In case you haven't been paying attention, the Los Angeles Rams' quarterback situation has been a popular topic of discussion this offseason. It's understandable why those around the league have been talking about it; the Rams finished dead last in passing yards per game (175), passing touchdowns (11) and passer rating (74.1) last year. But L.A. has maintained all offseason that they are confident in Case Keenum as the starter (we'll see how well that holds up when the 2016 NFL Draft rolls around).
Nick Foles floundered badly as the No. 1 QB last season and isn't likely to have a major role in 2016. That opens the door for 2015 third-rounder Sean Mannion to assume more responsibility. Though he appeared in just one game last year and only attempted seven passes, head coach Jeff Fisher indicated that Mannion is a part of L.A.'s plans going forward.
"I'm excited to watch him develop and move through that second year," Fisher said, "especially with some familiarity with the system. There were some minor system changes, but he's got a football brain, and processes it. Gets the ball out. He's changed his body a little bit."
Despite Fisher's excitement, it's unclear how the Rams view Mannion in the grand scheme of things. The young passer was considered more of a long-term developmental project coming out of Oregon State last year. It's unknown whether Los Angeles views him as a future starter, backup or expendable option.
Mannion didn't have many opportunities to showcase his skills for the Rams as the No. 3 quarterback. He rarely received practice reps and didn't see the field much even as Keenum struggled with a concussion. Still, Los Angeles is pleased with what Mannion has shown them off the field.
"I usually call rookies freshman, so if you're a sophomore, last year was your rookie year. Now you're a sophomore and you didn't play as much in your freshman year, especially with QB's, you're kind of a forgotten entity," general manager Les Snead said. "All the new guys that we're covering at the combine are the sexy new objects and they get talked about, but a guy like Sean Mannion is right now somewhere on this planet trying to get better. And he's got a goal in mind to start in this league, and that's what he's doing while these guys are just getting started.
"You go back to what New England did with Tom Brady. There was a guy they drafted in the sixth roung, and that's an awesome pick obviously, but if you look at the history of what they did with him and the courage it took to play him when they played him, especially in the first Super Bowl they won. I think the No. 1 thing is you kind of have to look and say 'We like this human being and we're going to have the courage to stick him in there and see what occurs after that.'"
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
