The 2024 NFL Draft is under a month away, and teams are fully focused on getting their guys. With free agency in the rearview mirror, draft rumors are starting to catch fire. One of the latest: the Los Angeles Rams might just be in the market for a quarterback. What’s the situation?
Could Michael Penix Jr. Join the Los Angeles Rams?
Heading into 2024, the Rams will be led by veteran QB Matthew Stafford. However, Stafford is 36 years old, so it’s unknown how much longer he will play. As a result, a strong 2024 NFL Draft class could be where L.A. turns for the future of their franchise.
“I think a potential sleeper team for Michael Penix [Jr.] is the Rams,” said Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report on the Pat McAfee Show. “Kalen DeBoer said he’s one of the single best leaders he’s ever seen in his life.”
"I think a potential sleeper team for Michael Penix is the Rams..
Kalen DeBoer said he's one of the single best leaders he's ever seen in his life"@Schultz_Report #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/n9GV5YxYK4
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2024
It isn’t just Schultz, either. In his most recent mock draft, Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN’s NFL front office insider, had the Rams taking Penix with the 19th overall pick.
“Matthew Stafford is 36 years old, and Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t a long-term option,” said Tannenbaum. “L.A. has a good base to its roster, and Penix’s game is well-suited for Sean McVay’s offense, thanks to his arm strength and his accuracy from the pocket.”
Penix enters the draft at 23 years old, turning 24 in May. He’s 6’3, 213 pounds, and played for Indiana from 2018-2021 and Washington from 2022-2023. He won AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 and the Maxwell Award in 2023 and was first-team All-American in 2023.
Penix passed for 13,741 yards, 96 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions over his collegiate career. He also added 265 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. Over two seasons in which he cemented his status as a top prospect, Penix compiled 9,544 yards, 65 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions with the Huskies from 2022-23. He led Washington to a 25-3 record and a National Championship appearance over that span.
What Is the Los Angeles Rams Rams Quarterback Depth Chart?
Starting for the Rams is Stafford, who’s been around the league a long time. He’s played for 15 seasons, passing for 56,047 yards, 357 touchdowns, and 180 interceptions. Stafford spent the last three seasons with the Rams after being traded from the Detroit Lions.
Stafford is still under contract with the Rams until 2027, when he’ll be 39 years old. His contract, which is a four-year, $160 million deal, has a potential out in 2026, though.
Behind Stafford is Jimmy Garoppolo, who was signed in free agency. In 10 seasons, Garoppolo has passed for 15,494 yards, 94 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions. However, he is suspended for the first two games due to breaking the NFL’s rule on PEDs.
Following those two is Stetson Bennett, who was away from the team in 2023, and Dresser Winn, who’s never made an active NFL regular season roster.
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