Overlooked running back already has almost no chance of cracking Rams roster

Time and again, the Los Angeles Rams dabble in the market for bigger-bodied running backs. Inevitably, they decide that smaller is better. As a result, the chances of undrafted running back Dean Connors making the team are ridiculously remote from the get-go. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 206 pounds, this undrafted rookie has the stuff to make it in the NFL.

Just not for Los Angeles. It might be as simple as Connors being too, well, big.

That's disappointing, given his promise. But it's no surprise. Los Angeles has toyed with the idea of a larger running back since Malcolm Brown (also undrafted and 5-foot-11) donned the Horns in 2015. After he left, in 2020, LA tried Sony Michel, Brown (again), and Royce Freeman.

Either they didn't stick around or they didn't produce, and LA leaned into smaller backs with a low center of gravity. The existing duo of Kyren Williams (5-foot-9) and Blake Corum (5-foot-8) is proof of that.

Connors showed steady development in three seasons at Rice before spending his final year at Houston. There, he was a dependable runner and receiver, often finding the end zone in both roles. He was even used in special teams as a kick returner.

Rams don't need a big Swiss Army knife in this offense

Connors is the poster child of a jack-of-all-trades offensive weapon who is the master of none. He can run in a straight line well enough. He can catch passes out of the backfield. He does, though, have a reputation of not maintaining ball security.

Sometimes, a bit of everything is enough to carve out a spot on an NFL roster. Unfortunately, LA's offense has set the bar a bit higher, and the organization tends to value experience and production over youthful energy and potential.

If Connors seizes limited opportunities, he could blow fans away. But he has more chances of scoring on special teams than on offense, and even then he will face stiff competition. Los Angeles is still trying to find an opportunity to get last year's rookie running back, Jarquez Hunter, involved in the offense. Fat chance Connors makes the cut.

He may impress enough to slide onto the practice squad. He still faces a steep uphill climb for that to happen. Connors is a solid football player, but he will need a lot of help to stick around. In his case, the Rams' "trash" could end up being another team's treasure.

As always, thanks for reading.

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