Rams' Draft Trade for Falcons' 2026 1st-Round Pick Called 'Brilliant' by NFL Exec

The Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons swung one of the biggest, and most surprising, trades at last week's NFL draft, as the Rams traded the Nos. 26 and 101 selections to Atlanta for Nos. 46 and 242 and a 2026 first-rounder.

The Falcons used the added first-rounder this year to take edge-rusher James Pearce Jr., doubling up on the position after selecting Jalon Walker at No. 15. But for some decision-makers around the league, it was a massive price to pay and a great deal for the Rams.

"That was brilliant by them—good stuff," an executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando.

"It's a really smart move by the Rams, but I bet it was hard for them to do because they are not wired to punt like that," another executive added. "It will be interesting to see how they maneuver the season and whether they use draft capital to improve their team."

Of course, not everyone thought it was a terrible deal for Atlanta.

"I'm sure the way they are rationalizing it is, 'We gave up a first next year to get a first this year, and we basically did that for moving back from the second to the third,'" an executive told Sando. "If you look at that objectively, it's not as bad as it sounds. People overlook getting the third back from the Rams as part of the deal."

But for the Rams, having two first-rounders in a 2026 draft that most people believe will be stronger than this year's is an excellent development. And while the Falcons, on paper, look like a contender to win the NFC South, any struggles in Atlanta could leave the Rams with a fantastic pick.