By Evan MasseyShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Los Angeles Rams have been one of the best teams in the NFL so far this season. Led by veteran star quarterback Matthew Stafford, the offense has been playing at an extremely high level. Defensively, the team has been solid as well.
Due to their high level of play, the Rams currently hold a 9-2 record entering their Week 13 matchup on the road against the Carolina Panthers.
Stafford has been dominating opposing defenses all season long. So far in 11 games played, the 37-year-old signal caller has completed 66.5 percent of his pass attempts for 2,830 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just two interceptions.
Read more: Bears’ Ben Johnson Sent Subtle Warning to Packers After Eagles Win
At this point in the season, there are few players who would be able to compete with Stafford for the NFL MVP award. However, the cold reality for Los Angeles is that Stafford's days as the franchise quarterback are numbered.
...Looking into the near future, the Rams do not have a clear heir apparent to Stafford. That is something that the front office could look into figuring out during the upcoming NFL offseason.
Keeping that in mind, there is a very intriguing option that Los Angeles could target without spending a high draft pick.
How about Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia? One of the most polarizing players in college football, Pavia has been one of the biggest parts of the Vanderbilt football turnaround.
This season with the Commodores, Pavia has thrown for 3,192 yards, 27 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He has also recorded 826 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
There are few players who have the kind of confidence and leadership qualities that Pavia possesses. His teammates love him while his opponents hate him. Pavia has been mentored quite a bit by former superstar college quarterback Johnny Manziel, who was an absolute bust in the NFL.
Read more: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Gets Brutally Honest About Offensive Struggles
Pavia is not expected to be a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Los Angeles would be able to target him in the mid or later rounds. That could give them an option for the post-Stafford years without investing too much now.
Granted, it's just an idea, but it's one that could make a lot of sense for the Rams. Pavia has been an absolute superstar at Vanderbilt and has the kind of skill-set and swagger that it takes to be a successful professional quarterback.
For more on the Los Angeles Rams and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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