As the Los Angeles Rams approach the 2025 offseason, the future at quarterback demands attention. Matthew Stafford, now 37 and under contract through 2027, remains a top-tier talent, but his age, injury history, and potential trade, the Rams a succession plan. With backups Stetson Bennett and Jimmy Garoppolo (a free agent in 2025) offering little long-term assurance, the Rams must leverage the 2025 NFL Draft to find a developmental prospect. Head coach Sean McVay’s offensive genius thrives with mobile, strong-armed quarterbacks, and the Rams’ contention window makes a high-upside backup a priority. With a mid-to-late first-round pick and limited Day 2 selections due to past trades, here’s a detailed breakdown of the top quarterbacks the Rams should target, including my favorite option, Louisville’s Tyler Shough.
The Rams’ Quarterback Situation
Stafford’s brilliance keeps the Rams competitive, but his backups underwhelm. Bennett, a 2023 fourth-rounder, has yet to prove NFL-ready, while Garoppolo’s stint feels temporary. The Rams’ six picks in 2025—starting with the 26th pick in the first round, the Rams require a calculated approach. McVay’s system, blending play-action, bootlegs, and deep shots, favors quarterbacks with arm talent and mobility. The 2025 class offers a mix of first-round stars and later-round gems, making it an ideal time to invest in Stafford’s heir.
1. Quinn Ewers (Texas)
Profile
- Height/Weight: 6’2”, 210 lbs
- 2024 Stats (projected): ~2,500 passing yards, 20+ TDs, ~8 INTs
- Strengths: Big arm, quick release, high-pressure experience
- Weaknesses: Injury history, deep-ball inconsistency
Why He Fits the Rams
Ewers’ gunslinger mentality and Texas’ pro-style offense mirror Stafford’s game. His ability to sling it into tight windows suits McVay’s vertical attack, and at 22, he’s young enough to sit and learn. His 2024 playoff run showcased his clutch gene—a trait the Rams value.
Draft Fit
Likely a mid-to-late first-rounder (15-25), Ewers could fall to the Rams’ range if injury concerns linger. No trade-up may be needed, aligning with their draft capital.
Development Plan
McVay could refine Ewers’ deep accuracy while Stafford mentors him, targeting a 2026 or 2027 takeover.
Highlights:
2. Cam Ward (Miami)
Profile
- Height/Weight: 6’2”, 223 lbs
- 2024 Stats (projected): ~3,500 passing yards, 30+ TDs, ~10 INTs
- Strengths: Elite arm, improvisation, physical runner
- Weaknesses: Reckless decisions, mechanical flaws
Why He Fits the Rams
Ward’s 2024 explosion at Miami highlights his Stafford-esque arm strength and playmaking flair. His 500+ rushing yards add a dual-threat wrinkle McVay could exploit, enhancing the Rams’ creativity.
Draft Fit
A top-10 candidate, Ward might require a trade-up—feasible given GM Les Snead’s boldness. A slide to the teens due to turnovers could put him in reach.
Development Plan
Ward’s rawness needs McVay’s structure. A year behind Stafford could tame his hero-ball tendencies, unlocking a dynamic starter.
Highlights:
3. Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss)
Profile
- Height/Weight: 6’2”, 215 lbs
- 2024 Stats (projected): ~3,200 passing yards, 25+ TDs, ~6 INTs
- Strengths: Athleticism, arm elasticity, clutch play
- Weaknesses: Pocket presence, progression reads
Why He Fits the Rams
Dart’s mobility and quick release fit McVay’s bootleg-heavy scheme. His toughness echoes Stafford, and his 2024 growth at Ole Miss suggests untapped potential.
Draft Fit
A second- or third-rounder, Dart’s range is tricky with the Rams’ missing second-round pick. A third-round trade-up could secure him.
Development Plan
McVay could mask Dart’s pocket issues with play design, while Stafford’s guidance sharpens his reads for a future starting role.
