Browns Seek Trade Down, Rams Weigh Move Up

Cleveland open to trading 6th overall pick, Rams could target top defensive prospects

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and draft prospects, conveying the strategic maneuvering between NFL teams on draft day.The Browns' willingness to trade down in the draft presents the Rams with an opportunity to move up and secure top talent.Los Angeles Today

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly open to trading down from the 6th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and the Los Angeles Rams could be a potential trade partner as they look to bolster their defense. Prospects like safety Caleb Downs and offensive tackle Spencer Fano have been linked to the Rams, who may be willing to move up from their current 13th overall selection to secure top talent.

Why it matters

The Rams are coming off a down year and have several key free agents on the offensive line looming in 2027. Moving up in the draft could allow them to land an elite prospect to solidify their future, whether it's a game-changing safety or a blue-chip offensive lineman. For the Browns, trading down could net them additional draft capital to address other needs.

The details

According to The Athletic's Dane Brugler, the Browns are 'for sure' looking to trade down from the 6th overall pick. This could present an opportunity for the Rams, who hold the 13th selection, to package picks and move up. Prospects like Caleb Downs and Spencer Fano have been identified as potential targets for the Rams, as they look to bolster their defense and offensive line, respectively. The Rams could also explore options at receiver, running back, or edge rusher if the right player falls to them.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29.

The players

Cleveland Browns

An NFL franchise based in Cleveland, Ohio, that holds the 6th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and is reportedly open to trading down.

Los Angeles Rams

An NFL franchise based in Los Angeles, California, that holds the 13th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and could be interested in moving up to address needs on defense and the offensive line.

Caleb Downs

A highly-touted safety prospect projected to be a top-7 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, who could be a target for the Rams if they trade up.

Spencer Fano

The top-ranked offensive tackle prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft, who could provide the Rams with a long-term solution on the offensive line.

Dane Brugler

A senior draft analyst for The Athletic, who reported that the Browns are looking to trade down from the 6th overall pick.

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What they’re saying

“We for sure know the Browns want to trade down.”

— Dane Brugler, Senior Draft Analyst

What’s next

The 2023 NFL Draft will take place from April 27-29, and the Rams and Browns will continue to evaluate their options in the lead-up to the event. If the Browns are unable to find a trade partner for the 6th overall pick, the Rams may make a push to move up and secure a top defensive prospect or offensive lineman.

The takeaway

This potential trade scenario highlights the Rams' willingness to be aggressive in the draft to address key needs, while the Browns' openness to trading down could provide them with additional draft capital to build out their roster. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for both teams' long-term outlooks.