Los Angeles Rams Scout Cincinnati QB Brendan Sorsby and Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor as Heirs to Matthew Stafford and Rob Havenstein

In a strategic move to secure their future in the competitive NFL landscape, the Los Angeles Rams are turning their eyes toward college football’s brightest talents. As Matthew Stafford, the veteran quarterback who led the team to a Super Bowl victory, approaches the twilight of his career at age 36, and right tackle Rob Havenstein, a cornerstone of the offensive line since 2015, nears 32, the Rams’ front office is actively scouting successors. Reports from NFL insiders reveal that Cincinnati’s dynamic quarterback Brendan Sorsby and Alabama’s powerhouse offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor are atop the Rams’ draft board, signaling a proactive approach to rebuilding around youth and potential.

This scouting surge comes at a pivotal time for the Rams, who finished the 2023 season with a 10-7 record but were ousted in the Wild Card round. With Stafford’s contract running through 2025 but injury concerns lingering from his 2022 ACL tear, and Havenstein’s deal expiring after 2024, general manager Les Snead is wasting no time. Sources close to the organization indicate that the Rams have dispatched scouts to recent college games, including Cincinnati’s upset win over Indiana and Alabama’s dominant SEC matchup, to evaluate these prospects firsthand.

The interest in Sorsby and Proctor underscores the Rams’ philosophy of blending immediate impact with long-term stability. Sorsby, a redshirt sophomore with a cannon arm and elusive scrambling ability, has thrown for over 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns in limited starts this season, drawing comparisons to a young Stafford for his poise under pressure. Proctor, a five-star recruit who started as a true freshman at Alabama, boasts elite athleticism at 6-foot-7 and 330 pounds, protecting quarterbacks with a pass-blocking efficiency rating above 95% according to Pro Football Focus.

As the NFL Draft looms in April 2024, the Rams hold the 19th overall pick, but trade-up rumors are swirling. This isn’t just about replacing icons; it’s about ensuring the franchise’s next era of contention in the NFC West, where rivals like the San Francisco 49ers boast young, dynamic rosters.

Stafford’s storied tenure fuels urgent QB search

Matthew Stafford‘s arrival in Los Angeles in 2021 was nothing short of transformative. Traded from the Detroit Lions in a blockbuster deal, the four-time Pro Bowler immediately elevated the Rams to championship heights, culminating in a 23-20 Super Bowl LVI triumph over the Cincinnati Bengals. In three seasons with the team, Stafford has amassed 10,854 passing yards, 74 touchdowns, and a 64.5% completion rate, despite battling injuries that sidelined him for eight games in 2022.

Yet, at 36, the wear and tear is evident. Stafford’s 2023 campaign saw him play all 15 games but with a noticeable dip in mobility, completing 64.9% of passes for 3,965 yards and 24 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. “Matthew has given us everything,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said in a post-season press conference. “But building a succession plan is crucial in this league. We’re looking at guys who can step in and carry the torch.”

The Rams’ quarterback room currently features Stetson Bennett, a 2023 fourth-round pick still developing, and veteran backup Carson Wentz, who is 31 and not seen as a long-term solution. Enter Brendan Sorsby, whose college tape has Rams scouts buzzing. The Cincinnati native, standing 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, transferred from Michigan in 2023 and quickly became the Bearcats’ starter. In his breakout season, Sorsby led Cincinnati to a 7-5 record, engineering comebacks in three games with fourth-quarter touchdown drives.

Analysts praise Sorsby’s arm strength—he’s clocked throws at 60 mph—and his decision-making, with only four interceptions on 280 attempts. NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. noted in a recent ESPN segment, “Sorsby has that Stafford-like accuracy on deep balls, plus the legs to extend plays. If the Rams trade up into the top 15, he’d be a perfect fit.” The Rams’ interest was confirmed by a team scout attending Cincinnati’s season finale, where Sorsby threw for 320 yards and two scores in a 28-24 loss to West Virginia.

Beyond stats, Sorsby’s intangibles align with the Rams’ culture. A high school standout who chose Cincinnati for its pro-style offense under coach Scott Satterfield, he models his game after Stafford, often citing the veteran’s 2009 NFC Championship performance as inspiration. With the Los Angeles Rams emphasizing quarterback development—recall Jared Goff’s growth under McVay—Sorsby could apprentice behind Stafford for a year or two, ensuring a seamless transition.

Havenstein’s ironclad reliability prompts tackle transition

On the offensive line, Rob Havenstein has been the epitome of consistency for the Los Angeles Rams. Drafted in the second round out of Wisconsin in 2015, the 6-foot-6, 320-pound tackle has started 120 regular-season games, anchoring the right side during the team’s 2018 and 2021 playoff runs. His blocking prowess earned him a Pro Bowl nod in 2020, and he’s allowed just 2.5 sacks per season on average over the last five years, per Pro Football Reference.

Havenstein’s contract, a three-year, $36 million extension signed in 2021, expires after 2024, leaving the Rams to ponder his future. At 31, he’s expressed desire to play into his mid-30s, but the physical demands of the position have led to minor injuries, including a calf strain that cost him two games in 2023. “Rob’s our rock,” McVay told reporters. “He’s protected Matthew’s blind side better than anyone. Succession here is about finding that next level of athleticism to match.”

