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The Los Angeles Rams last entered the draft with a first round pick in 2019, then they proceeded to trade back multiple times, unknowingly assuring that the franchise would go at least seven straight years without a first round pick. Barring a future trade, of course, but one that is nearly impossible in 2021.
So as usual, the Rams will be sitting out of the first round, instead enjoying day one with a glass of natural wine in one hand and Jalen Ramsey’s rights in the other.
I know that personally I find it frustrating to see LA without a day one pick given that the NFL Draft is my favorite event of the year. The first round brings the most excitement of any other day, in my opinion, and the 2021 class could be the most intriguing of the last 20 years.
The 49ers have already traded up for a quarterback. The Dolphins have already traded up for a ... a reason that nobody can figure out. Some believe that five quarterbacks will go in the top-ten, though I think the surprise of the day will be which quarterbacks do not go as early as expected.
There also might not be a defensive player picked in the top-six, or even in the single digits, with some believing that the Cowboys at 10 will be the first team to go for a prospect on that side of the ball. This is in part because of the quarterbacks, but also because of a transcendent tight end, an offensive tackle who was getting Heisman buzz in 2019, a receiver who got more than Heisman buzz, and another wideout who regularly put up 200 yards for a championship team prior to opting out of last season.
All of which makes up headlines but ignores that there could be impact day one starters at both the top and the bottom of a first round that is sure to surprise given the complete lack of clarity on which prospects actually have a first round grade this year.
So as Rams fans, it leaves some open ended questions as to how you’ll approach next Thursday’s first round:
Which spot in the draft are you most intrigued by?
Which prospect in the draft are you most excited about?
Which prospect is the most overrated?
Which team is going to be left with a bust?
Which players are going to go much later than they should?
How important is it to you to see who the 49ers and Cardinals select? And which players do you want them to stay far, far away from?
Which broadcast — ESPN or NFL Network — are you going to watch?
Will you even tune in before the Rams are on the clock on day two?
Round 1
3) San Francisco 49ers (from Houston Texans through Miami Dolphins)
6) Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia Eagles)
10) Dallas Cowboys
11) New York Giants
12) Philadelphia Eagles (from San Francisco 49ers through Miami Dolphins)
18) Miami Dolphins
20) Chicago Bears
22) Tennessee Titans
23) New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks)
25) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)
26) Cleveland Browns
27) Baltimore Ravens
30) Buffalo Bills