The Los Angeles Rams’ season is only half over but it’s hard not to look ahead to the 2024 draft, especially knowing the Rams actually have a first-round pick to use. Assuming they don’t trade it, the Rams could be picking near the top of the draft next year.
As it stands right now, they’d have the No. 6 overall pick in the draft based on their 3-6 record. There’s a lot of football still to be played, but it’s looking likely that Los Angeles will be picking in the top 15.
Pro Football Focus used the current draft order in its latest mock draft on Monday and with the sixth overall pick, the Rams select Oregon quarterback Bo Nix. Los Angeles has a lot of needs on its roster but finding its next franchise quarterback is high up the list, and Nix would be exactly that.
The five players selected before Nix in PFF’s mock draft (in order) are Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Marvin Harrison Jr., Olu Fashanu and Joe Alt.
Matthew Stafford has missed time due to injury over the past few seasons and is getting up there in age. We already heard rumors of a potential retirement last offseason.
Nix has been one of the most improved and most efficient passers in the country over the past two years. He comes with dual-threat rushing ability and an NFL-level arm. He’d cook in a McVay offense, especially with Cooper Kupp (78.6 PFF grade), Puka Nacua (84.6) and Tutu Atwell (69.0) to throw to.
Nix is enjoying a fantastic senior season at Oregon, completing 78.1% of his passes for 2,723 yards with 25 touchdown passes and only two interceptions. He’s also rushed for 116 yards and five touchdowns after gaining 510 yards and scoring 14 times on the ground in 2022.
He’d be a perfect fit in Sean McVay’s offense, giving the coach a quarterback with plenty of mobility and a quick release to operate his scheme. There’s no indication Matthew Stafford will retire after this season but even if he stays for another year or two, having a young quarterback waiting in the wings would be wise.
With Stetson Bennett’s future uncertain, the Rams can’t expect him to be the heir to Stafford’s throne in Los Angeles. Nix, however, would be.
