The Los Angeles Rams enter the upcoming season with a strong offensive foundation. They have secured the return of Matthew Stafford at quarterback and added complementary pieces to enhance his passing game. However, with the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Rams may strategically consider the long-term future of their quarterback position.
Stafford’s advancing age and the inherent risks of injury necessitate that the Rams’ front office evaluate potential successors. The upcoming draft will provide valuable insights into how they plan to address this crucial aspect of their roster construction.
Mock drafts from across the spectrum have the Rams addressing the position at several different points. For the OC Register’s Rams beat reporter, Adam Grosbard, that pick will come in the 6th round for the Indiana Hoosiers QB Kurtis Rourke.
Los Angeles Rams Draft: Round 6 (No. 201 overall)
The pick: Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 223 pounds
Analysis: Don’t you think the Rams love the story of a quarterback playing his senior season on a partially torn ACL and leading his team to the College Football Playoff anyway? Without any real needs, the Rams can take a shot on a late-round quarterback and hope that, with a little work behind Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo, he can turn into a diamond in the rough. They already know he has the toughness necessary for that type of challenge.
Kurtis Rourke Scouting Report:
HT 6′4″ | WT 220 | AGE 24.50 | Draft Grade: 6th Round
After a single season as a starter at Indiana, Kurtis Rourke demonstrated his effectiveness within offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan’s RPO spread scheme. Following five seasons at Ohio University, Rourke’s 2024 campaign with the Hoosiers saw him establish a single-season school record with 31 total touchdowns, leading the offense to an 11-2 record and a berth in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
Rourke exhibits proficiency as a passer when operating within the structure of the pocket. He displays anticipation, pace, and precise ball placement, excelling particularly on isolation routes, such as back-shoulder throws and sideline “bucket” throws.
However, his performance declines when forced to deviate from his pocket, resulting in mechanical flaws in his lower body and diminished accuracy. This was evident in his performances against top-tier defenses, where he completed only 57 percent of his passes and averaged 163 passing yards in matchups against Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State.
Overall, Rourke presents as a well-sized pocket passer with a tendency to push the ball downfield when operating within a structured environment. However, his limited mobility may present challenges against the complexities and pressures of NFL defenses. If he can maintain his health, Rourke projects as a potentially capable backup, similar in profile to Aidan O’Connell.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel
| year | school | gp | gs | cp | att | cp% | yds | td | int |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Ohio | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | Ohio | 3 | 3 | 30 | 44 | 68.2% | 386 | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 | Ohio | 10 | 9 | 169 | 259 | 65.3% | 1,801 | 11 | 7 |
| 2022 | Ohio | 11 | 11 | 244 | 353 | 69.1% | 3,256 | 25 | 4 |
| 2023 | Ohio | 11 | 11 | 195 | 307 | 63.5% | 2,207 | 11 | 5 |
| 2024 | Indiana | 12 | 12 | 222 | 320 | 69.4% | 3,042 | 29 | 5 |
| Total | 48 | 46 | 860 | 1,283 | 67.0% | 10,692 | 79 | 21 |