Les Snead knows four Day 3 potential quarterback diamonds are up for grabs

The annual NFL draft, like any closed economic system, is ruled by the law of supply versus demand. But like many economic studies, macroeconomics differs from microeconomics. That has never been lost on Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead, who loves to dive into the weeds of sleepers, small schools, and slow developers to find the right prospect for the right role in Los Angeles.

It's not easy to do. It's as much about artistry as science. But Snead knows exactly what he is seeking on the draft board. If and when he finds that ideal fit, great things happen in Los Angeles. Still, the tale of many rookie prospects is not a steady rise in production and development. There are many summits and nadirs in their growth. The trick is to trust instincts about the player.

And that applies to solving the Rams quarterback conundrum.

There are many Day 3 rookie quarterback prospects up for grabs in this draft. Many were viewed as Day 1 or Day 2 projections in the previous draft. But the lure of NIL monies and the intention to polish their craft led to darker times. It's from the rubble of those struggles that Snead can pan for gold nuggets. Someone who was washed into the silt of anonymity may be just what LA needs for its quarterback room.

Let's go over some candidates:

Four quarterbacks who fit LA Rams on Day 3

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar

Quarterback Drew Allar opted to return to Penn State for another year of college football. Unfortunately, that decision may have cost him millions. He was a rising star on the 2025 NFL Draft boards, but he has now become almost an afterthought. That's the type of bargain Les Snead loves to add to the roster.

A true pocket passer who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 228 pounds, Allar is an ideal understudy for veteran Matthew Stafford. He is picture-perfect in a conservative, well-constructed offense. But he lacks the instantaneous processing needed to improvise.

Sean McVay can build that highly structured offense that Allar needs. And the coaching staff can coach him up to become a problem solver when plays break down.

North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton

North Dakota State rookie quarterback Cole Payton is built to stand tall in an NFL pocket. At 6-foot-3 and 232 pounds, he could be an edge rusher or tight end. He has a cannon for an arm, boasting an incredible ability at throwing deep passes. Combined with superb running, Payton can manufacture yards and points almost single-handedly.

He has just one year of starting experience, and that one season was at North Dakota State. He fits the Rams' view of a successor for Stafford. Payton is an ideal understudy who would benefit greatly from NFL coaching and observing the offense for a year. Don't rule out Payton.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik

Quarterback Cade Klubnik is another rising college football quarterback who plateaued after opting to return for another season at Clemson. At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, this mobile pocket passer adds new dimensions to an offensive playbook. But his ability to scramble comes at a cost of perfecting progression reads and making tough throws.

Much like Allar above, if the first target is unavailable, he struggles to find secondary or tertiary targets in his progression. He has plenty of offensive upside, as he is seldom sacked and can gain yards with his legs. But he will need to work at perfecting his intermediate and deep passes.

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar has two strikes against him. He is 25 years old and he has been lightly scouted as an underwhelming draft option. Originally a quarterback for Appalachian State, he stepped up for Tennessee as their starting quarterback in 2025 and didn't skip a beat.

Les Snead loves to draft mature rookies. And he loves rookies who prove they can play "Frogger at a faster pace." At 6-foot-3 and 229 pounds, Aguilar is built for an NFL pocket. And he has proven to be tough and resilient under pressure. While he may not be a fit for many NFL offenses, he is a solid fit for Los Angeles.

Many view this draft as limited to two or three NFL-worthy quarterbacks. But NFL history tells a different story. Many quarterback stars began as lesser-viewed rookies. And it's up to Rams GM Les Snead to continue that admirable NFL tradition.

As always, thanks for reading.

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