Rams Acquire 2026 First-Round Pick from Falcons in Bold NFL Draft Trade
During the first day of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, only four trades took place, but one stood out: the Atlanta Falcons made a surprising move to trade back into the first round, sending a 2026 first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams.
Atlanta gave up pick No. 46, pick No. 242, and their 2026 first-round selection to acquire pick No. 26 and pick No. 101 from the Rams. With that 26th overall pick, the Falcons selected Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr., adding to their earlier first-round pick of Georgia linebacker Mykal Walker at No. 15.
The decision sparked mixed reactions across the NFL community. Some questioned using a future first-rounder for Pearce, while others praised the Rams for gaining flexibility, especially in a 2026 draft expected to be strong at quarterback.
NFL analyst Sheil Kapadia called it a “great trade for the Rams,” highlighting the potential value of Atlanta’s future pick. Others were baffled by the Falcons’ aggressive approach, particularly considering their recent struggles and quarterback uncertainty. Though Michael Penix Jr. showed promise, Atlanta’s playoff hopes remain uncertain.
Now armed with two first-round picks in 2026, the Rams are in a strong position for the future. Meanwhile, the Falcons’ move is seen as risky, especially if their 2026 pick ends up being high.
