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Let’s preview the Rams running back position heading into training camp
The Los Angeles Rams running backs will be a major topic of discussion at training camp this summer. While Kyren Williams is a known commodity, there will be questions as to whether or not Blake Corum or Jarquez Hunter can slide into the number two role. How Corum and Hunter perform in training camp could also determine if head coach Sean McVay incorporates more of a committee approach.
When it comes to the Rams running backs, it’s pretty clear that Kyren Williams is the top guy in the backfield. He’s the player that McVay trusts the most to keep the offense on track and in pass protection.
While the Rams drafted Blake Corum in the third round last season, he only had 58 carries. The expectation will be for Corum to get more involved in year two. They also selected Jarquez Hunter in the fourth round. Hunter is a player that the Rams really liked during the pre-draft process.
Behind them, Ronnie Rivers has been a staple veteran presence in the room while Shrader has provided some value on special teams. Waters was signed as an undrafted free agent.
One thing that the Rams running backs have lacked the past few seasons is variety. In 2017 and 2018, the offense had the explosiveness and speed of Todd Gurley paired with the power of Malcolm Brown. Over the past two seasons, the running game has primarily been a one-speed machine with Williams. Williams has been fine and has done well to keep the offense on track, at the same time, the Rams run game has been missing something.
Corum may not have the game-breaking speed, but he does offer more shiftiness in the open field than Williams. Additionally, Hunter brings more of that open field speed and was second in the draft class in explosive run rate. There is a benefit of an offense having similar pieces as those pieces become interchangeable. At the same time, giving the defense something else to prepare for is also important. For the first time in a while, this group has some variety to it and it’s going to be interesting to see what that looks like on the field.
It’s been no secret this offseason that the Rams run game has been one of the least explosive in the NFL over the last two seasons. A lot of that is due to Kyren Williams and his lack of breakaway speed and creativity in the open field. The Rams ranked dead last in explosive run rate last season and were 27th in 2023.
Explosive plays on offense are the key in the modern NFL as it makes scoring much easier and more likely. [Running...
