Could Michael Penix Jr. Be Rams QB of Future?

Matthew Stafford is not getting any younger, so it might be time for the Los Angeles Rams to start thinking about who will replace him.

Jan 30, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Michael Penix Jr. of Washington (9) throws the / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The last time the Los Angeles Rams made a first-round pick was back in 2016 when the team drafted who they thought at the time would be their quarterback of the future, Jared Goff.

The team could very well do the same thing this year, as Matthew Stafford is 36 years old and could have just a few more years in the league. One of the players that could be a possibility for the Rams to draft with the No. 19 pick would be Washington field general Michael Penix Jr., who ESPN sent to L.A. in their latest mock draft.

Jan 30, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Michael Penix Jr. of Washington (9) throws the / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

"Matthew Stafford is 36 years old, and Jimmy Garoppolo isn't a long-term option," ESPN wrote. "L.A. has a good base to its roster, and Penix's game is well-suited for Sean McVay's offense, thanks to his arm strength and his accuracy from the pocket. "

Penix was able to lead his team to a national championship appearance this past season but came up just a bit short against the Michigan Wolverines. He isn't projected to go as high as some of the other quarterbacks in the draft but still has the skill to be a future starter.

He finished his senior season at Washington with just under 5000 passing yards as well as 39 total touchdowns. He also had a solid completion percentage of 65 percent and had just under nine yards per pass attempt.

Penix had a solid outing at Indianapolis, as he had the fifth best overall combine score among the quarterbacks in this year's class. And despite his history of injuries, he has not missed a game since he transferred from Indiana to Washington.

The Rams still a few more seasons with Stafford, as he is coming off of a solid bounce-back season where he threw for just under 4000 yards. But it might be a good idea for the team to at least consider drafting a quarterback to sit behind him and learn so that they can eventually take over.