Matthew Stafford’s presence under center for the Los Angeles Rams is confirmed for 2025, and while he hints at a longer tenure, the team must consider their long-term quarterback strategy, given his age. Jaxson Dart, the former Ole Miss quarterback, has emerged as a prominent candidate for the Rams’ future, particularly with the team holding the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 draft.
If Dart’s draft stock causes him to slide, ESPN’s Field Yates, Jordan Reid, and Matt Miller all see a strong fit with the Rams. “I’ve heard he’s actually the second-best QB on some teams’ boards. That bodes well for his first-round potential,” Reid noted on March 28.
Should The Los Angeles Rams Draft Jaxson Dart? Top Analysts Weigh In
“Pairing Dart with Rams coach Sean McVay and allowing him to sit and develop behind Matthew Stafford for multiple seasons in L.A. would be the best-case scenario for him.” Yates echoed this sentiment, suggesting that while Dart could start immediately with teams like the Steelers, the Saints or Rams might view him as a long-term investment.
Dart’s impressive 2024 season, with 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and a 69.3% completion rate, has further solidified his draft prospects. “In my talks with scouts this past week, the expectation is that his predraft process has been too successful for him to get past the first 32 picks,” Miller wrote.
ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum, a former NFL general manager, has repeatedly emphasized Dart’s potential with the Rams, highlighting his success at Ole Miss.
“Dart excelled in Lane Kiffin’s scheme at Ole Miss, throwing 72 touchdown passes over his three years in Oxford. He has risen on draft boards in the past few months, too. He had a great week at the Senior Bowl and was, in my opinion, the best thrower at the combine. Dart has a sturdy lower frame and really good movement skills, and he has a lot of upside,” Tannenbaum wrote on March 25.
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“If I’m taking over the Rams’ GM role today, I’m absolutely eyeing the future.” He also stated, “If you can pair Jaxson Dart on a rookie contract with Sean McVay, sign me up!”
Miller, like Tannenbaum, projects the Rams selecting Dart at No. 26, emphasizing the need to prepare for the post-Stafford era. “Dart got better every season under Lane Kiffin and has the eyes and arm to make plays on time and to every area of the field. Dart will need time to acclimate to the NFL, as Kiffin’s RPO-heavy scheme limited his reads and progressions, but he can sit and learn behind Stafford in 2025. The Rams don’t have a second-round pick, so this would be the time to aggressively pursue their QB of the future,” Miller wrote.
Yates and Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated have also identified the Rams as a potential landing spot for Dart, indicating growing consensus on the quarterback’s fit with the team.