LA Rams will scout Group 2 heavily at 2020 NFL Scouting Combine

4 Running backs

The LA Rams need help in the running game.  While the team has veteran running backs Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, and Darrell Henderson, the trio struggled behind the Rams offensive line.  That same offensive line will likely return in 2020.  While there is plenty of reason to believe the play improves all around, the team will likely be looking for bargains at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Whether the team seeks to add another day two running, or seek a day three gem, the scouts will definitely focus upon this group.

I – The University of Maryland running back Anthony McFarland has been a curious prospect. We highlighted him in our Big-10 draft big board, and for good reason. He is a running back with tremendous upside, but whose college performances did not meet with much consistency. His calling card is speed, lots and lots of speed.  He stands 5-foot-8 and weighs in at 193 pounds.  He is currently projected between rounds 3-5. But with so much talent, he could fall to the seventh round.  To find his draft stock rising, he’ll need to run a 40-yard dash better than 4.50 seconds.

II – The University of Washington running back Salvon Ahmed is a speedster who we’d mentioned before. In fact, he has been underrecruited but he could definitely find his draft stock rising just like McFarland.  As we had discussed before, Admed has timed his 40-yard dash at 4.32 seconds, which is blinding speed fast. If he puts up a similar time at the NFL Combine, you’ll hear a lot more about him.

III – Boston College running back AJ Dillon is the power back/fullback option the LA Rams may be looking for. A big-bodied runner, Dillon stands 6-foot-0 and weighs a robust 250-pounds. That’s a chiseled 250, not a chubby 250. He does not have blinding speed, so his NFL role is somewhat constrained to power back or a full back option.  However, even without blinding speed, it will take a group to bring him down. He has all the needed size and strength to pick up blitzes, even large linebackers with a head of steam. If the Rams are looking to add some two-back plays this season, Dillon can be had on day three.

IV – The University of Alabama running back Najee Harris is another big-bodied power back who could greatly enhance the LA Rams offensive playbook. He stands 6-foot-2 and tips the scale at 230 pounds. Having played for Alabama, he’s already on the lists for any NFL team looking for help in the running game. And Harris can bring it. He is a big thumper back who had averaged nearly 6.0 yards-per-carry in 2019.  He is very athletic for a big back, as some plays, he hurdles would-be tacklers to add additional yards to the end of his runs. He also is a threat as a receiver in the passing game. He is projected as a day two prospect.