Los Angeles Rams: First-round trades to make in the 2019 NFL Draft
By Jason Reed
![EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Olivier Vernon #54 of the New York Giants sacks Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 18-10. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images) EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Olivier Vernon #54 of the New York Giants sacks Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 18-10. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2de9b3897d54a80d51a6d3c04f51dabdd54fb7aad5cec56e45ba7a17847378e4.jpg)
Why the Los Angeles Rams would do it:
This trade might not be overly popular with Rams fans when they first see it but it would accomplish multiple things for the Rams. Not only would the team be moving up a mid-round selection in this trade but it would be opening some much-needed cap space.
Michael Brockers is a productive player and that is why the Rams should look to shop him in the draft. He is on an expiring deal and carries an $11 million cap hit this season.
For a team like the Atlanta Falcons, who could use a defensive tackle and are talented enough to be a playoff team, a guy like Brockers can make a difference. Sure, it means sacrificing 15 spots but it makes sense if there are no players that the Falcons are overly high on with the 14th pick.
The Rams obviously get to move up and can add an impact linebacker that can be an every down backer from day one and is also clearing up that $11 million to re-sign Ndamukong Suh.
Suh is a free agent and is a better player than Michael Brockers. While it would suck to see him go, I would much rather see Suh sign a three-year deal with the Rams opposed to Brockers hitting the cap hard this year and then leaving.