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Rams Projected to Draft Matthew Stafford Replacement Despite New Deal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Harris | Last updated Mar 4, 2025 11:23 AM ET

Now that the NFL combine wrapped up and trade rumors are swirling, mock drafts are taking center stage as the upcoming NFL season begins to take shape.

Most recently, in Rams news, Matthew Stafford signed an extension, keeping him in LA for two more years. Despite that, the newest Athlon Sports NFL mock draft has the Rams drafting his successor, Jaxson Dart.

Dart's recent showings at both the Senior Bowl and the NFL combine have bolstered his daft stock in a great way, and looking more and more like a great fit for the Rams.

In his last year with Ole Miss, he finished third in college football with 4,279 passing yards, along with 29 passing touchdowns to just six interceptions. He also contains a dual threat ability with his 495 yards on the ground and three scores.

Dart already has all the attributes that you like to see out of a college quarterback going through the draft process. On the shorter side at 6-foot-2 (just one inch shorter than Matthew Stafford), he makes up for it with his ability to escape the pocket and make plays happen with his legs.

Having him develop behind a future hall of famer could turn him into a superstar early on in his pro career. You've seen it recently with Jordan Love being mentored by Aaron Rodgers, and now Love makes the second most money per year out of all Quarterbacks (tied with Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence).

Often, rookie quarterbacks get thrown in too early and struggle early on, but a couple of years of learning behind Stafford could keep the Sean McVay-led Rams relevant for years to come.

The 2025 NFL draft begins on April 24th in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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