Feb. 14, 2026, 4:01 a.m. PT
There isn’t a controversy on who will start at quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams to begin the 2026 NFL season, as Matthew Stafford already announced his official return. At the same time, the Rams are approaching a point where they’ll need to bring in a quarterback to develop behind Stafford or prepare to be the starter in the future.
Along with having a chance to make a trade for a signal-caller, Los Angeles could use the 2026 NFL Draft as a resource to bring in a new face to the quarterback room. If the Rams want to bring in a dual-threat quarterback who has the potential to develop into an effective starter, Taylen Green out of Arkansas does bring some intrigue at the position.
Let’s dive into Green’s college production and lay out his fit on the Rams to determine if Sean McVay and Les Snead would express interest in the dynamic quarterback during this year’s draft.
Background/college production
Following a redshirt year and two full seasons at Boise State, Green transferred to Arkansas in 2024, and he was the starter during his time with the Razorbacks. To conclude his collegiate career in 2025, Green completed 60.7% of his throws for 2,714 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Green also provides plenty of rushing upside with 580-plus rushing yards and 8-plus rushing touchdowns in three of his final four seasons in college (including both of his years at Arkansas). According to PFF, Green was 87th in adjusted completion percentage (71.3%) and 26th in yards per attempt (8.2) among college quarterbacks with 200-plus dropbacks this past season.
How he fits the Rams
After coaching Jared Goff and Stafford for the majority of his time coaching the Rams, McVay has hinted at wanting a quarterback who can be a weapon with his legs. Of the college quarterbacks with 50-plus rushing attempts in 2025, Green posted the most yards per attempt (8.8), second-most runs of 10-plus yards (41), and eighth-most yards after contact per attempt (4.57), per PFF.
Given the lack of confidence that many have in this year’s crop of incoming quarterback prospects, Green does fit the description of being a toolsy developmental signal-caller who can sit behind Stafford until he’s prepared to start. Green’s dual-threat ability would add another wrinkle to McVay’s offense, and he does have enough arm talent to evolve into a talented player in the right scheme.
Draft projection
Given Green’s great size and exciting skills at the position, we could see his stock improve in the pre-draft process. However, for the time being, Green is projected to go on Day 3 of the draft.
The thin nature of this year’s class of quarterbacks could prompt teams to select Green earlier than expected, which could force the Rams to consider the Arkansas product in the third round if they’re intending to add a quarterback via the draft. Ideally, Los Angeles would be able to wait until the later rounds to take a chance on Green, allowing him to sit a year or two before having the responsibility to lead the offense.