Which QB should the Rams draft in the 1st Round next year?

[DzRams]

It all depends who the QBs are

I am 100% certain of that!

True. But also every GM and HC tell themselves that they're special and can make it work with a non 1st round talent who they're convinced could be special. The 10% hit rate says none of them are special or exceptions.

I'm not a fan of swimming upstream against bad odds.

 

[OldSchool]

. And in fact my theory is that conversation was part of the reason Stafford was upset with the team, because he gave the Rams a discount.

I mean that's a valid guess based on no real information but I would think we can think better of Stafford than this.

 

[OldSchool]

I honestly didn't realize so many thought so little of Matt Stafford.

 

[Merlin]

My theory is that the main reason he may have been upset or didn't feel valued by the team is because 1/3 or may even 1/2 of the QBs in the league were making far more money than him. And to my best knowledge that hasn't changed.

And you may be right. That seemed to be the prevailing opinion after it all got settled.

 

[Merlin]

I mean that's a valid guess based on no real information but I would think we can think better of Stafford than this.

I honestly didn't realize so many thought so little of Matt Stafford.

I don't see it as thinking little of him. Not at all. Rather it's recognizing he's human.

 

[DzRams]

And you may be right. That seemed to be the prevailing opinion after it all got settled.

His wife was very outspoken and she alluded that it was about money.

 

[Merlin]

His wife was very outspoken and she alluded that it was about money.

Can't believe you're admitting you watch her show.

 

[TheTackle]

No one is advocating for reaching. Nice strawman.

Secondly, the chances of finding a long-term starter at QB in the top 15 is about 50%, but it's abysmally low for QBs outside the 1st round

True. But also every GM and HC tell themselves that they're special and can make it work with a non 1st round talent who they're convinced could be special. The 10% hit rate says none of them are special or exceptions.

I'm not a fan of swimming upstream against bad odds.

Tell that to Brees, Brady, Fouts, Montana and Warner (to name only a few Hall of Fame QBs) who were far better than 95% of these “starters” your statistics tell us about.

It’s not that I completely disagree with you but being an academic does help me question your attachment to abstract quantifications. If our scouts believe in a player who will likely be available later then who’s to say we can’t find another outlier. If they believe in a player that we would need to trade up for then I would support that too. I just don’t see that type of player right now in this class - depending perhaps on who declares despite further college eligibility. Arch Manning for example.

If we take one with one of our two first round picks I would always get behind it because of the potential pay off but that requires wishing for plenty of quality at the top end which as of now I don’t see

 

[TheTackle]

If it was me, looking at the number of games as a meaningful statistic of college QB success, I would trade away one of our 2026 first round picks for a 2027 first rounder and pocket the change

 

[PARAM]

If it was me, looking at the number of games as a meaningful statistic of college QB success, I would trade away one of our 2026 first round picks for a 2027 first rounder and pocket the change

Agree. Thing is, trading away a 2026 first for a 2027 first would also bring another pick in the 3rd or 4th round.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Agree. Thing is, trading away a 2026 first for a 2027 first would also bring another pick in the 3rd or 4th round.

Given the perceived strength of the 2027 class I'd guess that would be extremely difficult to do without an established veteran being somehow a part of the trade. And it won't help one bit if the Falcons continue to lose and teams see the Rams obtain a high 2026 selection after their 2025 trade up.

 

[PARAM]

Given the perceived strength of the 2027 class I'd guess that would be extremely difficult to do without an established veteran being somehow a part of the trade. And it won't help one bit if the Falcons continue to lose and teams see the Rams obtain a high 2026 selection after their 2025 trade up.

Why? A bird in the hand. Teams looking to give up a 2027 first for a 2026 first would obviously have a huge need (or want). Why would they require an established veteran as part of the deal?

