While quarterback Matthew Stafford showcased a return to near-Pro Bowl form in 2023, the Los Angeles Rams are wise to contemplate his eventual successor sooner rather than later.
At 36 years old, Stafford’s career trajectory is naturally approaching its twilight, particularly considering his spinal cord injury in 2022 that sidelined him for the final eight games of that season. This setback underscores the importance of planning for the future.
CBS Sports analyst Garrett Podell suggests that the Rams could benefit from selecting Michigan’s JJ McCarthy in the 2024 draft. Although McCarthy is viewed as more of a developmental prospect compared to other quarterbacks in the draft class, having him learn behind Stafford could prove invaluable.
“Rams head coach Sean McVay takes a page out of former assistant and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur’s playbook by taking a first-round quarterback to cook on the bench for a year or two. It certainly paid dividends in Green Bay’s move from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love. Learning from Matthew Stafford could be exactly what McCarthy needs to have a solid NFL career after playing predominantly in a run-first offense at Michigan.”
Opinions on McCarthy’s draft stock vary among scouts, particularly after his recent success leading Michigan to its first national championship since 1997. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN labeled McCarthy as the draft’s biggest wild card at quarterback, while Dane Brugler of The Athletic suggested he should be selected within the top 50 picks.
McCarthy’s collegiate record speaks for itself, boasting a remarkable 27-1 record as Michigan’s starting quarterback. His achievements include 6,226 passing yards, 49 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, guiding the Wolverines to three consecutive Big Ten championships and back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances.
Stafford’s resilience and ability to play through injuries have been hallmark traits throughout his 15-year career. However, his durability has shown signs of decline, evident in his missed games in recent seasons, including eight games in 2019 and 2022, as well as two games in 2023.
Given Stafford’s uncertain timeline for retirement, investing in a quarterback like JJ McCarthy, who brings a winning pedigree and potential for growth, appears prudent. It provides the Rams with a strategic succession plan while ensuring continuity and competitiveness for the franchise’s future.
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