Rams Options at RB

If you’re a football nut like me, these last few days have been very exciting. One minute I’m excited about who the Rams just signed, then the next I’m down about who we missed out on.

Thursday night I was very disappointed the Rams did not sign Darren Sproles; I definitely felt like he was one that got away. But the good news its that there are several good options left at the RB position. Some of the names that have been linked to the Rams include Jason Snelling (most recently with ATL), Jerome Harrison (PHI) and most recently Ronnie Brown (MIA).

Who you want the Rams to sign depends on what you are looking for in a backup.

Billy Devaney is familiar with Jason Snelling from his own days with the Falcons. However, Snelling isn’t really a complementary change of pace back; his north-south style its much more like Steven Jackson’s. Signing him wouldn’t really provide the Rams with a different offensive dynamic, but would give S Jax some relief and give the team a spot starter if needed.

Jerome Harrison of the Eagles would seem to be more of the type of back to give the team a different dynamic. For his career, Harrison has an rushing avg of 4.8 yards per carry, and has showed the ability to carry the load adequately called upon to start. In 2009 with Cleveland, he played in 14 games, starting 7, and carried 194 times for 862 yards.

The third option might be the most interesting though, in Ronnie Brown. Brown was the 2nd overall pick by Miami in 2005, and when healthy, has been a very good player. He is certainly the most dynamic of the three backs, with 184 receptions in 6 seasons. Not an eye popping number, but consider that 2 of those years were significantly cut short by injury, and the fact that the last couple of years he has been splitting time with Ricky Williams.

If you’re concerned about his age (29), consider that he only has 1312 touches for his career, compared to 2105 for Steven Jackson. Really the main concern with him is his ability to stay healthy.

So the question is, do you want the player with the highest ceiling in terms of talent and ability to bring a different dynamic to the offense (Brown), or a career backup but has fewer health concern (Snelling or Harrison)?

Myself, I’d prefer, in order, Brown, Harrison, Snelling. I know there’s a little more risk but I think the extra dynamic is worth it, especially since S Jax will still be the number one guy.

Now, with the breakneck pace things have been moving the last few days, before I post, I better check that the Rams haven’t actually signed one if these guys in the time it took me to write this (checking……). OK we’re good! I welcome any comments and discussion!