The Rams haven't picked in the first round of the NFL Draft since selecting quarterback Jared Goff No. 1 overall in 2016. Three years later and boasting the No. 31 pick, general manager Les Snead and the defending NFC Champs have the chance to welcome a first-round selection to Los Angeles ahead of year three with head coach Sean McVay.
Over the past 10 drafts, three running backs, two defensive ends, two linebackers, two offensive linemen, and a defensive back have been picked at No. 31. Interestingly, the Rams have the chance to become the third NFC West team in the previous four drafts to pick at No. 31. In 2017, the 49ers took former Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster with the first round selection, Seattle picked up a utility offensive lineman in Germain Ifedi the year prior.
Big names called at No. 31 on Thursday night in recent memory include Patriots running back and former college teammate of running back Todd Gurley, Sony Michel, former All-Pro running back Doug Martin, and defensive end Cameron Heyward, who was drafted out of Ohio State and has posted back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in Pittsburgh. Three-time Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen was picked up by the Bears at No. 31 back in 2007, following an impressive career at the University of Miami.
Should the Rams hold onto their first-round pick on Thursday night, it'll be the club's 10th first-rounder since the 2010 draft, and the first selection at No. 31 since taking linebacker Robert Thomas back in 2002.
Rams first-round picks who will wear horns in 2019 include Goff (No. 1, 2016), Gurley (No. 10, 2015), defensive tackle Aaron Donald (No. 13, 2014), and defensive tackle Michael Brockers (No. 14, 2012).
No. 31 selections since 2009
2018 RB Sony Michel, Georgia - New England
2017 LB Reuben Foster, Alabama - San Francisco
2016 G Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M - Seattle
2015 LB Stephone Anthony, Clemson - New Orleans
2014 DB Bradley Roby, Ohio St. - Denver
2013 C Travis Frederick, Wisconsin - Dallas
2012 RB Doug Martin, Boise State - Tampa Bay
2011 DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State - Pittsburgh
2010 DE Jerry Hughes, TCU - Indianapolis
2009 RB Beanie Wells, Ohio State - Arizona
For the Rams history picking at No. 31, click here.
