Colin Cowherd Lists Los Angeles Rams as 'Sleeper' To Draft Bo Nix

The Los Angeles Rams don't need a quarterback -- yet. Could Bo Nix be the heir to Matthew Stafford's throne?

Oregon quarterback Bo Nix throws during Oregon Pro Day Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at the Moshofsky / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

The Los Angeles Rams are in an envious spot, drafting in the middle of the first round despite exceeding expectations in 2023 and boasting a surplus of stars on offense.

Subsequently, it makes sense to assume Los Angeles will lean defense with the No. 19 pick in April’s NFL Draft. The loss of Canton-bound defensive tackle Aaron Donald is immeasurable and makes an already suspect pass rush that much more questionable.

An edge rusher or Donald replacement (if you can call anyone such a thing) shouldn’t be penciled in just yet – nor should their status at 19.

Oregon quarterback Bo Nix throws during Oregon Pro Day Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at the Moshofsky / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

According to Colin Cowherd, the Rams are a suitable spot for a Day 1 quarterback, particularly Oregon Ducks star Bo Nix.

“The Rams are a sleeper for a lot of people. They’re one of those teams that has been very successful without first-round picks. This is their first first-rounder in a long time, and they’re at 19,” Cowherd said. “I can see the Rams sliding down if Bo Nix is there. I’ve been in the war room before and you start going, ‘Well, the next four teams don’t need quarterbacks.’ At 19, you’re getting into, like, Dallas may, but they need some pieces.

“I can see the Rams going and saying, ‘We’re going to take Bo Nix and he’s going to sit for two years.’ I could totally see that happening.”

Nix was a Heisman finalist for Oregon this past season, in large part due to his ability to distribute cleanly without putting the ball in harm’s way. Both due to his own skill set and the offense he operated, Nix was among the collegiate leaders for the lowest sack rate and lowest rate of turnover-worthy plays.

He isn’t the stereotypical game manager, either. Those who remember Nix at his first stop, Auburn, remember the chaos that followed him with every snap. He’s shown the ability to play on schedule, but that high-variance play still exists, even if it was mostly dormant with the Ducks.

“I think the Rams would roll the dice on Bo Nix because the Stetson Bennett (pick) didn’t work,” he said. “Stafford feels like he’s hurt at least once to twice a year. That one’s interesting.”

Nix, as the heir to Stafford’s throne, would be a luxury pick for Los Angeles. That in itself may not be ideal given the Rams’ competitive window and pressing needs along the defensive line and a strong offensive line class.

Projecting Nix to sit may be a little off, too. Of course, his landing spot will dictate his playing time, but Nix will be a 24-year-old rookie and has started more games than any NCAA quarterback ever. If anyone has the reps to take the reins from the jump, it’s him, regardless of his limitations.

Those weaknesses generally revolve around his play under pressure, something the Rams may hope to coax out of him while marinating behind Stafford.

While a Nix selection isn’t likely, Los Angeles’ tendency to be aggressive with players the front office falls in love with makes anything possible, especially with a quarterback who could extend the team’s competitive window.