Rams 2026 mock draft: Los Angeles predicted to select Alabama QB as Matthew Stafford's successor

Matthew Stafford is having the best season of his career with the Los Angeles Rams in 2025, as the 37-year-old has tossed 42 touchdowns to just eight interceptions and has the Rams sitting at 11-5 heading into Week 18.

Though Stafford is enjoying a fantastic 2025 campaign and is putting together an MVP case, his future after the season remains a major question.

Stafford has contemplated retirement multiple times over the last few years, and though he will likely be back for another year in Los Angeles in 2026, the franchise should begin to think about life after the 2009 No. 1 overall pick of the Detroit Lions.

That said, Bleacher Nation's Patrick K. Flowers predicts the Rams will use a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Stafford's successor, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

Here is what Flowers had to say about Simpson and his potential fit in Los Angeles.

"A developmental passer with athleticism and arm talent. Simpson fits the Rams’ long-term quarterback pipeline approach."

Simpson would be an ideal fit in Sean McVay's offense, as the Alabama signal-caller is accurate and does a nice job taking care of the football. Simpson tossed just five interceptions in 2025, and paired that with 28 touchdown passes and a 64.5% completion rate.

Though Simpson still has a ton of room to grow, especially with his pocket presence, he wouldn't be forced to play immediately with the Rams if Stafford doesn't retire. Sitting behind an experienced veteran and Super Bowl champion like Stafford would only help Simpson and prepare him for the future.

Los Angeles has two first-round picks in the upcoming draft due to a trade made with the Atlanta Falcons during last April's draft. Using one of the selections on the quarterback of the future would be a savvy move from general manager Les Snead, and Simpson would be a solid choice as the signal-caller that replaces Stafford for the Rams.