Former GM believes surprise team could be 'player' for QB in draft
The 2024 NFL Draft is rich with quarterback talent, which has some believing we could see up to six quarterbacks taken in the first round.
It comes at the perfect time as there are several quarterback-needy teams. Former general manager Michael Lombardi believes there's one surprise team to watch that already has its franchise quarterback.
"I truly think the Rams will be players in a quarterback that [Sean] McVay likes," Lombardi said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "Don't rule them out. This is the perfect time for them to take a quarterback. ... They need to have somebody to bridge them to the future."
Not many have pegged Los Angeles as a team that could take a quarterback in the draft, especially with QB Matthew Stafford showing no signs of slowing down in 2023.
Last season, the two-time Pro Bowler threw for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while leading the Rams to the playoffs.
However, Stafford is 36, and McVay could look for his future replacement in this year's draft.
Los Angeles currently owns the No. 19 overall pick, which puts them out of range of the top four prospects (USC's Caleb Williams, UNC's Drake Maye, LSU's Jayden Daniels, Michigan's J.J. McCarthy), barring a trade.
The Rams could land Oregon's Bo Nix or Washington's Michael Penix Jr. if McVay believes one of them is the future.
Lombardi does note that Los Angeles could forego adding a quarterback after signing Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency, but you can't rule them out entirely.
"They have other needs too, but they've done a good job this offseason of repairing their offensive line," Lombardi added. "And let's face it, you're not replacing Aaron Donald. So, forget about that."
If the Rams were to draft a quarterback with their first- or second-round pick, they would soon have an out in Stafford's contract. In 2026, they could save $31 million in cap space if they part ways with him.
That would put Stafford on track to be Los Angeles' starter for the next two seasons while allowing the rookie to learn and develop behind him.
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