The clock keeps ticking on Matthew Stafford’s career, and the Los Angeles Rams know it. While the veteran quarterback isn’t finished yet, whispers about his successor are already growing louder. A new 2026 NFL Mock Draft suggests the Rams could make their move sooner than expected, targeting a quarterback whose physical tools have scouts comparing him to an MVP.
Could Rams Draft Their Next Franchise QB in 2026 To Replace Matthew Stafford?
Stafford remains the starter and continues playing sharp football, but reality can’t be ignored. The veteran enters his 17th NFL season at 37 years old, making the Rams’ future planning both logical and necessary. The team appears to be positioning itself for a transition, and they have the draft capital to make it happen.
In a new projection from PFSN’s Jacob Infante, the Rams are predicted to use one of their two first-round picks on South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Infante praised the redshirt sophomore as “strong-armed, athletic, tough to sack,” while noting that Sean McVay might be the perfect coach to develop Sellers’ impressive but raw skill set.
“LaNorris Sellers isn’t the consensus QB1 in the 2026 class, but he might have the best physical tools of any quarterback in college football. Sellers is strong-armed, athletic, tough to sack, and more accurate than he gets credit for,” Infante wrote.
The numbers tell part of Sellers’ story. The 20-year-old has already demonstrated elite production across his first 15 games, accounting for 28 total touchdowns while throwing for 2,620 yards and rushing for another 725. However, it’s his physical profile that has evaluators truly excited about his potential.
At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, Sellers possesses the frame and athletic ability that translates perfectly to the modern NFL. His combination of size, arm strength, and mobility has drawn striking comparisons to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who transformed from a raw prospect into an MVP-caliber player.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Steve Muench both noted the resemblance between Sellers and Allen. From his physical traits to his aggressive, mobile approach, Sellers fits the mold of a modern-day NFL weapon. The key question becomes whether he can refine the mental aspects of quarterbacking.
Kiper highlighted both sides of Sellers’ development. While the young quarterback brings top-tier arm strength and athleticism, his growth depends heavily on improving his timing and decision-making under pressure. Holding the ball too long and absorbing unnecessary hits represent areas he must address during the 2025 season if he wants to maximize his draft stock.
The Rams find themselves in a unique position. Their 2026 draft capital provides flexibility while McVay’s track record with quarterbacks offers hope for any prospect they might select. The combination creates an ideal environment for developing someone with Sellers’ physical gifts.
Los Angeles could create a rare situation by grooming a physically gifted quarterback under one of the NFL’s top offensive minds while still maximizing Stafford’s remaining productive years. This approach would allow Sellers time to develop without the immediate pressure of starting, potentially accelerating his learning curve.
The franchise has time to make this decision, but the projection suggests they’re already considering their options. With Stafford’s age and the opportunity to draft a high-ceiling prospect, the Rams could position themselves for a smooth transition into their next era.
McVay’s ability to adapt his system and develop quarterbacks could prove crucial if Sellers becomes the target. The young quarterback may not need to be the consensus QB1 to become the Rams’ quarterback of the future, especially with the right coaching and development plan in place.
