Rams Predicted To Land Potential Matthew Stafford Replacement in 2026 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Rams are coming off another dominant season behind a career year from quarterback Matthew Stafford. Their run ultimately ended in a loss in the NFC Championship Game to the eventual Super Bowl winners in Mike Macdonald's Seattle Seahawks.

Stafford led the league in passing yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46), earning Associated Press NFL MVP honors for the first time in his career.

While he has shown no signs of slowing down and is set to remain the starter in 2026, the Rams are aware that Stafford is 38. Whether he has one or several seasons left, the franchise must begin planning for the future, and the 2026 NFL Draft could be an ideal opportunity to add a developmental quarterback.

According to Athlon's Luke Easterling, the Rams could target Drew Allar, projecting him as a potential No. 93 overall pick.

"The physical traits and raw talent that made Allar a top recruit are still there, but the mental side of the game just never caught up at the college level. The NFL team that takes a chance on his potential will have to be patient with his development, but if he can sit behind an experienced veteran with a strong coaching staff, Allar still has intriguing upside in the right situation," Easterling wrote in his scouting report for Allar.

Allar's film shows inconsistency, and he is coming off a season-ending injury, both of which have impacted his draft stock. However, he possesses high-end physical traits that could be developed into a quality NFL passer, especially under head coach Sean McVay.

Some mock drafts have even projected Allar as a second-round selection, suggesting the Rams may need to act earlier if they are serious about landing him. McVay's track record with quarterbacks, along with offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase's connection to Penn State OC Taylor Mouser, could also factor into the decision.

Across four seasons at Penn State, Allar started 35 games and completed 63.2% of his passes for 7,402 yards and 61 touchdowns, with 13 interceptions. He also added 732 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

If the Rams follow through on Easterling's projection and successfully develop Allar, SoFi Stadium could eventually welcome its newest long-term quarterback when the NFL draft gets underway on Thursday.

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 4:14 AM.