The 2026 NFL Draft is months away, but it’s never too early for a mock draft. Who will the Los Angeles Rams take in the first round?
Rob Gregson of A to Z Sports put together a mock draft. He has the Rams trading up to the No. 1 overall pick to grab Oregon quarterback Dante Moore:
“1. Los Angeles Rams: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Trade: Rams trade Byron Young, two 2026 1st round picks to the Tennessee Titans
The Rams trade up here to select the future of their franchise at quarterback via Moore. If Matthew Stafford and the Rams make a Super Bowl run and win the whole thing (again), there is reason to believe he could ride off into the sunset. Armed with two first-rounders and Byron Young on an expiring deal, the Titans get a haul and help jumpstart the rebuild process behind Cam Ward. The Rams on the other hand, select a dynamic dual-threat quarterback that can be tailor-made to fit Sean McVay’s offense, but also raise the floor of his scheme with true open-field speed that you don’t often see at the position.”
It remains to be seen whether the Rams would make such a trade. But they could use a young quarterback to build around.
NFL Mock Draft Has the Rams Trading Up for Quarterback Dante Moore
His Career Thus Far
Dante Moore attended Martin Luther King High School in Detroit. He finished his high school career with 9,880 passing yards and 135 touchdown passes.
Moore initially committed to play college football at Oregon, but flipped his commitment to UCLA. He appeared in nine games (five starts) as a freshman. That year, he threw for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Moore became the ninth UCLA freshman to ever start a game at quarterback.
He also threw for a season-high 290 yards in games against San Diego State and Washington State.
Moore then entered the transfer portal and transferred to Oregon. He redshirted the 2024 season as Dillon Gabriel served as the starter. He completed seven of eight passes for 49 yards during his redshirt year.
After Gabriel left for the NFL, Moore became the Ducks’ starter for 2025. This season, he has thrown for 2,733 yards and 24 touchdowns. He has also led Oregon to an 11-1 record.
Should the Rams Trade Up?
The 9-3 Rams have been playing great football this year. They had a six-game winning streak before losing to the Carolina Panthers in Week 13. The Rams could certainly make a deep playoff run.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford is an MVP candidate this season. He leads the NFL in passing touchdowns (32) and is fourth in passing yards (3,073 yards). In addition, he has only thrown two picks since Week 3.
However, it’s time to find a potential successor for Stafford. Turning 38 in February, he’s no spring chicken.
Yes, the Rams should trade up for a quarterback, but it shouldn’t be for Dante Moore. He possesses solid accuracy and shows good touch on his deep passes. Plus, he can scramble a bit as well.
But Moore lacks experience. He has only started 11 games at Oregon and a handful of games during his freshman year at UCLA. Drafting him would be a risky move.
Main Image: Troy Wayrynen – Imagn Images
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