One of the biggest stories of the college football season through the first month and a half is what’s happening at the quarterback position. Players who were supposed to take that next step and solidify themselves as top-10 picks haven’t done so. Drew Allar and Cade Klubnik have dropped out of the first-round conversation. Meanwhile, the media is now trying to force Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, John Mateer, and others into it. The real kicker here is that the Los Angeles Rams have two first-round picks next season.
When the Rams acquired the second first-round pick from the Atlanta Falcons, it was presumed that it would be to take a quarterback in a stronger class. However, this hasn’t turned out to be the special quarterback class that many expected. That’s not to say it’s bad, but there may be more replacement-level starters and backups than true franchise quarterbacks.
Outside of quarterback, this also isn’t a strong tackle class with a lot of uncertainty. Kadyn Proctor has been inconsistent and Spencer Fano could go in the top five. Auburn’s Xavier Chaplin is talented, but still has a lot of rawness in his game. The Auburn connection will bring comparisons to Greg Robinson.
This simply might not be a strong first-round at positions in which the Rams have needs. In The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner’s recent mock draft, he had the Rams taking Dante Moore at quarterback and Caleb Lomu at tackle. Justin Melo of The Draft Network gave the Rams cornerback Avieon Terrell and tackle Isaiah World. Terrell is a solid cornerback, but that’s partially the point here.
This may not be a draft class in which you want to have multiple selections in the first-round. The Rams can address one need in the first-round rather than having to force two selections. It’s possible that the Rams could trade back again and pick up a 2027 first round pick, but it’s also not a guarantee by any means.
A sentiment that I’ve consistently stuck to since the Rams acquired the extra first-round pick was that it was an asset that gave them flexibility. As I noted in August,
This is exactly why the Rams made the trade in April for the extra first-round pick. It’s an asset that gives them flexibility. While it has been assumed that they use the extra first-round pick to make a move for a rookie quarterback, it also doesn’t have to be used for that purpose. The Rams could also use that pick to make a trade for a player that puts them in position to win.
Does there become a point in which the Rams consider or should consider trading one of their two first-round picks from next year’s draft to help them in the now? This isn’t to say that they need to mortgage their future or go full “f them picks” again. However, at one point do the Rams put more of their chips in on this current window?
Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level. With Stafford at 37 years old, these types of seasons are limited and it makes sense to take advantage of it. Just because Stafford is playing at this level now, doesn’t mean he has three more years like this or that he’ll even continue playing like this over the course of 17 games. None of it is guaranteed.
If next year’s class isn’t as strong at quarterback or in the first-round, is it more realistic now to trade one of those two selections for a player that may be able to help push for a second Super Bowl with Stafford? Getting a quarterback post-Stafford should be a priority. At the same time, it’s also not something that should be forced. The Rams did this with Joe Noteboom trying to find an heir post-Andrew Whitworth. Whatever the Rams decide to do at quarterback post-Stafford will be the single most important decision that this regime has had to face.
Waiting too long could also put them in a situation in which the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots found themselves with Kenny Pickett and Mac Jones. It’s finding that balance and the right player which is easier in theory than in practice.
Again, the Rams finding that next quarterback post-Stafford is very important. At the same time, it should be equally as important for the Rams to try and capitalize on this window considering how well Stafford is playing. If the opportunity arises, for the right player, the extra first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft should absolutely be on the table in a trade package.
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