Latest NFL Draft intel sounds like Rams could make huge mistake

The Los Angeles Rams could go in one of many different directions with the No. 26 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and there is an outside shot that Les Snead and the Rams could use this pick on a quarterback who will eventually succeed Matthew Stafford.

With LA out of range for the top two prospects (Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders), two realistic names for Sean McVay could be Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart or Alabama's Jalen Milroe. One new name has joined the fray, and he might be the most surprising of the bunch.

According to Tom Pelissero, one of five players that could go in the first round despite a general lack of hype in that range is Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough. The Rams, if they miss out on Dart, might be interested in the former Cardinals quarterback at No. 26 overall.

This would be a nightmare of a move, as Shough's unique situation as a prospect and the Rams' need to improve their defense to compete in the NFC would make this selection a franchise-altering move that fans might need to start wringing their hands over.

Rams should avoid Louisville QB Tyler Shough in first round of NFL Draft

Shough was in the same high school recruiting class as Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields, who are starting their fifth professional seasons. Shough, who transferred from Oregon to Texas Tech before he went to Louisville, would turn 26 during his rookie season and would be 30 by the time his contract is up.

Shough has a strong arm, the mindset needed to fit balls into tight windows, and more mobility than most 6-5, 220-pound quarterbacks. However, he comes with some alarming durability concerns, accuracy that fluctuates, and poor results when pressured.

Stafford has at least one more season (and likely two) of high-level play as the Rams starter. Jimmy Garoppolo is a terrific backup quarterback. Drafting Shough would essentially mean that he would be out on ice for two seasons, all while eventually taking over for Stafford as a 28-year-old with one season in which he played more than seven games over the span of a decade.

Shough needs to go to a team that will let him play right away to maximize the value of his rookie contract. The Rams choosing to neglect that, all while starting a ticking clock on Stafford's career in Los Angeles, would not be Les Snead's best use of resources.