Rams predicted to make aggressive NFL Draft decision amid Matthew Stafford uncertainty

The Los Angeles Rams are in need of some extra help on both sides of the ball this offseason. Cornerback, safety, linebacker, and pass rusher are big defensive needs.

Offensively, the Rams could use another wide receiver and a new right tackle. Thanks to their two first-round picks, the Rams should be able to vastly improve the roster during the NFL Draft.

However, Aaron Schatz of ESPN predicts the Rams won't make such a decision in the draft. Instead, he predicts the Rams will try to get out ahead of Matthew Stafford's looming retirement by not just drafting, but trading up to draft a new quarterback.

Rams predicted to trade up for a QB in 2026 NFL Draft

"The Rams will trade up in the draft for a quarterback," Schatz predicts. "They need a young talent for when Stafford is ready to hand 'em up, whether that's this offseason or in a few years. What better time to plan for the future than when they have two first-round picks?"

There is some uncertainty about Stafford's future in the NFL and with the Rams. But, barring a retirement announcement, he's expected back with the team and looking to win a Super Bowl.

If he's back for 2026, the Rams should do everything they can to try to contend. Spending a first-round pick, let alone multiple assets in a trade-up for a QB, would be a major waste of resources.

While landing a developmental quarterback would be nice, using premium assets, especially with a lackluster QB class this year, doesn't make much sense.

More: Rams' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space for offseason after loss to Seahawks

Add on that the quarterback class in the 2027 NFL Draft looks to be incredible, and the Rams should not be allocating major resources to the position this offseason outside of the money given to Stafford.

Unless he retires, the Rams shouldn't consider taking a quarterback in the first round of this year's draft. If they instead use a late day-two pick in the third round, or early fourth-round, on a quarterback, that wouldn't be the worst idea.

But using one of their two first-rounders on a QB would be a major waste of resources. They can compete for the Super Bowl, but spending a premium pick on a QB who will likely sit for the whole year would hurt their chances to contend in 2026.

Drafting a QB is not a bad idea, in theory, but using a premium pick, let alone trading up for one, as Schatz predicts will happen, would be a mistake. Hopefully for Rams fans, this prediction doesn't come true, as it would likely be a mistake that could be very costly.

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