ESPN is tracking Sam Hartman of Notre Dame as a possible match for the Rams.
Come April, the Los Angeles Rams may be looking to add a quarterback on the third day of the NFL Draft. This is a little disheartening, particularly considering that the team just picked Stetson Bennett in the fourth round of the previous draft. But with Bennett’s uncertain future and Stafford’s lack of a backup right now, it makes sense to pick one.
Recently, Jordan Reid of ESPN ranked the top 12 quarterbacks in the NFL Draft and indicated which teams may be a good match for each individual. Sam Hartman of Notre Dame came in at number 10. Reid mentioned the Rams as Hartman’s possible team. Reid said,
“Getting the ball out quickly hasn’t been a problem for Hartman, as he’s a quick decision-maker. But he has also been accurate on deep throws, even though he has arm strength limitations. Hartman had 11 touchdowns to one interception and an 88.5 QBR on throws 20-plus yards downfield this past season. Part of the reason that Hartman transferred to Notre Dame was to gain experience in a pro-style system…While he has had plenty of success in the pocket, pressure has rushed him into making premature decisions. When under pressure this season, Hartman completed only 45.5% of his throws, which ranks 71st in the FBS. He doesn’t have the playmaking ability to create extra opportunities outside of the normal structure of plays with any consistency. He will need to be in a system that’s predicated on rhythm and timing underneath, which matches his strengths as a passer.”
If Hartman were selected by the Rams in the draft, it would not be very exciting. His best use will probably be as a backup quarterback. A guy like Carson Wentz might be able to return to Los Angeles, but it’s unclear if he’ll find another chance. In that scenario, the Rams’ best bet for addressing the backup quarterback position could be to choose a quarterback in the draft.
On the third day, the Notre Dame quarterback might be a possibility, but his physical limitations severely restrict his upside. By selecting Hartman, the Rams are attempting to adhere to their strategy from the previous season, which involved choosing a long-term backup quarterback. This would be an attempt to make amends for Bennett’s unsatisfactory performance following a mixed preseason.
How the Rams handle the quarterback position this offseason will be intriguing to watch. They can’t disregard that since that’s how they ended up facing the Green Bay Packers with Brett Rypien. However, not every quarterback with starting potential is definitely one to pick on the first or second round. Maybe the wisest course of action is to choose a quarterback on the third draft day and hope that he or she can fill in as a backup if necessary.