Is it worth trading into the top 5 of the NFL draft?

The Los Angeles Rams altered the trajectory of the 2016 NFL Draft when they traded up with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday for the first overall pick.

Tennessee received the 15th, 43rd, 45th, and 76th picks in April's draft, along with the Rams' first- and third-round choices in 2017, in exchange for the first, 113th, and 177th selections in 2016.

With the Rams on the verge of a franchise-altering decision, we examine whether it's worth trading into the top five of the NFL draft based on previous outcomes.

Bills trade up for Watkins, 2014

Was it worth it? Buffalo traded a massive package to move up five spots and select Watkins, the team's most dynamic playmaker in a decade. Although Watkins lived up to expectations, the Bills should've kept the ninth overall pick to select Odell Beckham Jr., who landed with the Giants at 12th overall.

The Browns whiffed on the Gilbert selection, however, mitigating a potentially disastrous outcome for Buffalo, and it's too early to tell whether Erving will be an impactful starter. Watkins has displayed glimpses of superstar potential, and the Bills didn't suffer as badly as many anticipated without their 2015 first-round pick, so the trade appears to have been worth it.

Dolphins trade up for Jordan, 2013

Was it worth it? Jordan's been a spectacular bust, his career marred by three suspensions for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. The former Oregon standout has recorded three total sacks and is one indiscretion away from his release by the Dolphins' new regime. Adding insult to injury, Miami would've been much better off using the pick on Ezekiel Ansah, who was named a second-team All-Pro in 2015.

Oakland received some functional value out of its selections, although Hayden performed poorly as one of the team's starting corners in 2015. Watson proved to be a rotational starter at right tackle, but injuries hindered his development. This trade wasn't worth it for either party, although it represents a cautionary tale for Dolphins management going forward as Jordan's career is likely beyond redemption.

Redskins trade up for Griffin, 2012

Was it worth it? The Redskins' high-risk, high-reward approach to the draft was initially lauded after they selected reigning Heisman winner Robert Griffin III. During his first season, RG3 looked every bit the part of franchise savior, capturing Offensive Rookie of the Year and leading the club to the NFC East title.

Griffin re-aggravated ACL and PCL injuries in a postseason loss to the Seattle Seahawks, beginning a downward trajectory that he couldn't pull out of in Washington. Over his next three years with the club, Griffin failed to regain his rookie-season form and clashed with two head coaches (Mike Shanahan and Jay Gruden) and teammates, leading to his release in March.

It was a calculated gamble for the Redskins that ultimately didn't work out due to Griffin's decline and refusal to cooperate with teammates. The Rams eventually turned the trade into eight players, most of them functional rotation pieces, but no stars.

Browns trade up for Richardson, 2012

Was it worth it? Trent Richardson was the most highly touted running back prospect since Adrian Peterson, and the Browns believed they'd found a Hall of Fame talent. Although Richardson drew comparisons to Emmitt Smith and Earl Campbell, he proved to be one of the worst picks in NFL history relative to his draft value and got shipped to the Indianapolis Colts during his second season.

In order to move up just one spot, the Browns traded multiple picks that proved valuable for the Vikings. Kalil was named to the Pro Bowl in 2012, and while he struggled immensely in 2014, he's proven to be a capable left tackle. Wright and Blanton both played four seasons with Minnesota and were used well as solid rotational pieces (the latter signed with the Bills in March).

Simply put, this trade was an unmitigated disaster for the Browns.

Jets trade up for Sanchez, 2009

Was it worth it? Sanchez's accomplishments with the Jets were unfairly obscured by the Butt Fumble, a single mistake that overshadowed what he achieved during the rest of his tenure. Although his raw statistical output never met his lofty draft expectations, Sanchez commandeered the Jets to consecutive AFC Championship Games in his first two years and proved worthy of the risk.

While Sanchez flamed out during his final year with New York and became the butt of one of the internet's favorite jokes, the Jets get a conditional pass because he brought the club to the verge of a Super Bowl.

The Browns traded the 17th overall pick twice, moving down to select Alex Mack at No. 21. Mack became a three-time Pro Bowler and a fulcrum of the team's offensive line, then signed a contract in March with the Atlanta Falcons that made him the highest-paid center in the NFL. For all parties, it proved to be a win-win scenario.