The Los Angeles Rams could be in the market for a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Not to start, but to learn from Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo with the intent to takeover the starting role in a year or two.
While the Rams have looked at early-round prospects like Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe, L.A. could also look at late-round and more developmental prospects. ESPN's Ben Solak thinks Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard would be a great sixth-round pick for the Rams.
"With time in Los Angeles' offense, Leonard could be coaxed into ripping more throws to the intermediate level of the field, where he has plenty of arm talent to reach," Solak wrote. "The Rams aren't in need of a starter in 2025 after Matthew Stafford agreed to a restructured deal. But if the Rams continually update Stafford's deal on a year-to-year basis, they must invest in a developmental quarterback behind Stafford and veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo. Leonard represents a low-cost swing that does not preclude the Rams from investing more seriously in the position in the 2026 draft."
Leonard proved to be even better in 2024 than what he was a Duke in 2023. He completed 66.7% of his passes for 2,861 yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 17 rushing touchdowns and eight interceptions. However, per Solak, Leonard is quick to scramble when a play breaks down. His 10.6% scramble rate leads the top quarterback prospects this year. Leonard also doesn't throw many long passes, with just 11% of his throws going further than 20 air yards.
But all those negatives could change with at least a year in Sean McVay's system before he'd be called upon to start. That's enough time learn and grow into a serviceable player, and it likely wouldn't cost the Rams more than a Day 3 pick.
Quarterback is an interesting position for the Rams to target, but a late-round pick might be worth it.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2025 NFL draft: ESPN thinks Rams should take this late-round QB
