Oakland sent the Rams picks No. 89 and No. 217 to move up two…
Oakland sent the Rams picks No. 89 and No. 217 to move up two spots to No. 87 and select edge rusher Arden Key. The Raiders moved up two spots for Arden Key, who showed pass-rush flashes but never established himself as a long-term Oakland starter. The Rams moved back and selected Joseph Noteboom, who stayed with the organization for years as a starter and versatile offensive lineman, while the extra sixth-round selection also retained trade value. Los Angeles got the more durable return.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 2018 3rd round pick (87th overall, Arden Key)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 2018 3rd round pick (89th overall, Joseph Noteboom )
- pick 2018 6th round pick (217th overall subsequently traded, Keishawn Bierria)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Oakland sent the Rams picks No. 89 and No. 217 to move up two spots to No. 87 and select edge rusher Arden Key. The price to move from No. 89 to No. 87 was only a late sixth-rounder, so Oakland did not make a reckless bet. Still, when two teams select players at nearly the same point of the draft, career longevity becomes the cleanest measure, and Noteboom supplied far more years to the Rams.
Why the Value Moved
The Raiders moved up two spots for Arden Key, who showed pass-rush flashes but never established himself as a long-term Oakland starter. The Rams moved back and selected Joseph Noteboom, who stayed with the organization for years as a starter and versatile offensive lineman, while the extra sixth-round selection also retained trade value. Los Angeles got the more durable return.
How the Trade Aged
The trade aged in favor of Los Angeles Rams because the most meaningful contribution came from that side of the exchange. The original draft-slot gap was only part of the equation; durability, starting value, postseason usefulness and any follow-on value matter more once the careers are known. The losing side still received something useful in most cases here, but not enough to erase the difference in realized impact.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This trade is a useful reminder that draft charts and announcement-day reactions cannot settle a verdict. A move up can be justified when the targeted player becomes a long-term starter, while a move down can win when extra selections create more total contribution. The fairest historical view follows what the clubs actually received and how long that value lasted.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles Rams Win. The grades are Las Vegas Raiders C, Los Angeles Rams B+. The winning grade reflects the stronger realized football return, while the lower mark recognizes that the other club still acted within a defensible roster or draft strategy at the time.