The Los Angeles Rams have been mentioned frequently as a destination for quarterbacks during the NFL Draft process. Draft coverage has frequently paired a young quarterback with Sean McVay, whether it’s Michael Penix or JJ McCarthy early in the process or mid-round picks like Spencer Rattler.

In a “quarterback only mock draft” on Thursday, ESPN’s Jordan Reid and Matt Miller projected the landing destinations of every quarterback they saw being selected. These selections were made in light of league intelligence, team fits, rankings, and their perceptions of potential team approaches to the position.

Miller projects the Rams to select Austin Reed of Western Kentucky in the sixth round. Miller said,

“The Rams have established 36-year-old Matthew Stafford as their starting quarterback, and they have recently added Jimmy Garoppolo, who will return to the field following a two-game suspension. Saying that QB3 is a need in Los Angeles might be underselling it, as Stetson Bennett and Dresser Winn trail behind them. Additionally, Reed might serve as a backup in the future. He moves well both in and out of the pocket, and I think he has strong enough arm strength to play in the major leagues when called upon. Reed also strikes me with his composure and pocket escape abilities. Last season, he finished 22nd in the FBS with 3,340 passing yards and 31 touchdown passes.

It seems unlikely right now that the Rams would select a quarterback in the draft. A month ago, it might not have been the case, but they have since signed Garoppolo, and Stetson Bennett appears to have returned to the team. The Rams may select a player similar to Reed in the draft to contend for the third quarterback place behind Garoppolo after the player missed the previous season due to injury. Bennett, though, cost the Rams a fourth-round pick, so they’ll probably try to give him a chance. They could have simply just cut Bennett at some point during the previous eight months if they hadn’t felt any particular affection for him.

It is true that the Rams require a guy with upside and a future at the position. As a third-string quarterback in development who has the potential to become a backup, Reed may provide them with that. Garoppolo, who is 32 years old, recently concluded what may have been his worst season, while Bennett, who lost a year of growth due to a bad preseason, will effectively be a rookie at 27. But, it appears that the Rams would prefer to prioritise experience at the position over that course of action.