Los Angeles Rams Pick Hometown Star, Trade for Future QB in ESPN 3-Round Mock Draft

The Los Angeles Rams were fairly predictable in the first round of ESPN's recent three-round mock draft but kicked off Round 2 with a bang.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. looks to pass against Michigan during the first half of the / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Los Angeles Rams are in an enviable position. They don’t have the league’s best roster or its greatest trove of young talent, but its balance of veteran stars and breakout performances make them a threat to the NFC. 

With a capable heir, that competitive window can be extended even further.

As of now, that title is yet to be earned. Signing backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was a good move that protects the team’s short-term interest, but no one is mistaking him for a franchise quarterback after his stint with the San Francisco 49ers.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. looks to pass against Michigan during the first half of the / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Finding Matthew Stafford’s eventual replacement could be a point of emphasis for Los Angeles during the NFL Draft.

In the first round of ESPN’s three-round mock draft, however, they took the best player available – UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu.

“For the Rams, especially with (Byron) Murphy off the board, edge rusher is the way to go, and Latu is the most complete one in this class,” Mel Kiper wrote. “L.A. hasn’t had a first-round pick since 2016, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Les Snead & Co. traded down here.”

Latu’s blend of athleticism and technique make him a competitor for the first defensive player off the board, though schematic differences between he and Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner could decide their draft-day fates.

He’d be an immediate starter opposite Byron Young and the jolt this pass rush needs after defensive tackle Aaron Donald’s departure.

Kiper may have foreshadowed his intentions for the Rams on Day 2. He has them trading up with the Carolina Panthers for the 33rd overall pick, and the first of the second round. In doing so, Los Angeles deals the Nos. 52 and 83 picks along with a 2025 third-rounder. This gives Carolina extra ammunition to rebuild its roster while allowing the Rams to take their quarterback of the future.

In this scenario, that’s Washington quarterback and Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr.

“Matthew Stafford turned 36 earlier this year, and he has dealt with injuries the past two seasons,” Kiper said. “The Rams could target a passer to start in 2025.”

Penix has the processing speed and aggressiveness to channel Stafford inside head coach Sean McVay’s offense. However, he struggles out of structure and is largely unproven over the middle of the field, dampening his stocks.

If Los Angeles is going to be forward in its pursuit of a quarterback, the final picks of Round 1 may ultimately prove to be beneficial, as the quarterback of choice would then come with a fifth-year option.