Dec 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) line up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

nfl

Sources: Rams tried to trade for 13th pick to draft Brock Bowers, but it wasn’t enough

Rams’ trade for Brock Bowers rejected. Here's why

The Los Angeles Rams made efforts to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Georgia TE, Brock Bowers. Despite the multiple attempts made, the Las Vegas Raiders declined the offer. They held on to the 13th overall pick.

Rams’ trade offers detailed

The Rams began their attempts to move up with a proposal to the New York Jets for the 10th overall pick. They offered their 19th pick, a second-round selection (No. 52), and a third-rounder (No. 99). The Jets declined and eventually traded with the Minnesota Vikings. They then used the pick to draft quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

The #Rams reportedly attempted to trade for the 13th pick to select TE Brock Bowers, but the #Raiders rejected their offer.

LA could have had a receiving unit headlined by Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Bowers. #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/fU7NvaUAVZ
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) December 20, 2024

Shifting their focus to the Raiders at No. 13, the Rams offered the 19th pick, No. 52, and requested a fourth-round swap. Raiders GM Tom Telesco refused the offer, opting to select Bowers despite tight end not being a pressing need for the team.

Why the Rams targeted Bowers

Bowers was widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the draft. The Rams wanted his addition to fill a key gap in their system under head coach Sean McVay. He was vied beacuse of his impact on both the passing and running game. For a Rams offense looking to add dynamics, he was a logical choice.

Yet, the Rams’ draft position at No. 19 limited their reach to secure him.

Raiders prioritize talent over need

While the Raiders had other positional needs, they prioritized talent over fit. Bowers was the best player available on their draft board, and the team chose not to trade down despite receiving offers that included additional draft capital.

Terrion Arnold says the #Raiders called him after the draft to let him know they had a coin flip between him and Brock Bowers at No. 13.

(🎥 @NextRoundLive)

pic.twitter.com/k6RGHEcSXW
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 8, 2024

After missing out on Brock Bowers, the Rams stayed at No. 19 and selected Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse. While Verse addresses a need on defense, it was evident from the draft room footage that he was not the Rams’ first choice.

Image: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Brock Bowers

Raiders

Rams

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
Favorite part? The chaos. One day it’s a blockbuster trade, the next it’s a goat running onto the field. Never boring.
Message to readers: If you want deep analysis, there are people for that. If you want sharp, no-BS writing that actually makes sense, stick around.