According to ESPN analyst Ben Solak’s mock draft, the Los Angeles Rams are eyeing Riley Leonard as a potential backup to veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford in the upcoming NFL Draft. Stafford, who’s been with the Rams since 2021, has shown signs of aging, prompting the team to look for a younger QB to develop behind him.
Riley Leonard appears to be a strong fit for that role. After starting his college career with the Duke Blue Devils (2021–2023), Leonard transferred to Notre Dame for his senior season. There, he threw for 2,861 yards, tallying 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Solak highlights Leonard’s dual-threat ability—his skills as both a passer and a runner—as a major asset for the Rams. Bringing him in could give the team a dynamic, long-term option behind Stafford.
The Rams wrapped up the 2024 NFL season with a 10–7 record, topping the NFC West and earning a spot in the Divisional Round, where they lost a close game to the Philadelphia Eagles, 28–22. With an eye on improvement, the Rams are looking to strengthen their offense for a deeper playoff push in 2025.
In other news, wide receiver Puka Nacua recently shared some unexpected retirement ambitions. On the podcast Games with Names hosted by Julian Edelman, Nacua revealed he wants to play basketball overseas once his NFL career is over. He hopes to step away from football while still in peak physical condition so he can pursue other sports.
Nacua added that he’s interested in joining a lesser-known international basketball team—and maybe even taking on ownership or a coaching role in the future. Drafted in the fifth round in 2023 (177th overall), Nacua had a solid season, posting 79 catches for 990 yards and three touchdowns.
