The Los Angeles Rams’ strategic moves during the 2025 NFL Draft, specifically acquiring a 2026 first-round pick by allowing the Atlanta Falcons to trade up for James Pearce Jr., have sparked considerable speculation. This move has led to questions about the Rams’ long-term quarterback plans and potential interest in Arch Manning.
Los Angeles Rams: “That’s What Les Is After”
Dianna Russini of The Athletic contributed to this speculation, suggesting that the Rams’ acquisition of the future first-round pick could be aimed at positioning themselves to select Manning in the 2026 NFL Draft. “What are the chances of the Rams still having that pick by the time we get to the draft next year? Zero,” Russini stated. “I had a bunch of people in football texting me after the Rams did that. They’re like Arch, Arch, that’s what Les is after. But we’ll see, so much can happen between now and then, as we know.”
Mike Sando of The Athletic further elaborated on this theory, highlighting head coach Sean McVay’s past quarterback tendencies.
“I thought the Rams, getting a one next year, was something I really wasn’t expecting to have happen,” Sando noted. “We know that Sean McVay always sort of likes his quarterback but has his eye on maybe something else in the future. They made Stafford kind of sweat, and they said, ‘Hey, go see your market. See, it wasn’t that great.’ So I feel like this is just like the ultimate poker move and a great job to get a pick next year when next year’s draft is supposed to be better anyway.”
Sando added, “Now you’re in that mix of a team with ammo and who knows what else they do. They may get more picks to give themselves a real chance. Atlanta kind of went a little all in this year, but what if Michael Penix gets hurt or something?… That could be a high pick.”
While the Rams have positioned themselves to be a potential player in the 2026 draft, as Sando points out, it is important to note, as Russini emphasizes, that any speculation about Manning remains highly contingent on future developments. Manning has three years of NCAA eligibility remaining. He is set to take over the starting quarterback position at Texas in 2025, and might choose to remain in college for the 2026 season.
Ultimately, whether Los Angeles is indeed targeting Arch Manning remains to be seen. However, their recent draft maneuvers indicate a strategic approach to future team building, and they will undoubtedly be closely monitoring Manning’s progress throughout the 2025 season.
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