Reason 2: Rams rushing offense became significantly better
When RB Kyren Williams suited up for the team in 2023, the offense enjoyed a potent ground attack that forced defenses on their heels. The problem is that Williams suited up for just 12 games last season. The other five games forced the team to scramble for a suitable running back replacement, even compelling the team to re-sign formerly released running back Darrell Henderson Jr. to come in to handle some of the workload last season.
The team's inability to strategize a feasible succession plan in 2023 in the unlikely circumstances that Kyren Williams fell to injury was an unforeseen weakness that surfaced after the start of the season. If you recall, the team started the season with RB Cam Akers and Kyren Williams, intending to alternate between the two rushers. But Akers was disgruntled with the load-sharing strategy, and moaned and groaned himself onto the trading block.
He was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a conditional future draft pick. The conditions were not met, so the Rams unloaded him for nothing. But his departure pushed the Rams RB depth into peril, and when both Williams and backup RB Ronnie Rivers fell to injury, the front office signed a number of running backs to determine which, if any, might fill the void in Williams absence.
By drafting RB Blake Corum and signing veteran RB Boston Scott, the Rams have:
- Upgraded the backup RB position with a staring-calibre player (Blake Corum)
- Deepened the RB depth with significant talent
- Situated the team's 2024 running backs to benefit from training camp
- Created an optimal workload committee at the position
Conceivably, this running back room could feature Williams as the starter, Corum as the game alternative, and use Scott in a special teams role that sustains him on the game roster as an emergency third running back. However else the season plays out, the RB room is strategically positioned more favorably in 2024.