KC Chiefs: 3 possible trade partners in 2023 NFL Draft
By Jacob Milham
Trade Down: Los Angeles Rams
Trading down is not at all a popular option. But if a desperate team like the Los Angeles Rams blows Kansas City away with an offer, why say no?
The Chiefs are firmly within their competitive window, especially with years of Patrick Mahomes ahead. The Rams won the Super Bowl less than two years ago, but that team felt far from a contender in 2022. Injuries to wide receiver Cooper Kupp and quarterback Matthew Stafford, plus substandard player development, have hindered the team’s long-term outlook. One thing about the Rams is that they do not value early-round selections like other teams do. They have not drafted in the first round since 2016 when they took Jared Goff first overall. All their other first-round selections have gone to other teams via trade.
Los Angeles competes with a million other things in that market for attention. If team ownership deems a splash necessary for people to keep their jobs, one such splash could be moving into the tail end of the first round.
It is a minor move down for the Chiefs, who might have missed out on several players by selecting No. 31. If Veach wants to bridge the gap between the 63rd and 95th picks, netting the 77th would be an okay return. While this trade is fair, I do not think the Chiefs should trade out of the first round unless they get blown away by an offer.