7 urgent Los Angeles Rams roster needs

Priority VII – Running back

With the dismissal of RB coach Skip Peete, a message of disappointment over the team’s running game was sent loud and clear.  Was it aimed at running back Todd Gurley?  Well, it’s really hard to interpret it any other way.

Gurley is an incredibly versatile offensive player.  He has been very productive in both the running and passing game. But he’s suffered several injuries along the way.  As a result, there are fears around the league that he will not return to his former production.  Adding to that narrative, the Rams’ offensive line woes of 2019 struggle to open running lanes for Gurley.

His backup Malcolm Brown rushes for an average of 3.9 yards per carry. That’s comparable to Gurley’s 2019 average. Brown has not established himself in the Rams’ passing game though.  One of the keys to the run-pass option (RPO) offense is the ability of the running back to put up big numbers in the passing game as well.

With a new draft arriving, the Rams could get lucky and either draft or sign an undrafted young set of legs who could contribute at both, and save the likes of Brown for a more “run only” type of role.  The Rams might be tempted to part ways with Gurley to save about $5 million in 2020 salary cap dollars. But in doing so, they need a solid plan to replace his production.