The Rams were in a desperate search to add to their defensive line this offseason after the retirement of superstar Aaron Donald, but they might have been too desperate in their pursuit of such a talent.
According to a new chart released by ESPN's Seth Walder, the Rams incurred the most expensive overpay on Day 2 of any of the last six drafts in their move up to secure Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske. The Rams paid their own second-round pick, a fifth-round pick, and a second-round pick in 2025 to move up 13 spots.
The Rams' trade-up for Braden Fiske was the most expensive Day 2 overpay of at least the last six drafts, according to ESPN's draft pick valuations.
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) April 29, 2024
Rams traded 52, 155 and a 2025 2nd to Carolina for 39. pic.twitter.com/JwUmYx6xeC
Time will tell if such a trade will pay off, but the move has been widely criticized across the board. It's difficult to see it laid out like this, but if Fiske delivers on his production, I doubt too many will complain. Still, the 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be immensely more talented than the 2024 class. Such a loss of a premium pick will be tough to swallow, no matter what happens in 2024.