The Los Angeles Rams running backs room has been in constant flux since the days of Todd Gurley. After a big blocking scheme shift last season, a fantastic season by Kyren Williams, and adding Blake Corum in the draft, the Rams running game seems poised for a big year. On a recent episode of the Rams Skinny Podcast, hosts, Ryan Dyrud and Ryan Anderson discussed where they rank the Rams group of RBs Here was their top 10 ranking by team unit;
- San Francisco 49ers
- Miami Dolphins
- Detroit Lions
- Baltimore Ravens
- Atlanta Falcons
- Green Bay Packers
- Cleveland Browns
- Los Angeles Rams
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Indianapolis Colts
Los Angeles Rams Running Back Ranking: 8th According to Rams Skinny
- Offensive Scheme: The Rams’ offensive scheme is moving toward running the ball more often. This is what has vaulted the Rams into the top 10. Since Gurley left, McVay has struggled to find an efficient running game. With their new gap-blocking scheme and revamped interior offensive line, the Rams should be able to run the ball with impunity
- Lack Of Home Run Hitter: The teams ahead of the Rams have one distinct advantage; the ability to break off big runs at any point in the game. Kyren Willams drops significantly when looking at runs of 15 or more yards. Last year, he had just nine. Five of the nine came against the Arizona Cardinals, one of the worst run defense teams last year.
- Depth Concerns: As of right now, Williams wears an ‘injury prone’ label. Last year when he missed time, the running game was abysmal. Corum should help, but as a rookie, he is yet to be a proven commodity in the NFL. Williams missed all of the spring practice sessions with a ‘foot issue.’
While eight isn’t ideal on paper, the Los Angeles Rams took a big leap in this ranking from last year to this. If things go as planned, they could take another big bump into elite status before the 2024 season is out.
Williams also spoke of Corum’s addition unlocking his ability to be used in the passing game as well. This would also open up an aspect of offensive scheming that has been unavailable to McVay. For that to happen, he will need to take a jump forward in securing passes, as he was tied for fifth most drops by a running back.