ESPN analyst lays out hypothetical trade for Rams to acquire Colts WR

The NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, with deals having to be made by Nov. 10. The Los Angeles Rams are always open to making trades if they believe it'll help their team win a Super Bowl, and this season should be no exception.

Sean McVay indicated on Monday that the team is content with its current roster, especially knowing players such as Myles Garrett, Terrance Ferguson and Davante Adams will be back at some point. But if they want to explore adding to their wide receiver room, one player could fit the bill.

Josh Downs requested a trade from the Colts and could be dealt before next Tuesday's deadline. ESPN's Ben Solak predicted some trades that he thinks "might" happen based on fit and logic, not inside information. One of them was the Rams acquiring Downs and a 2027 fifth-round pick from the Colts for a 2028 third-rounder.

Colts trade wide receiver Josh Downs and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Rams for a 2028 third-round pick My biggest hang-up in trading Downs to anyone is that he has to be protected from blocking responsibilities. But the Rams run so much 13 personnel that Downs can easily line up in isolation to the outside and stay out of the run concept. He gives them a short-area winner for the goal-line and third-down packages at which wideout Davante Adams excelled -- and, with Matthew Stafford struggling on longer throws and wanting to check down more often, quick winners are needed. We typically think of Sean McVay as fielding only big-blocking slots, but in this newfangled McVay attack, Downs actually works. If the Rams are still all-in on this version of their team, Downs makes sense as a short-term relief valve and potential long-term signee to pair with Puka Nacua for the Ty Simpson era.

Colts trade wide receiver Josh Downs and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Rams for a 2028 third-round pick

My biggest hang-up in trading Downs to anyone is that he has to be protected from blocking responsibilities. But the Rams run so much 13 personnel that Downs can easily line up in isolation to the outside and stay out of the run concept. He gives them a short-area winner for the goal-line and third-down packages at which wideout Davante Adams excelled -- and, with Matthew Stafford struggling on longer throws and wanting to check down more often, quick winners are needed. We typically think of Sean McVay as fielding only big-blocking slots, but in this newfangled McVay attack, Downs actually works. If the Rams are still all-in on this version of their team, Downs makes sense as a short-term relief valve and potential long-term signee to pair with Puka Nacua for the Ty Simpson era.

Downs is one of several wide receivers who could be dealt, along with Brian Thomas Jr. and potentially Jauan Jennings. Downs would be a good fit with the Rams, manning the slot and allowing Puka Nacua and Adams to play outside.

He also has experience as a punt returner, which everyone knows the Rams could use right about now.

It seems unlikely the Rams will make a trade for a wideout based on McVay's comments, but Downs is someone to watch as the deadline approaches in one week.