The Los Angeles Rams get Matthew Stafford back for 2026, and with Les Snead saying a plan would be in place to benefit the quarterback, a new mock draft does just that.
Matthew Stafford shocked the NFL Honors crowd when he received his first-ever league MVP. Following the career highlight for the Los Angeles Rams signal caller, he dropped the bomb that he will return to play in 2026.
Beyond the 2026 season, things may rapidly change for Stafford, making this upcoming season even more paramount. General manager Les Snead revealed a plan would be in place for the quarterback, and a new mock draft points to what could be part of that plan.
Snead may have dropped that nugget on Stafford as it pertains to a potential new contract for the quarterback. He may have also been stating the roster would be improved in a way that benefits the MVP as well.
Though the core of the Rams roster remains a playoff contender, there are some improvements that can be made. One of which is on the offensive line.
Despite a core unit of Kevin Dotson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Alaric Jackson, and Warren McClendon Jr., injuries have been a point of contention for the team in the past.
Going back to 2024, the Rams went 1-5 to start the season due to injuries to Avila, Jackson, and Havenstein. The latter has also retired from the NFL since then, and adding some quality depth and players that can step up is even more important.
A new mock draft from Fox Sports draft expert Joel Klatt provides the Rams with a prediction that offers some peace of mind for the line.
Klatt has mocked the Rams to pick Penn State offensive guard Vega Ioane at No. 13 overall.
"The Rams might feel tempted to go after another weapon on offense. If Makai Lemon were still available, he'd be a no-brainer pick for them. So, the next best thing they can do to help Matthew Stafford out would be to get him some protection. I love Ioane. He didn't allow a sack in the last two years, and he might be the best interior offensive lineman in the draft," Klatt wrote.
Klatt did mention that if USC's Makai Lemon was available, the Rams would go that route, but in this instance, he is not. Los Angeles then bolsters the offensive line with Ioane.
Ioane is 13th on PFF for guard with an overall grade of 80.0, including a 16th rank run block grade of 78.6. As Klatt wrote, he has not allowed a sack in the last two years.
Despite a core offensive line that is ranked top five for the 2025 season, the Rams cannot afford to have quality depth.
It also doesn't hurt to have some competition to solidify the unit even more. Protecting Stafford in what could be his final season will be paramount, and adding a top offensive lineman out of college can do just that.