Some don't like trading high picks. I love it. As I have posted many, many times. There is a 90% chance that the #23 pick won't outperform the established player already playing at a high level.
Than backfill with lower round picks by quantity where you playing odds that more shots on goal, increases that one will make it through.
Than not being afraid to use free agency. Whitworth deal and the Fisher firing allowed Goff to develop and get confidence. IF Whitworth never plays another down, that one year of development, was well worth that signing.
The Rams have played all the right cards this past 2 years. Even the Watkins deal in my book, is a great deal. While he underachieved and was a one year rental, the Rams had a threat last year and it opened it up for Gurley and the Rams get some mojo back and a playoff appearance. To boot, since he was on the last year of contract and left as free agent, the Rams may get a pick back even if it is a round lower, my guess, it didn't hurt the odds of that player being that much of a lesser player than the original pick that the Rams gave up.
The analytics of the Rams right now with the way the team works personnel is forward thinking and a breath of fresh air for a decade of we can't do that for this reason, and can't do that for another reason. The Rams go out and get it done, period.
And the result, is a much improved team.