LA Rams RB Xavier Jones is right guy, right place, right time

LA Rams RB Xavier Jones is quietly gaining some momentum for a roster spot. Why? He’s the right guy at the right place at the right time

The LA Rams have the power of veteran running back Malcolm Brown. The team enjoys the elusiveness of second-year running back Darrell Henderson. The team found a very savvy and versatile running back in rookie Cam Akers.  Finally, the team has all the commitment anyone could possibly ask for in returning running back John Kelly.  So what niche could possibly remain for undrafted rookie running back Xavier Jones to fill?

Scoring touchdowns comes to mind.  After all, the Rams scored 20 times on the ground in 2020.  Of that number, former Rams RB Todd Gurley accounted for 12 touchdowns. Somebody on the roster needs to compensate for the loss of so many scores. Of course, no one player can be expected to fill the role of RB Todd Gurley, there is that unquantifiable knack for finding the end zone that he had.

Incredible undervalued talent

The Rams may have found another player who has that knack. After all, he held the 2019 NCAA football scoring record. Of course, not even that accolade could land him an invitation to the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. It did land him a contract to join the LA Rams roster. Now he needs to work to stay there.

Originally hoping for a spot on the practice squad, Jones may have a larger role on offense than originally expected.  In the Rams’ first scrimmage, RB Darrell Henderson came up limping in the first half and did not return.  Follow up reporting has indicated the injury as a low-grade hamstring injury.  While that won’t send Henderson to the bench, it does complicate the offensive plans to rotate running backs through the first game.

That could mean that Jones lands a spot on the 53-man roster to start the season, and almost certainly guarantees a spot for him on the 16-man practice squad. Is that a positive development?  I think having a running back who knows how to cross the goal line is a very positive thing. In the end, we continue to observe and analyze the limited information available for the LA Rams 2020 NFL season. Stay Tuned!