the Rams could sweeten the pot.

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