This past draft was not QB heavy and the Rams got Atlanta's 2nd round (2025), a 7th Rd (2025) and a 2026 1st round for a 1st in 2025 and a 3rd. And the first round pick Atlanta traded for was #26. If the Rams held a top 12 pick and some needy team wanted to move into that spot what would be the price to get that one? Some team would require an established vet from the Rams? I don't know about that. I could see the Rams getting a 3rd round 2026 and a first round 2027 (maybe more) for that one pick,

 

[Merlin]

Way things are looking at this early juncture there's gonna be multiple X wideouts of legit outside-the-hash quality, as well as Edges. So as much as I'd like a QBotF if Stafford finishes out this year in his current form it allows the Rams to take BPA with an eye for year one impact then circle back for a QB they like if he's on the board where they value him.

I think slight move-ups for QB would be in play. But unless Stafford's form takes a nosedive we're probably looking at a conservative approach where they hope to snag value at the position then park him behind 9.

But back to those WRs Jordan Tyson is a damn beast and is 6'2". I was trying to watch Leavitt's tape and kept thinking to myself "damn this wideout is something woooo!" But beyond that Carnell Tate is 6'3", Denzel Boston is 6'4", Chris Brazzell is 6'5" and all have legit tape so if they run well it's hard to see McVay passing on something he almost never gets to consider where he usually drafts. There just aren't enough of these dudes who bring the quicks plus the size to the equation so they always end up in that early half of round 1.

And those Edges. Bailey, Height, Howell, Thomas, Faulk, Parker I mean are you kiddin me. And that's not counting Bain who is topping a lot of boards right now and is probably outside our reach.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Why? A bird in the hand. Teams looking to give up a 2027 first for a 2026 first would obviously have a huge need (or want). Why would they require an established veteran as part of the deal?

This past draft was not QB heavy and the Rams got Atlanta's 2nd round (2025), a 7th Rd (2025) and a 2026 1st round for a 1st in 2025 and a 3rd. And the first round pick Atlanta traded for was #26. If the Rams held a top 12 pick and some needy team wanted to move into that spot what would be the price to get that one? Some team would require an established vet from the Rams? I don't know about that. I could see the Rams getting a 3rd round 2026 and a first round 2027 (maybe more) for that one pick,

From what I'm seeing, the potential 2026 draft class is far weaker than the potential 2027 draft class and thus these 2026 selections probably won't be considered as valuable as the 2027 selections.

That coupled with the recent object lesson results of last year's future 1st round pick trades rendering somewhat disappointing results of the desired obtained talent (Travis Hunter, James Pearce Jr.) I question if teams would be too willing to follow suit in the next draft without more established value in return.

In the end, this is really no different than the usual "our team should trade up or trade down" discussions. It takes two to tango and teams don't always have a trade partner willing to give you what you want. Possible? Sure. Likely? No.

 

[PARAM]

From what I'm seeing, the potential 2026 draft class is far weaker than the potential 2027 draft class and thus these 2026 selections probably won't be considered as valuable as the 2027 selections.

That coupled with the recent object lesson results of last year's future 1st round pick trades rendering somewhat disappointing results of the desired obtained talent (Travis Hunter, James Pearce Jr.) I question if teams would be too willing to follow suit in the next draft without more established value in return.

In the end, this is really no different than the usual "our team should trade up or trade down" discussions. It takes two to tango and teams don't always have a trade partner willing to give you what you want. Possible? Sure. Likely? No.

I agree. But a lot can happen between now and April 2026. Evaluations can change based on performance the rest of this season. Evaluations can change at the Senior Bowl. NFL players can be injured or disappoint. Lots of things can change. Also, it doesn't have to be for a QB. It could be for a LT. Or a stud WR. Or a stud RB. I guess my point is, the Rams have the advantage. They have Atlanta's pick and if someone wants it, they're gonna have to give Snead what he's asking so...... if you really want to move up, move up!

 

[Memphis Ram]

Way things are looking at this early juncture there's gonna be multiple X wideouts of legit outside-the-hash quality, as well as Edges. So as much as I'd like a QBotF if Stafford finishes out this year in his current form it allows the Rams to take BPA with an eye for year one impact then circle back for a QB they like if he's on the board where they value him.

