That's the rub. Mental processing isnt just a stat to go off, and can be developed in the NFL provided the kid isnt rushed in to a bad situation.
The Rams wont be drafting in the top 5-10 picks and trading to get there from late 20's is a pipe dream. So where's Stafford replacement coming from? Doubt they'll be in position to pull off another Stafford miracle.
As for the Purdy question, fuck him and that whole organization. That said, McVay doesnt lose like Shanny does. They win a SB with a mid round QB who they "developed" then heck yeah I pay that guy 55 mill.
They drafted Bennett to be a John Wolford backup, if they draft a QB its to see if they can make a Montana (Fuck Purdy and Brady)
Do we have any examples of mental processing significantly improving after a few years of development? There are so few QBs allowed to develop now that the data set is so small.
Don't compare that prospect at 26 to QBs who are top 5 prospects in future drafts because unless they crash & burn they will not be in the position of getting that player next year. Even if they do, you can always trade this year's draftee down the road.
You both raise good points on how to obtain Stafford's replacement. As Snead said, it's not gonna be easy no matter what path is taken.
I wouldn't force a QB pick in a bad draft though just because the need is acute. The pertinent question I'm still asking is "is there any skillset where he will become a franchise-caliber QB after a year or two of development." I'm not seeing any that I'd say that on.
Rather than forcing a pick in a bad draft, I recommend the Rams wait until a strong QB draft and then take the Chiefs 2017 path (or even the Ram's 2016 path) to finding their future franchise QB. The Julio Jones trade is another case in point. With the Julio Jones and Mahomes trades, teams moved from the bottom of the 1st round to #6 and #10 respectively.
I'd rather make a major move in a good QB draft than throw some darts in a bad QB draft.