How to tell if rookie running backs good enough to warrant 1 more on Rams roster

3 Pro arguments

Of course, you can always open with the argument that insanity is settling for the same inputs and expecting a different output. The Rams were not a good rushing offense in 2024. I don't think that anyone can place all of the blame at RB Kyren Williams feet, but certainly some of the challenges experienced by the offense were his responsibility.

Much of the challenge with the Rams lack of rushing success comes from the team's unwillingness to deviate from a very narrow formula. 4 cloned running backs, limited use of 12-personnel, and a running attack that is designed to open up the passing game, not stand on its on merits. So, why bring in a new runner?

(3) - The Rams need someone who brings something different

Something different in this case, is speed. The teams seems to have no interest in adding a big-bodied power back to the roster. But why not flip the switch and bring in someone who can outrun defensive backs for a change? Feature RB Kyren Williams can only get 40 yards downfield in 4.65 seconds. But a rookie running back Treveyon Henderson, a bigger bodied running back, can gain that yardage in 4.43 seconds.

In the NFL, that 0.22 second difference can be the difference between a seven-yard gain and a 70-yard touchdown run. And that is just the speed factor.

There is a rookie rusher that fits practically any role the Rams are shopping for on offense.

(2) - Too much talent to pass up

With 32+ running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft with draftable grades, that translates into at least one running back per team to take a chance on by selecting them in the 2025 NFL Draft. While not all will work out and become a starting running back, the chance to add a rookie to see how they handle learning an NFL offense is something that the team should explore.

Even if a drafted running back only warrants further development on the Rams' practice squad, it is worth the investment of a Round 6 pick to take a chance on a desperately needed roster upgrade at the position.

(1) - A rookie RB can outperform Kyren Williams

No, I'm not saying that any ole rookie running back WILL outperform veteran RB Kyren Williams. But I am suggesting that if the Rams select one of the top running backs in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, and commit to playing him, he could outperform veteran running back Kyren Williams. And I say that even as the Rams are entering into negotiations to extend Williams for multiple years at a cost upwards of $10 million per year.

The team can save a lot of money at the running back position by opting to reload with a top-tier rookie, and then simply allowing Williams contract to play out. And in a scenario in which Williams does sign with another team for a lucrative amount, that could trigger the algorithm needed to award the Rams a compensatory draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

That may not be an optional scenario, but it does offer the team an alternative to cutting a massince paycheck to pay for Williams. That money may be needed to retain other key star contributors in the future. The slowest running back up for grabs in the 2025 NFL Draft is Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo, whose 4.65-second 40 time ties that of Rams RB Kyren Williams.

And he is the slowest running back in this year's crop of running backs. Just imagine if the team opted to add one of the biggest and fastest running backs from this draft? Could the offense be more explosive? I think so.

There are many talented running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft. The biggest question is whether the need and upgrade potential of adding a rookie RB outweighs the effort and inconvenience of carrying five or more runners on the training camp roster.

As always, thanks for reading.

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