The Los Angeles Rams are uniquely positioned as one of the most well-set-up teams for the present and future.
Not only are they the current odds-on favorite to win the Super Bowl as of December 9, per BetMGM, but they also own two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, thanks to a trade with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
Armed with a treasure trove of draft capital, Pro Football Focus's Trevor Sikemma predicted the Rams to trade up for the heir apparent to Matthew Stafford in 2026.
Rams predicted to trade up for Indiana's Fernando Mendoza in 2026 draft
Sikemma has Los Angeles trading up to No. 1 overall with the New York Giants to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
"I have yet to do a mock draft with trades, but now that we’re into December, it’s hard to believe the New York Giants’ best plan for the 2026 NFL Draft involves staying at No. 1 overall — not with Mendoza playing like a quarterback who could command that spot from a team desperate for help under center," wrote Sikkema.
"The Rams got a gift last year when they traded back with Atlanta and picked up a future first that now sits in the top 10, and there may be no better use of it than going all-in to secure their quarterback of the future. They’d likely need to part with at least their two first-round picks to move up to No. 1."
While Stafford is a leading MVP candidate right now, he's 37 years old and is getting towards the end of his career.
Drafting Mendoza in 2026 allows the young quarterback to sit and learn behind one of the all-time greats and get coached up by one of the league's brightest offensive minds in Sean McVay.
It's hard to find a better landing spot for the Heisman hopeful than in Los Angeles.
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