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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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Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Kain Colter (13) against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Kain Colter (13) against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Kain Colter? (6’0” 190 lbs), Age: 25, Entering 2nd Year as a Pro (Vikings PS)

On Feburary 9th of 2016, the Rams made their first free agent signing of the new Los Angeles era by signing QB Kain Colter. It might be a surprise to see Kain Colter’s name in this last slide, but there’s always the possibility that the Rams brought Colter in as a running back rather than a quarterback or wide receiver. After all, the Minnesota Vikings tried him out as a running back/wide receiver back in 2014.

Kain Colter is most famous for being the co-founder of the College Athletes Players Association, a college players’ attempt at unionization to collectively bargain as “university employees” . Colter did have a fairly successful career as a Northwestern Wildcat, but NFL scouts were intrigued by his potential to contribute at the next level:

"“Well-defined body with big, soft hands. Good short-area burst, quickness, agility and balance…Can stop on a dime…Good run vision and creativity to navigate through traffic. Extremely competitive. Highly intelligent and football smart.” –Nolan Nawrocki, NFL Draft Analyst"

If the Rams plan to use Kain Colter as a wide receiver, however, he could be a slot receiver replacement for Wes Welker should Welker decide to walk. It’s doubtful that Colter eventually starts at quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, but his athleticism and ability to escape the pocket could make him a valuable backup at the position.

2016-17 Prediction for Kain Colter

I’m honestly just as confused as you are when it comes to this signing. It’s impossible for me to predict the stats of Kain Colter, who may be an eventual camp cut. He’s an exciting athlete who has yet to get his chance in the NFL, but it’s best to keep our expectations low.

Sorry Rams fans—stranger things have happened but Colter probably isn’t the next Kurt Warner.

Probability of the Rams Signing/Drafting Another Running Back:

Unlikely. Unless one or two of these running backs are cut or traded, the Rams have good depth at the position. Ever since Steven Jackson was cut back in 2013, the Rams have been youthful at running back, so age wouldn’t be a problem either.

The Rams could also go against every single mock draft ever made and grab Ezekiel Elliot out of Ohio State to create one of the most insane running back groups in the league—but the team has several other needs to fill if they are to succeed in Los Angeles. A Gurley/Elliot combo is merely a pipe dream.

Do you want to see more articles like this? Comment below with a positional group you want me to analyze next! Don’t like this article? Let me know what I can improve upon. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

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