Deep RB talent in 2020 NFL Draft benefits LA Rams off-season

The LA Rams shopping list for the 2020 NFL Draft may target a deep running back class. In fact, the talent level of running backs this year may compel Rams to shop this season

The LA Rams need to make changes to their team to avoid another “almost” season in 2020.  One such area in need of overhaul is the running game. Or rather, the lack of a dominating running game in 2020.  Yes, we’ve covered this topic from several angles, including offensive line, to giving far more share of the touches to RB Darrell Henderson, from playing more of RB Malcolm Brown or trading him, to a 5 step guide to improve the overall running game for the team in 2020. But the Rams offense comes down to either RB Todd Gurley, or whomever takes over for Gurley going forward.

Right now, that is what the player and team are planning to discus in the near future when they meet. If those discussions go well, the Rams may have nearly $10 million additional salary cap dollars to spend on 2020 free agents.  If those discussions do not go well, the Rams may place Gurley on the trading block. Gurley’s future has been a hot topic among NFL Rumors from the moment the 2019 season ended for the team.  But why now?

Well, Gurley’s trade value may be significantly higher for other teams than that of the LA Rams right now.  If traded, the only part of Gurley’s salary cap for 2020 to go with him would be his salary plus roster bonus.  The Rams would still be on the hook for any monies paid but not realized.  Translated?  That’s $30 million savings over the next four seasons, including nearly $5 million cap savings this year.

For any other NFL team, Gurley brings a veteran RB who scores in both the passing and running game, and comes at a much more reasonable average of $11 million per year.  Which NFL Teams may want to pick up a still productive running back? Well our colleagues over at LASportsHub.com have already identified three NFL teams who could trade for Gurley.

2020 NFL Draft options

While any possible trade involving RB Todd Gurley may help the Rams financial situation,  it will create a new huge talent hole in the roster.  Without some help in the draft by adding  picks, the LA Rams are fairly limited as to a “splash” move for the 2020 NFL Draft.

That is not to say that the draft has few options.  To be fair, solid rushing talent can be found throughout the draft. To date, we’ve run several mock drafts with blind eyes to adding new rushing talent to the roster.  After all, the Rams used a valuable 2019 third-round pick to bring Memphis speedster Darrell Henderson to the team.  Ironically, Henderson did not get much use in 2019. Instead, the team became a pass-heavy offense.

The Rams have options at undrafted free agents in 2020.  We had explored some post-draft rookie prospects for fullback in a previous article, and believe that is one option for the team as soon as the draft concludes. We also believe a speedster running back may fall out of the draft, like Washington Husky running back Salvon Ahmed.

But filling a vacancy like RB Todd Gurley‘s cannot be left to who might fall to day three or out of the draft altogether.  That type of void would require a top rated running back, likely with the Rams round two pick at 52.  Who might the Rams target in the draft to take over at running back? We have a few prospects:

Utah running back Zack Moss

The first option for the Rams running back role is 5-foot-10 222 pound Zack Moss from the University of Utah. While there are many attributes which stand out about Moss, the overall profile he forms is a plug-n-play running back who possesses the rare combination of power running, elusive speed, and tackle breaking thunder all in one.

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He will be attending the 2020 NFL Combine, which begins on February 23rd. Once there, he will compete, interview, and test in a number of areas designed to pinpoint his skillsets.

Moss was a three year starter for the Utah Utes, but excelled in both rushing and receiving throughout his four seasons. The book on Moss is very impressive. He delivers punishment to any would-be tackler, and as a result is the most proficient rusher in terms of broken tackles in 2019.

But he’s more than a boom on contact.  He’s got an incredible sense of balance, which allows him to virtually glide, pivot, and burst through even the smallest of gaps.  While he doesn’t have blinding speed, he has a nice burst to accelerate through the hole more rapidly than you might expect.  Also, his pass catching ability is solid and will be NFL ready from game one.

His stock is already well on the rise. However, the number of other talented players in the 2020 NFL Draft, particularly those playing in scarce positions, will be scooped up early.  Moss could fall all the way to round three for the Rams.

Draft Network Scouting report

Florida State running back Cam Akers

The second option for the LA Rams running back is 5-foot-11 212 pound Cam Akers from the Florida State Seminoles.  Akers is a polished rusher, possessing all the features sought by an NFL team to line up behind the quarterback.

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While Moss is a better Rams fit, Akers is a better overall NFL fit as a rusher.  Akers was hampered by an ineffective offensive line at times, which created a willingness to get antsy feet and bound runs too often to the outside. When he finds the hole, he’s through for nice gains.  He has the stop-start ability which can make a defender look silly on the highlight reel.

As a pass receiver, Akers shows good promise. He can catch the ball and get plenty of yards after the catch.  He is also an adequate blocker, and can instinctively identify the most dangerous blitzer on the play to block.

Akers also has the ability to kick in the afterburners and outrun defenders. As one of just two players invited from Florida State to the 2020 NFL Combine, many are eager to see just how fast Akers time will be on several runs. Akers game films are inconsistent, oftentimes due to poor offensive line play. Akers is also projected to fall to day two of the NFL Draft, and could be there for the Rams on round three.

Draft Network scouting report

Memphis running back Patrick Taylor Jr.

The third option for the LA Rams running back position is 6-foot-3 227 pound Patrick Taylor Jr.  A bruising running back, Taylor can take over a game when he gets on a roll. Despite his size, he can maintain a low center of gravity and keep his legs churning all the while.  A large target, Taylor can employ either a straight-ahead pop run, or a change-direction-in-a-flash style.  That gives him a nice advantage over defenders, as he can counter would-be tacklers by either running through them or by making them miss.

While not as much of a big-play threat as some running backs, Taylor offers surprising burst when he isolates in the open field.  At 6-foot-3, he is as difficult to bring down as a tight end.   As such, he has lined up in the slot as a receiver at times too.

Thanks to his size and strength, Taylor can get into the end zone almost at will.  A former teammate of current Rams running back Darrell Henderson, Taylor scored 32 times in less than 500 touches.

Taylor would be a nice fit for the Rams, and would be a great teammate for both Malcolm Brown and Henderson. Due to a 2019 injury, Taylor may fall all the way to day three of the 2020 NFL Draft.  If the Rams trade Gurley and fail to select either Moss or Akers,  Patrick Taylor Jr. is a great backup option.

Draft Network scouting report