I think slight move-ups for QB would be in play. But unless Stafford's form takes a nosedive we're probably looking at a conservative approach where they hope to snag value at the position then park him behind 9.

But back to those WRs Jordan Tyson is a damn beast and is 6'2". I was trying to watch Leavitt's tape and kept thinking to myself "damn this wideout is something woooo!" But beyond that Carnell Tate is 6'3", Denzel Boston is 6'4", Chris Brazzell is 6'5" and all have legit tape so if they run well it's hard to see McVay passing on something he almost never gets to consider where he usually drafts. There just aren't enough of these dudes who bring the quicks plus the size to the equation so they always end up in that early half of round 1.

And those Edges. Bailey, Height, Howell, Thomas, Faulk, Parker I mean are you kiddin me. And that's not counting Bain who is topping a lot of boards right now and is probably outside our reach.

I think you are going to see significant changes in these media driven draft rankings in a couple months.

For example, just like the QBs, some of the EDGE players you've listed haven't performed up to their preseason ratings. To date, Bain, Faulk, & Parker have a total of 7 sacks combined. (BTW, Bailey got some splaining to do about going after a media member after a game). And some won't have the measurables NFL team prefer in higher draft choices. In other words, some of these guys may still be on the board at the Rams original draft selection.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I agree. But a lot can happen between now and April 2026. Evaluations can change based on performance the rest of this season. Evaluations can change at the Senior Bowl. NFL players can be injured or disappoint. Lots of things can change. Also, it doesn't have to be for a QB. It could be for a LT. Or a stud WR. Or a stud RB. I guess my point is, the Rams have the advantage. They have Atlanta's pick and if someone wants it, they're gonna have to give Snead what he's asking so...... if you really want to move up, move up!

Like I said it's possible. I just think it's unlikely someone is going to give up 2027 selection without an overpayment on the Rams part.

BTW, I seriously question if their is a stud RB, WR, or LT any team is going to give up such compensation for in this upcoming draft class. Now next year I could see someone making the attempt for OSU WR Jeremiah Smith. Maybe even Les Snead.

 

[RamFan503]

Like I said it's possible. I just think it's unlikely someone is going to give up 2027 selection without an overpayment on the Rams part.

BTW, I seriously question if their is a stud RB, WR, or LT any team is going to give up such compensation for in this upcoming draft class. Now next year I could see someone making the attempt for OSU WR Jeremiah Smith. Maybe even Les Snead.

Well if they’re not giving up more than a 1st in ‘27, I can’t see the Rams selling unless it’s to a team they think will be a potential bottom dweller. And even that would be unlikely.

‘27 would have to be remarkably better and I don’t see it. If someone covets a pick in ‘26 enough to move up, they’re paying to do it. They’re not simply swapping picks a year removed. The ‘27 class would have to be absolutely loaded with sure fire, can’t miss picks.

 

[RamFan503]

We could take that as even more reason to draft a QB. And I want to draft a QB. Been saying that. However the way he is playing I would do so very carefully and make sure I keep him around as long as I can.

I agree that should be the plan. But even if they bring in a young gun, he would be pretty good trade bait if Matthew should decide to play for several more years. There’s almost always going to be a QB needy team that thinks they’re otherwise in position to go deep in the playoffs.

 

[Dodgersrf]

Well first off this is great news for us. Unless it leads to Cousins starting and getting them on a short win streak.

But I suspect Penix is out of line here. First off Morris identified and drafted him and I know for a fact he's the kind of coach who is there for a player after spending so much time with the Rams. Then he promoted him over a vet. He's been publicly supportive to the young QB too. His comments quoted demonstrate that.

Sounds to me like Penix needs a swift kick in his ass for running his mouth. None of that shit helps. It only makes things harder for that locker room. He's a starting QB for one of only 32 NFL teams. He's the man they all look to in that offense. The team leader. So he needs to toughen up and fix what needs fixing in house.

Penix is not leader.
He showed who he is in the championship game last year.
He’s soft.