Rams Must Pick Matthew Stafford Heir In NFL Draft; Who Will Be Available?

The Los Angeles Rams could use help across the board in the NFL Draft, but according to PFF, there is one thing they absolutely can't do.

The Los Angeles Rams are heading into the NFL Draft next month with 11 draft picks at their disposal, including five compensatory picks that were awarded last week. 

L.A. has plenty of needs on both sides of the ball, and 20 free agents set to hit the market this week, they will likely intend on utilizing every single one of those picks, and perhaps even acquire more.

With those picks, there is one thing that the Rams absolutely must make sure to do - find their quarterback of the future and the heir to Matthew Stafford.

And if they don't it could be a massive mistake.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh talks to quarterback J.J. McCarthy before the start of the Rose Bowl vs. Alabama in Pasadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 / Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK

As it stands right now, with the impending free agency of Carson Wentz and the mystery surrounding the future of Stetson Bennett, the Rams really don't even have a backup QB, much less a developmental heir.

In fact, just last month, Sean McVay echoed that sentiment impressing the need for a No. 2 QB.

"Right now, we got Matthew Stafford, and really in our minds, we don't have a backup quarterback that's on this roster," said McVay.

Suffice it to say, the importance of the backup QB spot was highlighted immensely after the Rams were forced to play without Matthew Stafford vs. the Packers at Lambeau Field.

That day, Brett Rypien was deployed as the starter to disastrous results, in what was one of their worst losses of the season. 

Fortunately for the Rams, they will have plenty of opportunities to take QB in the upcoming draft. In fact, some have even projected the Rams to select Stafford's heir apparent as early as Round 1.

'Greatest QB in College Football History!' Rams Pick Matthew Stafford Heir in Latest NFL.com Mock Draft

Of course, it is unlikely the Rams will have a shot at one of the top QBs in the class such as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. 

However, there is still a good number of talented passers that they will have the opportunity to choose from as early as Round 1, including Heisman finalists Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr., as well as Michigan star and national title winner, J.J. McCarthy.

And if they chose to go address the need later, Tulane's Michael Pratt, Notre Dame's Sam Hartman, South Carolina's Spencer Rattler, and Tennessee's Joe Milton could also be options.

No matter what they decide to do, however, with Matthew Stafford recently turning 36, the Rams absolutely must prioritize at least one name at the position next month.