The Los Angeles Rams may feature an exciting passing attack with Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but they’re naturally a run-first offense. Sean McVay likes to keep things on schedule by handing it off to his running backs, allowing them to set up manageable second- and third-down situations.
Kyren Williams has become a focal point of the offense, which has led to him scoring the most total touchdowns of any player in the NFL since 2023 with 31. Though he’s the workhorse in L.A., he’s not the only running back on the depth chart.
The Rams added another playmaker this offseason by drafting Jarquez Hunter in the fourth round, with the goal of the rookie bringing some explosiveness to the equation. Here’s how the running back group looks heading into training camp next week.
Roster locks
Williams, Corum and Hunter are all going to be on the team, barring a shocking turn of events. Williams is projected to be the starter once again, with Corum and Hunter jockeying for position as the backup. The Rams haven’t committed to either player as the RB2 entering training camp, though it typically takes rookies a little bit of time before they earn meaningful snaps in McVay’s offense.
Advantage: Corum. But Hunter’s speed and big-play ability will be tough to ignore once the pads come on.
Likely to make it
There isn’t a running back who’s between being a roster lock and sitting on the bubble, therefore the “likely to make it category” is empty. Ronnie Rivers has the best chance of any reserve running back to make the roster but considering the possibility – and maybe even the likelihood – of the Rams only keeping three, he still has a lot of work to do entering camp.
On the bubble
We’d like to think at least one of these players will make the team, providing some insurance behind three quality running backs atop the depth chart. However, it’s hard to know which one will make the strongest impression in practice.
Rivers has the benefit of experience in the Rams’ system but L.A. was quick to pounce on Schrader after the 49ers waived him and he stuck around for the entire 2024 season, so that’s a good sign.
Position battle to watch
Corum was drafted to give the Rams another running back who’s very similar to Williams, which is fine. That makes sense in a world where Williams might get hurt and they wanted a player who could seamlessly replace him. The problem with the decision to draft a near-replica is there weren’t any specialized packages or situations for Corum to be utilized in.
That could remain the case in 2025, but Hunter at least brings a different flavor to the position. He’s fast, powerful and explosive, looking like the perfect change-of-pace back for the Rams on paper. There’s more that goes into playing the position than just running fast, but Hunter has big-play potential every time he touches it.
Corum might fit better as a potential replacement for Williams, but Hunter may be a better complementary back.
Potential sleeper
The Rams liked Schrader out of college but the 49ers signed him before they could reel him in as an undrafted rookie. After the 49ers made him one of their final cuts, the Rams claimed him off waivers and kept Schrader on the 53-man roster all year.
That tells you something.
He’ll need to earn his spot on the roster through special teams but he also has the athleticism to potentially contribute on offense if there’s an injury.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams training camp preview: How will the RB group shake out this season?
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