Highlights:
4. Tyler Shough (Louisville)
Profile
- Height/Weight: 6’5”, 225 lbs
- 2024 Stats: 3,195 passing yards, 23 TDs, 6 INTs (63% completion)
- Strengths: Prototypical size, arm velocity, pro-style experience
- Weaknesses: Age (26 as a rookie), injury history
Why He Fits the Rams
Shough’s breakout 2024 under Jeff Brohm at Louisville showcased his NFL-ready traits. At 6’5”, 225 lbs, he’s built like Stafford, with a cannon arm and underrated mobility (714 career rushing yards). His 43% play-action usage aligns with McVay’s system, and his Senior Bowl buzz—he was voted top QB by defensive backs—hints at rising stock. Despite turning 26 in 2025, his seven-year college journey across Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville brings maturity Stafford could mentor.
Draft Fit
Projected as a Day 2 or 3 pick (Rounds 4-7), Shough’s age and injuries temper his stock, but his Senior Bowl performance and tools could push him into Round 3. The Rams’ third-round pick (around No. 73) or a fourth-rounder makes him a realistic target without a major trade.
Development Plan
Shough’s mechanics need minor tweaks, but his arm talent and experience thrive in McVay’s scheme. Sitting for one to two years behind Stafford—whose late-career success defies age norms—could position Shough as a 2027 starter with immediate backup value. His fit with playmakers like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams enhances his appeal.
Highlights:
5. Riley Leonard (Notre Dame)
Profile
- Height/Weight: 6’4”, 216 lbs
- 2024 Stats (projected): ~2,000 passing yards, 15+ TDs, ~8 INTs
- Strengths: Size, athleticism, toughness
- Weaknesses: Accuracy, footwork
Why He Fits the Rams
Leonard’s 6’4” frame and rushing ability (700+ yards at Duke) offer a Stafford-like presence with a modern twist. His 2024 Senior Bowl showing highlighted his potential in McVay’s system.
Draft Fit
A Day 3 pick (Rounds 4-6), Leonard fits the Rams’ later selections, offering low-risk upside.
Development Plan
McVay could polish Leonard’s mechanics over two years, leveraging Stafford’s pocket savvy to mold a future starter.
Highlights:
6. Conner Weigman (Texas A&M)
Profile
- Height/Weight: 6’3”, 220 lbs
- 2024 Stats (projected): ~1,500 passing yards, 10+ TDs, ~5 INTs
- Strengths: Arm talent, poise, upside
- Weaknesses: Limited starts, injuries
Why He Fits the Rams
Weigman’s smooth delivery and layered throws suit McVay’s timing-based attack. At 21, he’s a long-term project STAFFord could groom. In December 2024, Weigman announced on social media that he would transfer to the University of Houston for the 2025 season.
Draft Fit
A Round 3-5 prospect, Weigman’s injury concerns could drop him to the Rams’ third- or fourth-round range. He may stay at Houston for another year of development.
Development Plan
With few starts, Weigman needs time. Stafford’s pre-snap mastery could accelerate his growth for a 2027-2028 debut.
Highlights:
Strategic Considerations
The Rams’ 2024 outcome shapes their pick—playoff success could push them to the 20s, complicating grabs for Ward or Ewers. Snead’s trade-savvy history suggests flexibility, while $58 million in 2025 cap space frees draft focus for a QB. Shough’s Day 3 value offers insurance if top targets slip away.
Final Recommendation
- Best First-Round Target: Quinn Ewers – Upside meets availability.
- Best Day 2/3 Value: Tyler Shough – NFL-ready tools at a bargain, ideal for Stafford’s timeline.
- Sleeper Pick: Riley Leonard – Late-round ceiling.
Shough stands out as a pragmatic fit—his size, arm, and experience mesh with McVay’s vision, and his lower cost preserves draft capital. The Rams can stay competitive now while building for tomorrow.
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