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Looking Forward and Back: 2016-17 Los Angeles Rams Running Backs

By Matt Colinco

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Detroit Lions during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Detroit Lions during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) runs the football against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the second quarter at Levi
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) runs the football against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the second quarter at Levi /

Tre Mason (5’8” 207 lbs) Age: 22, Entering 3rd Year as a Pro

To say 2015-16 was a tough season for RB Tre Mason is an understatement. In fact, the adversities began before the season even began.

First of all, the Rams pulled the surprise pick of the draft by selecting Todd Gurley—who is now the future of the team at the position. Then in late August, Tre Mason pulled his right hamstring during a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, forcing him to sit out in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. When he got back into the mix, he was unable to contribute on a consistent basis, totaling only 207 rushing yards on 75 carries (2.8 yards per attempt).

Although it became obvious that Mason would become an RB2 when the Rams drafted Todd Gurley, Jeff Fisher and the coaching staff expected the second-year back to be the complimentary piece of a deadly one-two punch with Gurley. It didn’t happen this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen in the Coliseum (a la 2005 Reggie Bush and LenDale White).

2016-17 Prediction for Tre Mason

This is a tough one. The third round pick out of Auburn is a talented and fast runner, as evidenced by his impressive rookie season where he won the starting job over the incumbent human bowling ball known as Zac Stacy. Yikes. In the course of twelve games, Mason complied 765 rushing yards and five total touchdowns.

Is it possible that Tre Mason was discouraged by the selection of Todd Gurley? Confidence plays a big factor in a running back’s production, but there is a negative attribute of Mason that could’ve been the problem in his less-than-stellar 2015-16 campaign:

Tre Mason only knows one speed: fast. Yes, we’re in a football era that values incredible 40-yard dashes and explosive 20 yard plays, but all running backs need patience to succeed in the NFL. If Tre Mason lets his blocks set before accelerating through holes on a consistent basis like Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers, his play could improve dramatically.

In his third season as a professional, I expect Tre Mason to garner at least 375 rushing yards and 125 receiving yards with 5 total touchdowns. He’s too talented of a runner to not come back from a disappointing sophomore season, but I wouldn’t bet on a breakout year.

Next: Benny Cunningham

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