TL;DR
- Atlanta Falcons sent their first-round pick to Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 NFL Draft.
- The Rams might select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with their top-10 pick.
- Downs is considered the premier safety and can immediately contribute to the Rams.
- The Rams could consider trading the pick if they don't love any prospects.
For reasons unknown, the Atlanta Falcons opted to send their initial first-round selection to the Los Angeles Rams, and this pick presently stands as the eighth overall choice in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Rams have not only been the NFL's top team this year, but they'll also secure a top-10 draft selection in a highly competitive draft class.
CBS Sports' Mike Renner recently suggested that instead of trading the draft pick for more assets, the Rams might choose Caleb Downs from Ohio State.
“The Rams are a nickel-base team through and through. They want as many defensive backs on the field as possible on every play, and Downs is the kind of defender who can keep them strong against the run, even out of those looks,” he wrote.
Throughout this draft process, Downs has been considered the premier safety, a reputation further solidified during his tenure at Ohio State.
Given he plays for one of the nation's top defensive squads, he's well-positioned to join the NFL and immediately contribute, even to a roster as skilled as the Los Angeles team's.
It might not be the worst idea for the Rams to consider moving on from this pick if they don’t love anyone, but if someone like Downs were to fall to them, it would feel too good to pass up.
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