Atlanta sent the Rams picks No. 244 and No. 256 to move up to…
Atlanta sent the Rams picks No. 244 and No. 256 to move up to No. 194 and select wide receiver Russell Gage. Atlanta moved up for Russell Gage, who developed from a sixth-round special-teams prospect into a productive receiver and eventually posted consecutive 700-yard seasons. The Rams selected Justin Lawler at No. 244 and moved No. 256 in another trade. Lawler provided depth, but Gage generated far more offensive production and became a meaningful part of Atlanta's passing game.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 2018 6th round pick (194th overall, Russell Gage)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 2018 7th round pick (244th overall, Justin Lawler)
- pick 2018 7th round pick (256th overall subsequently traded, Trey Quinn)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Atlanta sent the Rams picks No. 244 and No. 256 to move up to No. 194 and select wide receiver Russell Gage. Atlanta paid two seventh-rounders to move into the sixth, a small price for a player the front office wanted. Gage initially contributed on special teams before expanding his offensive role. Los Angeles received two late selections and kept churning the bottom of the roster, but neither side assumed major draft risk.
Why the Value Moved
Atlanta moved up for Russell Gage, who developed from a sixth-round special-teams prospect into a productive receiver and eventually posted consecutive 700-yard seasons. The Rams selected Justin Lawler at No. 244 and moved No. 256 in another trade. Lawler provided depth, but Gage generated far more offensive production and became a meaningful part of Atlanta's passing game.
How the Trade Aged
The trade aged in favor of Atlanta Falcons 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
Atlanta Falcons Win. The grades are Atlanta Falcons B+, Los Angeles Rams C+. 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.