3 glaring concerns over LA Rams first unofficial depth chart

Trouble spot II: What’s going on with the running back position?

While there was a presumed rotational forecast for the LA Rams running back position over toggling between either Cam Akers or Darrell Henderson Jr., the Rams had run that as a three-headed monster in 2020 with surprising success. Right now, the Rams are putting a two-headed beast on the football field, and there are hazy concerns for both Akers and Henderson.

If you thought that the Rams’ depth chart might clear the matter up, you are going to be a bit disappointed. Right now, the team has no RB2 (although the designation likely falls to either Akers or Henderson, depending on who is not starting on any given week). Second-year running back Jake Funk holds down the RB3 role.  And the RB4 spot is held by Kyren Williams, Raymond Calais, Trey Ragas, and A.J. Rose

Since the Rams will likely carry just three running backs on the roster, with the possibility of a fourth spot, the competition will be incredibly heated at running back throughout the three upcoming preseason games. In fact, the Rams rushers may not only need to showcase the ability to put up yards on the ground but may need to excel in special teams as well.

You may expect that Kyren Williams will be the most likely rusher to step up for the Rams to claim a spot, and that is probably the correct answer. But with his currently projected rank at the bottom run of the positional depth chart, he will need to show up in a big way in preseason games to have any chance of leapfrogging RB Jake Funk.

And, to be honest, I’m not so sure that the Rams should not continue to watch the NFL waiver wire for a possible veteran upgrade at the position. Of course, that won’t happen for several weeks, but I would not be the least bit surprised if the Rams work the waiver wire one more time.