The Los Angeles Rams saw yet another trade rumor emerge ahead of the draft, this time with the protected target being Kenyon Sadiq.
Sadiq has been linked to the Rams this offseason, but speculation has shifted to wide receiver, offensive tackle, and even running back during the pre-draft process. With the draft just one day away, though, there is renewed smoke signaling a potential fire.
Moreover, the Rams’ own history suggests the approach is realistic.
Rams Predicted to Select Kenyon Sadiq After Draft Day Trade
GettyKenyon Sadiq #18 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
In a follow-up to his intel-based mock draft, in which he projected the Rams would select USC receiver Makai Lemon with the 13th overall pick, ESPN’s Peter Schrager did another. This time, the Rams would trade back with the Detroit Lions to select Sadiq.
Schrager included the framework for a potential trade that would see the Rams move back four spots and pick up additional capital.
They would also get Sadiq, whom Schrager reports has sparked “ a lot of … intrigue” in LA.
Rams get:
- 2026 first-round pick (No. 17 overall/Kenyon Sadiq)
- 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 118 overall)
- 2027 second-round pick
Lions get:
- 2026 first-round pick (No. 13 overall/Kadyn Proctor)
“They already have multiple contributing tight ends, but that depth chart could look different in a year — especially since current TE1 Colby Parkinson is a free agent in 2027. Sadiq is an explosive pass catcher who could help Matthew Stafford in a key go-for-it year in L.A.,” Schrager wrote on April 22.
“You know coach Sean McVay would figure out ways to get the ball in Sadiq’s hands. This would be the second year in a row that the Rams took an Oregon tight end after going with Terrance Ferguson in Round 2 last April.”
This offseason marks six years since the Rams acquired Stafford in a trade with the Lions.
They went on to win the Super Bowl that season. This season, the Rams could make a trade to draft Sadiq, hoping he is one of the final pieces of another Super Bowl team.
Rams Have History of Pairing College Teammates
GettyLos Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead on the field before a game against the New York Jets.
Ferguson’s presence could prove more than cursory if the Rams indeed come away from the cycle with Sadiq.
“One thing of note when it comes to the Rams potentially drafting Kenyon Sadiq,” Rams On SI’s Blaine Grisak posted on X in reaction to Schrager’s mock. “Les Snead has put teammates together throughout his time with the Rams.
“…putting Sadiq and Ferguson back together isn’t a stretch.”
Grisak pointed to Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin in the 2013 draft, Braden Fiske and Jared Verse in 2024, and Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson via trade and free agency this offseason.
Moreover, there is a practical reason for the Rams to pursue Sadiq, as veteran Super Bowl champion and former starter Tyler Higbee is also on an expiring contract and coming off an injury-marred season.
Reserve Davis Allen is also set to be a free agent in 2027.
Rams Get Late QB Push
GettyTy Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide changes the call during the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game.
The other position the Rams have been heavily linked to is quarterback, due to speculation, Stafford’s age, and their own actions this offseason. They have done considerable legwork on the presumed second and third QB prospects in the class.
One in particular, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, got a late additional push as the potential pick.
However, rather than moving back, possibly even into the second round–where some project Simpson could go–The Ringer’s Todd McShay projected LA would use the 13th overall pick.
McShay’s take was admittedly a reflection of his belief there will be “some kind of fireworks” from LA. He began the blurb with, “I’m not saying it’s going to happen,” but noted that the Rams “think extremely highly of him.”
Be it a trade to land Sadiq, staying put for Simpson, or something else, the Rams have options.
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