The Los Angeles Rams added an explosive element to their backfield in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the selection of running back Jarquez Hunter.
Hunter arrives with a proven track record of big-play ability. The Auburn Tigers standout led the SEC in 2024 with 6.4 yards per rush and accumulated over 1,200 rushing yards.
Jarquez Hunter Offers Los Angeles Rams Explosive Upside
Notably, he also recorded the second-highest explosive run rate in the FBS (runs of at least 10 yards). Hunter’s 18.9% explosive run rate trailed only UCF running back R.J. Harvey, a second-round pick by the Denver Broncos. The list of backs with high explosive run rates in the draft is impressive, including other fourth-round picks Cam Skatteboo (New York Giants) and Bhayshul Tuten (Jacksonville Jaguars).
With his 4.44 40-yard dash speed, Hunter will likely begin his Rams career behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum on the depth chart. However, head coach Sean McVay is expected to find opportunities to utilize Hunter’s speed and explosive playmaking potential, which Williams and Corum lack.
His explosive speed may offer the Rams the return specialist they have been lacking in the recent past.
But in addition to that, Hunter can operate in the gap blocking scheme the Rams now run. He is a downhill hammerhead, like the two current backs.
Hunter will need to advance as a blocker in order to see the field. Corum struggled to get playing time as he struggled in pass protection. Hunter is a capable blocker, but struggled to win consistently versus bigger blitzers.
The Rams’ long-term plans for Hunter remain intriguing, particularly in light of Kyren Williams’ contract situation and Blake Corum’s performance following his rookie season in 2024.
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