Imagine what Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay could do with a quarterback who may be similar to Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.
In a story published Monday, The Athletic’s Derrik Klassen named the Rams as the best fit for Alabama QB Jalen Milroe (6-foot-2, 217 pounds).
On an April 9 episode of The Athletic’s “Scoop City” podcast, former NFL QB Chase Daniel said Milroe’s running ability is similar to that of Jackson, a two-time MVP. The 22-year-old’s mobility may intrigue McVay.
“McVay has long flirted with the idea of a mobile quarterback,” wrote Klassen. “He was eager to give John Wolford a chance at the end of the Jared Goff saga, then held onto him as the team’s backup through the 2022 season. McVay also gave Bryce Perkins a start in 2022, a game in which Perkins carried the ball 19 times for 90 yards.”
Milroe ran an unofficial 4.37 40-yard dash at his pro day in March but must improve as a passer. In 13 starts in 2024, he tossed a career-high 11 interceptions. Citing TruMedia, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported 10 of those interceptions came on throws of 15 air yards or less.
In Los Angeles, Milroe would have time to develop. The Rams roster still features quarterback Matthew Stafford, a Super Bowl champion.
“As a passer [Milroe will] need at least a year to fix his footwork and adapt to the speed of coverage at the NFL level, but that’s okay,” wrote Klassen. “There will be no pressure on Milroe to compete with Stafford for the starting job.”
The Rams could win another championship with Stafford, but they still need a succession plan for the 37-year-old QB. Backup QB Stetson Bennett, a fourth-round pick in 2023, doesn’t seem like the answer. He has yet to throw a pass in a regular-season game.
If Milroe is still available on Day 2 of the draft, the Rams should consider targeting him. He may have a high ceiling, and he could help McVay expand his playbook.
