Rams make trade-up for QB Michael Penix, Jr in ESPN’s 3-round mock…

Rams make big trade up for QB Michael Penix Jr. in ESPN's 3-round mock draft

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva



The Los Angeles Rams are set at quarterback for the 2024 season with Matthew Stafford as their starter and Jimmy Garoppolo backing him up. Stetson Bennett is also in the mix, as he’s expected to return to the team for offseason workouts this spring.

Beyond 2024, though, the Rams have some questions. Stafford will be 37 before the 2025 season, Garoppolo is only on a one-year deal and Bennett isn’t certain to remain with the Rams. Therefore, they don’t have a clear succession plan in place for when Stafford retires.

There are rumblings that suggest the Rams could take a quarterback relatively early in the draft this year, with one report saying they’ve been “sniffing around” the QBs in this draft class. ESPN’s Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. seem to be on board with them taking a QB in the second round, too.

In ESPN’s new three-round mock draft, the Rams trade up from No. 52 to 33, striking a deal with the Panthers. They gave up Picks 52, 83 and a third-rounder in 2025 to make the trade work, grabbing Michael Penix Jr. at No. 33 overall.

Matthew Stafford turned 36 earlier this year, and he has dealt with injuries the past two seasons. The Rams could target a passer to start in 2025.

Penix could be a first-round pick next week after a remarkable season with the Washington Huskies in 2023. However, some are skeptical of his accuracy and injury history, which includes two torn ACLs.

He’d be a great addition to the Rams’ quarterback room, where he’d be allowed to sit for a year or two before becoming a starter, but would Los Angeles be willing to give up two extra picks to move up for him?

Elsewhere in the mock, the Rams select UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu in the first round, adding a premier talent to a rebuilt defense that’s now missing Aaron Donald.

Good pick, Field: Fuaga is my guy. For the Rams, especially with Murphy off the board, edge rusher is the way to go. Latu is the most complete edge rusher in this class. L.A. hasn’t had a first-round pick since 2016, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Les Snead & Co. traded down here.

Finally, at No. 99 in Round 3, the Rams select Oregon defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus. He’s a versatile defender who can play on the interior or rush from the outside, so that position flexibility will allow the Rams to move pieces around up front, including Kobie Turner.

No, Dorlus won’t be able to replace Aaron Donald’s production, but he has some pass rush upside. All five of Dorlus’ sacks last season came when he was lined up as a defensive tackle. The versatility to play outside should appeal to new defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

Overall, a good haul for the Rams by adding Laiatu and Dorlus to contribute immediately, and Penix to potentially step in as the starting quarterback as early as 2025.

Some may not like the big trade for a quarterback given the team’s other needs, but it’s the most important position in sports and Penix has a chance to be a franchise quarterback.