The Los Angeles Rams aim for the perfect balance between two options.
There’s no denying that Matthew Stafford, the renowned quarterback for the Rams, is approaching the later stages of his career. Recently, he and the team came to an agreement on a restructured contract. This arrangement ensures that Stafford remains their starting quarterback through the 2025 season, with plans to reassess annually following the upcoming season.
Even though Stafford will remain with the team for at least another year, locating a franchise quarterback in the NFL is incredibly challenging. According to ESPN’s NFLDraft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., this remains true. latest mock draft , Sean McVay along with his team identify Stafford's possible replacement before the reigning Super Bowl champion quarterback decides to retire.
Kiper predicts that the Rams will choose Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the 26th overall pick in this month’s draft. This move might help maintain their momentum without undergoing a full reconstruction once Stafford concludes his career.
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I really like this choice due to its promising potential. The Rams’ coach, Sean McVay, might be able to groom Dart into a reliable starting player down the line. However, I use the term ‘down the line’ since Matthew Stafford’s contract extension keeps him with the team for at least one more year. Given his age—Stafford being 37—the Rams must start planning now for what lies ahead after 2026.
Dart can consistently target receivers right at their sweet spots, and his skill in throwing on the move adds excitement to the game. Last season, he threw for an impressive 4,279 passing yards with 29 touchdown passes and only six interceptions. Additionally, this selection would return him to the West Coast—after playing for USC in 2021, Dart transferred to Ole Miss.
With an entire season to develop under Stafford and adjust to the NFL game following his time in Lane Kiffin's run-pass option-focused scheme, Dart possesses significant potential at the professional level.
Stafford, who is 37 years old, has concluded his 16th season in the NFL, during which he threw for 3,762 yards, completed 20 touchdown passes, and had eight interceptions.
The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 24.
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