The Los Angeles Rams continue to stand behind Matthew Stafford as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, yet they have already begun searching for his potential successor.
Stafford still has two years left on his present deal and will be 37 when the upcoming season starts. Despite their playoff appearance and first-round win against the Minnesota Vikings as a visiting team, the Rams do not possess a top draft choice. Nevertheless, Los Angeles holds the 26th overall selection, and according to recent predictions from Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, they might utilize this pick for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Coach Sean McVay of the Rams might turn Dart into a solid option as a starting player down the line. However, I refer to this potential development as ‘in the future’ since Matthew Stafford’s contract restructuring ensures he remains with the team for at least one more year. Kiper wrote But he’s 37 years old, and the Rams need to plan for 2026 and beyond. Dart has the capability to deliver passes directly into receivers’ strike zones with precision, and his skill at throwing on the move is exciting to see. He had 4,279 yards through the air, 29 touchdown passes and six interceptions in the previous season."
"With an entire season to develop under Stafford and adjust to the NFL game following his time in Lane Kiffin's run-pass option heavy scheme, Dart possesses a high ceiling professionally," Kiper went on to say.
In Kiper's most recent mock draft, Dart is selected as the third quarterback. He goes after Shedeur Sanders who was picked by the New Orleans Saints at number nine, followed by Cam Ward being chosen by the Tennessee Titans with the first overall pick.
According to Kiper’s projection, the Cleveland Browns are likely to choose Tyler Shough with the 33rd overall pick in the second round, while the New York Giants are expected to select Jalen Milroe with the following pick, No. 34.
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