Well, Mel Kiper Jr. sure is making a bold prediction for the Los Angeles Rams in his final mock draft of 2023. Kiper only projected the first 31 picks, but he included the Rams because he has them trading up with the Chiefs, acquiring the 31st overall selection in Round 1.
And it’s not for a stud pass rusher or top cornerback. Kiper has the Rams moving up to take Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker at No. 31, citing “some buzz about (the Rams’) interest in a quarterback in this class” as a reason for this projection.
Here’s what Kiper wrote about the selection of Hooker.
Why not do this if you’re the Rams? Stafford had a rough season in 2022. They could get Hooker’s fifth-year option here, and there is a precedent of teams trading into the final spot in Round 1 (Lamar Jackson in 2018).
As I’ve written before, I’m not as high on Hooker as others are — he’s No. 54 in my rankings — but I do think he’ll land in Round 1. This is a fit I could see happening.
Kiper doesn’t think it would take a lot for the Rams to trade up five spots into the first round, potentially a couple of Day 3 picks or a third-rounder in 2024. The Rams would gladly pay that to land what they could believe is their next franchise quarterback after Stafford.
The Rams aren’t planning to move on from Stafford any time soon and they picked up his option this offseason to ensure he’ll remain in Los Angeles for at least the next two seasons, assuming he doesn’t retire after the 2023 season. However, they also don’t have a backup quarterback or a good succession plan if Stafford were to retire before the 2024 campaign.
Hooker is a talented quarterback who lit up the SEC last season before tearing his ACL, throwing for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns with only two interceptions in 11 games. He also rushed for 430 yards and five touchdowns last season, showing his dual-threat ability.
He has traits Sean McVay looks for in a quarterback, from decision-making to accuracy and mobility, so that makes him a logical fit for the Rams. Hooker has a high ceiling as a passer in the NFL after showing his ability at Tennessee and the 31st pick isn’t too early for him to go.
