It only took 1 practice for a Rams newbie to get the 'Battering Ram" nickname

Before the Los Angeles Rams entered the 2025 NFL Draft, it was nearly impossible to envision a role for a rookie running back. But after selecting Auburn rookie running back prospect Jarquez Hunter, it's impossible NOT to envision a role for him in the offense. Sure, one football means limited snaps and carries to every running back on the team. But with the team settling into a cookie-cutter approach to running backs last season, Hunter breaks the mold in a good way.

The problem with the Rams depth chart at the running back position is that the team had four rushers with nearly identical height, weight, and speed. So defenses had no reason to vary their preparation or strategy to stop the Rams' rushing attack.

How similar were the Rams players a year ago? See for yourself.

• Kyren Williams | Age: 24 | 5-foot-9 | 202 pounds | 4 yrs in NFL | 4.65-second 40
• Cody Schrader | Age: 25 | 5-foot-9 | 214 pounds | 2 yrs in NFL | 4.61-second 40
• Ronnie Rivers | Age: 24 | 5-foot-9 | 192 pounds | 4 yrs in NFL | 4.60-second 40
• Blake Corum | Age: 24 | 5-foot-8 | 210 pounds | 2 yrs in NFL | 4.53-second 40
• Jarquez Hunter | Age: 22 | 5-foot-9 | 204 pounds | Rookie | 4.44-second 40
• Jordan Waters | Age 24 | 6-foot-0 | 210 pounds | Rookie | 4.59-second 40

The fun part of rookie Jarquez Hunter is more than just adding a swift runner. He is a thunderstorm in the Rams backfield, a guy who flashes lightning speed while adding the power of a thunderclap. And it only took one practice at training camp with pads on to showcase just what a difference he can make in this offense.

Rams rookie RB is as much battering ram as road runner

Rams HC Sean McVay discussed the team's 'run heavy' first day of training camp practice with pads on. Until now, it's been a lot of pass and catch in t-shirts and shorts. With the pads on, it finally makes sense for the team to emphasize running. And with that introduction, the team finally gets to see what all the fuss is about, particularly over rookie RB Jarquez Hunter.

And at the 5:25 mark in the press conference below, we get to hear HC Sean McVay's initial impressions over his rookie running back. And yes, they are worth checking out:

So what did McVay have to say about his new offensive weapon?

"I thought you saw Jarquez (Hunter) do an excellent job. He is heavy. He has got a great body lean. Even though we are not truly tackling, you can feel that he is heavy through the hole. He has a really good demeanor. He can just kind of stare a hole through you. He is continuing to show improvement. I think [Running Back] Kyren [Williams] has done a great job setting the tone.

I have been really pleased with (Blake) Corum. Jarquez definitely showed really well today. But, I think you will see that [Running Backs Coach] Ron [Gould] does a really good job of being able to mix those guys. I would not look too far into it, other than we had a lot more runs than maybe what you guys have seen in the acclimation period, and that was kind of part of the intent with the first day in pads."

Rams HC Sean McVay

The Rams leaned heavily into Kyren Williams in 2024. While the plan for 2025 certainly included some attempt to distribute the team's carries more evenly, just saying it is not enough. The team needs to have reasons to share the workload. One reason is to preserve RB Kyren Williams over the long 17-game season. But Jarquez brings more reasons to bear on the workload decisions.

Hunter is fast. But he is strong, too. Unlike the need for both Kyren Williams and Blake Corum to evade tackles, Jarquez brings enough power to run into and through would-be tacklers. And there will be times when the secret to a successful rushing attack means softening up the defense with a battering ram style of running back.

The team did not have that option in 2024. Jarquez Hunter brings that desperately needed dimension to the offense in 2025. A battering ram in the backfield may seem superfluous and an unnecessary luxury right now. But as the season progresses, the Rams will find an increasing number of reasons to use Hunter in this offense.

And he will deliver. As always, thanks for reading.

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