Rams Poised to Trade Down with Chiefs in the 2025 NFL Draft

Rams poised to trade town and pick up more draft capital

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the 2025 NFL season, their ambitions remain sky-high following a dynasty-defining run in recent years. However, with key players aging and roster gaps emerging after a disappointing Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2025, the Chiefs are poised to make bold moves to sustain their dominance. One such move, projected by Nate Taylor of The Athletic on March 24, 2025, involves a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to secure a promising defensive tackle in the upcoming NFL Draft. This potential deal could reshape the Chiefs’ defensive front and set the stage for another Super Bowl push.

The Context: A Dynasty at a Crossroads

The Chiefs’ 2024 season ended in heartbreak, as the Philadelphia Eagles overwhelmed Patrick Mahomes and company in Super Bowl LIX, exposing vulnerabilities in Kansas City’s roster. While Mahomes remains the heartbeat of the franchise, the offensive line struggled mightily against Philadelphia’s ferocious front four, and the defensive interior showed signs of wear. The offseason has only compounded these concerns, with the departure of key contributors like guard Joe Thuney (traded to the Chicago Bears) and safety Justin Reid (signed by the New Orleans Saints). Meanwhile, star defensive tackle Chris Jones, now 31, continues to anchor the line but cannot defy Father Time forever.

To address these challenges, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has already made waves in free agency, signing left tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal and restructuring contracts for Mahomes and Jones to free up $49.446 million in cap space. Yet, the draft remains a critical opportunity to inject youth and talent into the roster, particularly along the defensive line. With the 31st overall pick in hand, Kansas City is well-positioned to maneuver—but Taylor’s projection suggests they won’t settle for staying put.

The Trade Proposal: Moving Up for Walter Nolen

In his March 24 article for The Athletic, Nate Taylor envisions the Chiefs striking a deal with the Los Angeles Rams to climb five spots in the first round, from pick No. 31 to No. 26. The proposed trade would see Kansas City send their 31st overall pick and a fourth-round selection to the Rams in exchange for the 26th overall pick. With this newfound draft capital, Taylor predicts the Chiefs would select Walter Nolen, a standout defensive tackle from Mississippi, to fortify their interior line.

The cost—a first-round pick and a fourth-rounder—may seem steep for a modest jump, but the logic is sound. The Chiefs are in win-now mode, and securing a player of Nolen’s caliber could pay immediate dividends while also planning for the future. The Rams, meanwhile, might welcome the additional pick as they navigate their own roster transition, especially after parting ways with aging stars in recent years.

Who is Walter Nolen?

Walter Nolen is no ordinary prospect. A former five-star recruit, Nolen began his college career at Texas A&M before transferring to Ole Miss, where he blossomed into a disruptive force. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing over 300 pounds, Nolen combines size, speed, and raw power that make him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. In his final college season, he recorded 6.5 sacks and showcased his ability to collapse pockets and clog running lanes—a skill set tailor-made for Kansas City’s needs.

Analysts praise Nolen’s versatility, noting his potential to play multiple positions along the defensive front. While he’s not yet the polished pass-rusher that Chris Jones is, his upside is tantalizing. Pairing him with Jones could create a devastating tandem, allowing Nolen to learn from one of the NFL’s best while gradually stepping into a larger role. As Jones approaches the twilight of his career, Nolen could emerge as his long-term successor, ensuring the Chiefs’ defense remains elite for years to come.

Why This Move Makes Sense for Kansas City

The Chiefs’ defensive line has been a cornerstone of their success, with Jones leading the charge. However, depth and durability have become pressing concerns. Derrick Nnadi’s departure in free agency and the inconsistent play of younger linemen have left gaps that must be filled. The Super Bowl loss to the Eagles underscored this vulnerability, as Philadelphia’s Jordan Davis and company dominated the trenches, sacking Mahomes repeatedly and stifling Kansas City’s run game.

Nolen’s arrival would address these issues head-on. His 6.5 sacks in college signal his pass-rushing potential, while his size and strength make him an immediate asset against the run. Playing alongside Jones, Nolen could thrive in a rotational role as a rookie, preserving Jones’ energy for critical moments while developing his own skills. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, known for his creative schemes, would relish the opportunity to deploy such a dynamic duo.

Moreover, this trade aligns with the Chiefs’ broader strategy. Veach has never shied away from aggressive moves—think of the trades for Mahomes in 2017 or cornerback Trent McDuffie in 2022. Trading up five spots is a calculated risk, but the reward could be a cornerstone player who keeps Kansas City atop the AFC.

The Rams’ Perspective

For the Rams, this deal offers flexibility. Sitting at No. 26, they could still land a high-quality prospect while gaining an extra fourth-round pick to address multiple needs. After a 2024 season that saw them fall short of playoff contention, Los Angeles is in a retooling phase. Trading down allows them to accumulate assets without sacrificing too much draft value, a hallmark of GM Les Snead’s approach. If the Chiefs come calling, the Rams might find it hard to say no.

Potential Ripple Effects

If this trade materializes, it could reshape the first round. Teams behind the Chiefs—such as the Baltimore Ravens or Tampa Bay Buccaneers—might adjust their plans, especially if they had eyes on Nolen or another top defensive tackle like Michigan’s Kenneth Grant. For Kansas City, landing Nolen could also influence their Day 2 and Day 3 picks, allowing them to focus on other needs like wide receiver or offensive line depth.

On the field, Nolen’s impact could be immediate. Imagine a third-and-long scenario in 2025: Jones and Nolen crashing the interior, edge rusher George Karlaftis looping outside, and Mahomes waiting to capitalize on a quick stop. It’s a recipe for the kind of dominance that has defined the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl runs.

The Bigger Picture: Sustaining a Dynasty

The Chiefs’ dynasty isn’t dead, but it’s at a pivotal juncture. Mahomes, still in his prime, gives them a perpetual Super Bowl window, but the supporting cast must evolve. The offensive line, bolstered by Moore, needs time to gel, and the defense can’t rely solely on Jones forever. Trading up for Nolen represents a proactive step to bridge the present and future, ensuring Kansas City remains a juggernaut.

As the NFL Draft approaches in late April 2025, all eyes will be on Veach and the Chiefs’ war room. Will they pull the trigger on this blockbuster with the Rams? If Taylor’s projection holds true, Walter Nolen could be the next piece in a championship puzzle that shows no signs of fading. For Chiefs Kingdom, it’s a tantalizing prospect—one that could keep the Lombardi Trophy in Kansas City for years to come.

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