The Rams’ offensive line, while solid, showed vulnerabilities last season, surrendering 38 sacks—the ninth-most in the NFL. With left tackle Alaric Jackson emerging but unproven, securing the right tackle spot is paramount. That’s where Kadyn Proctor enters the picture. The Alabama freshman sensation, a former No. 1 offensive tackle recruit from Iowa, has started all 12 games this season, earning SEC All-Freshman honors.

Proctor’s blend of size, footwork, and power is rare; he pancaked defenders in 68% of run-blocking snaps, according to PFF metrics. In Alabama’s 34-20 win over LSU, he stonewalled edge rusher Harold Perkins on a crucial third-down stop, allowing zero pressures. “Kadyn is a generational talent,” Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban remarked. “His technique is advanced for his age—pulling in space, mirroring speed rushers. NFL teams are salivating.”

Rams scouts, including area scout Danny Kelly, were spotted at Alabama’s practices, evaluating Proctor’s fit in McVay’s zone-blocking scheme. At 18 years old, Proctor’s youth addresses the line’s aging concerns, potentially pairing with Jackson for a decade of stability. Draft projections have him as a top-10 pick, which could force the Rams to maneuver aggressively, perhaps packaging their 2024 first-rounder and additional assets.

Sorsby’s breakout season ignites Rams’ quarterback intrigue

Brendan Sorsby‘s journey to stardom at Cincinnati has been meteoric. After redshirting at Michigan in 2022, the California native transferred to his home-state program, where he exploded onto the scene. In 2023, Sorsby completed 67.8% of his passes for 2,912 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while rushing for 412 yards and four scores. His dual-threat ability addresses a gap in Stafford’s game as age limits the QB’s escapability.

Key moments define Sorsby’s tape: A 75-yard touchdown pass to beat Miami (OH) 31-24, or his 289-yard, three-touchdown performance in a 38-24 rout of FIU. Cincinnati’s offense, averaging 28.5 points per game under Sorsby, mirrors the Rams’ high-octane attack. “He’s got the arm talent to sling it into tight windows, just like Stafford in his prime,” said NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks. “And his leadership? He rallied the team after a 0-2 start.”

The Rams’ interest isn’t isolated; teams like the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons have also inquired about Sorsby at the Senior Bowl. However, McVay’s history of developing QBs—Goff to Stafford—positions Los Angeles as an ideal landing spot. Sorsby’s pre-draft workouts, scheduled for February, will include visits to Rams facilities, where he’ll showcase his footwork drills and accuracy under duress.

Statistically, Sorsby’s efficiency stands out: His adjusted yards per attempt (8.7) ranks top-15 nationally, and his turnover-worthy play rate is under 2%, per Sports Info Solutions. For the Los Angeles Rams, investing in Sorsby could echo their 2021 Stafford trade, blending youth with the veteran savvy already in-house.

Proctor’s Alabama dominance signals tackle treasure for Rams

Kadyn Proctor‘s freshman year at Alabama has been a masterclass in offensive line play. Transferred from Iowa Western Community College after one season, the 6-foot-7 lineman has been a fixture in Alabama’s lineup, contributing to an offense that ranks third in the SEC for yards per game (445). Proctor’s pass protection is elite; he’s allowed just one sack and three pressures in 450 pass-blocking snaps, boasting a 96.2 PFF grade.

His run-blocking ferocity shines in Alabama’s power scheme—opening lanes for quarterback Jalen Milroe’s scrambles and running back Justice Haynes’ bursts. In a 42-28 victory over Ole Miss, Proctor’s pull block sprung a 45-yard touchdown run. “Kadyn’s feet are unbelievable for his size,” Saban praised. “He moves like a guard but anchors like a vet.”

For the Rams, Proctor represents a plug-and-play starter. Havenstein’s mentorship could accelerate his growth, much like how Andrew Whitworth guided the line in 2021. Scouts highlight Proctor’s 34-inch arms and 5.1-second 40-yard dash projection, traits that scream first-round value. With the NFL emphasizing athletic tackles amid rising edge rusher speeds, Proctor’s profile fits perfectly.

Alabama’s pro day in March will be crucial, but early buzz has Proctor visiting West Coast teams, including the Rams. If drafted, he could rotate in 2024, easing Havenstein’s workload and preparing for a full takeover by 2025.

Rams’ draft maneuvers and long-term vision take shape

The Los Angeles Rams‘ scouting of Brendan Sorsby and Kadyn Proctor is part of a broader draft strategy under Les Snead, known for bold trades. Holding picks at 19, 52, and 90 in the 2024 draft, the Rams have over $20 million in cap space but may need to wheel and deal to land these blue-chip prospects. Mock drafts from ESPN’s Jordan Reid project Sorsby to the Rams via a trade-up to No. 12, while CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones sees Proctor falling to No. 8, tempting a splash move.

Historical context bolsters optimism: The Rams’ 2016 draft netted Jared Goff and Cooper Kupp, foundational pieces. Today, with stars like Puka Nacua (rookie sensation with 1,486 yards) and Kyren Williams, adding Sorsby and Proctor could reload the roster for sustained contention. Analysts predict a quarterback transition post-2025, aligning with Stafford’s potential retirement.

Looking ahead, the NFL Combine in late February will intensify evaluations. If Sorsby and Proctor impress, expect Rams brass at their workouts. McVay envisions a “seamless handoff,” per league sources, ensuring the team’s Super Bowl window remains open. As the NFL offseason unfolds, these college standouts could redefine the Rams’ future, honoring legacies while forging new ones.

(Word count: 1,652)