Why it makes sense for Rams to consider drafting a QB in 2026

Although the 2025 NFL season is still more than a month away and training camps are just getting started, the 2026 NFL Draft rumor mill is cranking.

Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson reported Thursday that the Los Angeles Rams are already keeping tabs on the upcoming draft class with a quarterback in mind. In particular, they are doing their homework on Texas QB Arch Manning. 

"Speaking to a handful of Rams personnel sources, Manning is —  at this moment — considered by the staff to be the lone Tier 1 quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, regardless of who else could potentially enter into the selection process," Robinson wrote. "Why? The Rams covet Manning's prototypical size (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) and throwing acumen... but also believe it's his level of athleticism that sets him apart from every other college football quarterback. So much so, the comparison for Manning inside the franchise is that his ceiling after the 2025 college football season could be a Josh Allen-type of prospect who is actually stronger physically and a faster running athlete than Allen was when he entered the draft in 2018."

The Rams exploring the possibility of drafting a QB in 2026 makes sense.

Los Angeles starting QB Matthew Stafford is 37. Health has always been a topic of uncertainty when assessing the 16-year NFL veteran. This offseason is no different, as HC Sean McVay and the coaching staff have allowed Stafford, who is dealing with back soreness, to take things slowly at the start of training camp.

Although the Rams signed Stafford to a contract extension earlier this offseason, it was more about providing the QB with guaranteed money in 2025 and reassessing the situation next offseason if Stafford does not retire ahead of 2026.

In addition to Stafford's future being an unknown, the Rams made an interesting move in the 2025 NFL Draft that could allow them to be aggressive in next year's draft.

During the first round of this year's draft, the Atlanta Falcons made a significant trade with Los Angeles that will presumably impact both teams' draft strategies. The Rams traded picks No. 26 and No. 101 to Atlanta for picks No. 46 and No. 242 and a 2026 first-round pick.

The Falcons selected former Tennessee pass-rusher James Pearce Jr. with the pick, but it was a clear overpay for a late first-round pick.

By making this trade, the Rams have two 2026 first-round selections. Both of these picks may end up in the 15-24 range, but Los Angeles could package these picks and move up the draft board to take a QB.

It is easier said than done, especially when considering the Cleveland Browns (3-14 in 2024) also have two first-round picks — they traded the No. 2 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for multiple picks, including a 2026 first-round pick. Unlike the Rams, the Browns could hold two picks inside the top-10 spots, including the first overall pick.

Regardless, the Robinson report apparently indicates the Rams' front office is ready to move on from Stafford sooner than later.

Unless the Rams bottom out in 2025, which is unlikely, it will be difficult for Los Angeles to land Manning, who would presumably be the first player off the board if he declares for the draft.