On a recent episode of NFL Daily in which the hosts drafted the best NFL running backs, analyst Greg Rosenthal made a surprising declaration about the Los Angeles Rams’ starting running back: he’d rather have Kyren Williams than Christian McCaffrey.
Citing Williams’ consistency, versatility, and durability, Rosenthal said, “I feel totally fine taking a guy like Kyren Williams eighth overall—I want to show love to a consistent player. He’s been fifth in success rate over his two seasons, with 1,350 and then 1,490 yards from scrimmage. He played the most snaps of any running back last year. He’s always on the field—blocking, catching, doing the dirty work.”
While McCaffrey remains the gold standard in fantasy circles, Rosenthal emphasized reliability: “I’d rather have Kyren than even McCaffrey, just because I know he’ll be there.”
Los Angeles Rams Playoff Hopes Hang On Williams With Contract Negotiations Hanging In The Balance
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Nick Shook echoed that sentiment, pointing to Williams’ direct impact on the Los Angeles Rams’ success. “When he’s not on the field, it’s painfully obvious. They’re just not the same team. When he’s playing and healthy, they win games—and when they win games, they make the playoffs. That’s basically how last season went.”
Indeed, Williams is now one of the most valuable players on a Rams team aiming to capitalize on what may be the final years of Matthew Stafford’s career. The veteran quarterback restructured his contract to remain in L.A., and the franchise is now prioritizing a long-term deal with Williams—who’s entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Coming off back-to-back monster seasons—totaling over 2,500 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns—Williams is reportedly nearing a contract extension. Head coach Sean McVay said this week, “We’re getting closer… there’s been really good dialogue.” General manager Les Snead echoed the sentiment, calling Williams a “great human” and confirming the team’s interest in a long-term partnership.
According to Spotrac, Williams’ market value is projected at $10.4 million per year—on par with the league’s elite. Locking him in would solidify the Rams’ offensive identity and reinforce the message: with Stafford and Kyren, the Rams are chasing one more Super Bowl.
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