5 reasons why RB is now LA Rams top priority in 2020 NFL Draft

2 – No help from future reserve contracts

The LA Rams announced in early January 2020 the signing of nine players to future reserve contracts.  A running back was not among the list of players. In fact, the Rams have not followed the NFL pack in loading up with multiple inexpensive running backs who then form a “running back by committee” offense.

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The only other running back on the roster or practice squad is 5-foot-10 205-pound running back John Kelly from the University of Tennessee.  He saw action on 50 offensive plays in 2018 and just 3 plays in 2019.  He has been a member of the team’s practice squad for two seasons but has yet to have that breakout year where he earns a spot on the team’s full-time roster.

He will have his third opportunity to earn playing time with the team this season. I’m skeptical that he will find a chance to step up this year, but in the new offensive scheme and with a brand new running back coach, I won’t rule out the possibility.

It’s surprising to find the Rams without developmental prospects on the roster at this time of the year.  That will likely be addressed in 2020 after the NFL Draft, where the Rams could sign an additional three running backs (depending on the draft outcome).