3 reasons why LA Rams ripe for FB in or after 2020 NFL Draft

Reason 3: Most economical way to improve the running game

The LA Rams are trying to be fiscally responsible this year, a far cry from the spend-happy contracts they were more than happy to hand out in 2018 and 2019. And in terms of the biggest bang for the salary cap buck, a fullback is a seriously solid investment.

The statistics for a fullback won’t jump off the page for fans. The typical fullback does not make a living by catching 1000 yards receiving, nor by running the ball for 1000 yards on the ground. But the fullback is the ideal optimizing role on the team. By adding a fullback, he helps the quarterback be more effective by picking up blitzes and by being a check-down receiver.  He becomes the lead blocker, dolling out punishment to would-be tacklers and protecting lighter and faster running backs like the Rams Darrell Henderson. And he becomes a solid goal-line rusher, powering through a stacked line on momentum and legs that keep churning.

The LA Rams need not spend an early draft pick on the role. In fact, there will be solid talent his year even from among the ranks of priority undrafted free agents. We looked at filling the role with a rookie from the undrafted ranks, and the results project to be very impressive. Even if the LA Rams spend a pick on a quality running back/power back type like Boston College’s A.J. Dillon, a 6-foot-0,m 247-pound power back likely to garner lots of interest in the 2020 NFL Draft, the salary cap hit for him will be pennies to the dollar compared to a featured running back over time.

A.J. Dillon Draft Profile
A.J. Dillon NF Draft Network Draft Profile