Rams Fans United - Los Angeles Rams Fan Discussion Forum

Just talked to my friend in MN about a lot of things. But he mentioned that the Vikings are in discussion with Sam and his agent. Apparently there is some buyer's regret about JJ McCarthy in the building. JJ is now viewed as more than a one year project. Darnold already gives the Vikings a good chance to compete in the NFCN. They need to fix the OL.

That said there is still a faction that wants to move on from Darnold, that the Rams exposed an inherent weakness in Sam's game that will be exploited by other teams. More than one posed the question, do they really want Sam in LA? Almost all apparently want Sam in the AFC. LOL

My opinion: Sam is a good QB, but he obviously has flaws in his game, i.e. quick decision making under duress. Much of that can be coached and cured with experience. He needs a strong roster around him on both sides of the ball. He does not look like the kind of QB1 who can carry a team when things don't go well. We both agreed that if he accepts a contract in the $30M range he probably is worth that as it would allow the Vikings to maintain a solid roster around him. He agreed with me that the MN fans would go crazy if Stafford was traded to the Vikings. That would put them in competition with the Lions and Packers for the NFCN title.

Whether Stafford is traded or stays, I see the Rams drafting their next QB1 to buy them years of cheap QB1 to extend their key players much the same as the Niners were able to do with Purdy on his rookie contract. If they draft a QB it's probably going to be in the first round and I wouldn't be surprised if they F' em picks once more to move up to get who they want.

Perhaps it's just me but I don't see the Rams going from an elite Stafford to a multi-year developmental QB in the mid-round. The bottom line is I think Darnold isn't an option at this point for a number of reasons.

I don't think there are many Rams fans who think that Darnold is a good option, so on that, I agree with you.

I don't see the Rams acquiring their next QB1 in this draft, though. Cam Ward will likely go first, and I don't see the Rams mortgaging their future for him. The next guy, Shedeur Sanders, is an intriguing prospect, but highly flawed in my opinion. I fear that, in the NFL, he's the type of player who will make some "wow" plays, but get sacked way too much (I'd compare him, in that respect, to Deshaun Watson). So, while I'd consider him if he dropped, I wouldn't break the bank to acquire him.

Beyond those two, you have a second tier of guys like Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe who are, in all likelihood, Day 2 prospects (though Dart may sneak into Round 1 due to the shallow pool of QBs).

I think our best case scenario is that Stafford signs for 2 years and we acquire his heir apparent next offseason.

Assuming Matthew re-signs will us, I still want us to bring on his heir apparent this year.
I think our two most viable options are Jaxson Dart in round 1 OR pick up f/a Zack Wilson.
Wilson, like Baker Mayfield, came into the league very immature and highly drafted. And then, he winds up in NYC which might be the very toughest place for a rookie to be in. I'd like to see what Matthew and Sean could teach him.

Dart definitely has talent. IMO it comes down to scheme fit. Admittedly my review of video on him has been lacking. That said he seemed at times unsure of his reads. The reason I say that is how will he adapt to the more complex defenses he will be forced to read. The best case scenario is one maybe two years of coaching and development. Also, from others, I've heard he's got technique flaws that need to be cleaned up.

From the analytics, I've been told his speed falls into the 4.5-4.7 range which is pretty good for a QB so he has legs. I think Dart is one of those QBs that need to land in the situation with a HC willing to adapt to his strengths and give him the time to develop. Darnold is an example of what happens to a player who doesn't get that as a rookie. They become late bloomers if they bloom at all.

In McVay's offense, a QB who can read is a primary requirement. It's why Sean has a preference for veteran QBs who have proven they can read and go through their progressions. That's why a good QB who is not necessarily an elite talent physically can be a perfect fit under McVay and his scheme. Someone like Brock Purdy comes to mind. It's why the Niners can't allow Purdy to be a FA as long as Sean is HC. There is enough similarity between SF and LA to validate that a good QB can be a winner if he's quick through his progressions and accurate in his choices and throws. It's why I've been saying the way the Rams are now built they simply need good play at QB1, not a superstar.