3 reasons why Rams added FA RB Boston Scott just hours after the draft

By the time that the LA Rams selected Michigan rookie running back Blake Corum with the 83rd pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, he was only the third running back to come off the draft board. The Carolina Panthers had chosen Texas RB Jonathon Brooks with the 46th overall pick in Round 2, while the Arizona Cardinals selected Florida State RB Trey Benson with the 66th overall pick in Round 3 of the draft.

With that selection, the Rams now had four versatile running backs on the roster. Of course, there was the return of feature running back Kyren Williams. Next in line is veteran RB Ronnie Rivers. They were followed by second-year RB Zach Evans., And now, with an investment into RB Blake Corum with a Round 3 pick in the draft, you can anticipate a significant shake-up in terms of the team's depth chart at the position.

But hold the presses. The Rams were not done just yet:

So what can we learn from the Rams sudden interest in adding a fifth running back? Plenty. So let's jump right into it.

Bonus: Boston Scott pushes 2nd-year RB Zach Evans to a roster bubble

I won't lie. I love the addition of former Philadelphia Eagles RB Boston Scott. Despite standing 5-foot-6 and weighing 203 pounds, he is a tough-as-nails rusher who is as versatile as they come. And while versatility is often cited as a good thing, we seldom explain why it is a good thing. So let's address that right now.

Scott can be used in many ways in the offense. Because he has the ability to fill multiple roles as one player, he is far more useful and valuable than a player who is limited to just one role. For examplt, Scott is a veteran who instantly pushes RB Zach Evans to a roster bubble because, with all things being equal, the team is better off with Scott who can be used in many ways as an offensive weapon. Unless Zach Evans blows the coaching staff away in training camp this year, his roster spot is truly in peril.

III: Oops, Rams forgot to land a special team return specialist

One of the obvious and instantaneous roles that veteran running back Boston Scott brings to teh LA Rams roster is the fact that he has productive and extensive experience as a special team return specialist. In 2023, the team did no favors for new ST Coordinator Chase Blackburn whatsoever.

In terms of investing in special teams, the front office did draft Wingate punter Ethan Evans in Round 7 of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 225th pick of the draft. After that, the team signed long snapper Alex Ward and kickers Christopher Dunn and Tanner Brown after the 2023 NFL Draft. As far as return specialists, Blackburn had to forage among lesser used players on the roster for that role, eventually settling on seldom used WR Austin Trammel for both the punt return and kick return role.

With Trammel's contract expiring in the offseason, the team needs to reinvest in a return specialist. The front office, whether by oversight or deliberate action, failed to address a returner in the 2024 NFL Draft. But they compensated for that gaffe by landing a solid veteran who has over 1500 return yards to his credit.

Perhaps best of all, Scott has return experience of four seasons in the NFL Playoffs. The lights are brightest and the stage is vast in post-season competition. With Boston Scott on the team, there is a level of expertise that cannot be matched by younger and less experienced players. Chase Blackburn was outgunned and outmanned in 2023. But thanks to the front office, the cavalry has arrived for 2024.

II: He brings big play ability

While you may view RB Boston Scott's career production of 302 carries for 1295 yards and 16 touchdowns with some skepticism, he does in fact bring big play ability to this offense. His longest run was for 56 yards in 2020, but he has the ability to break away with any carry. That is a fun factor when he comes into a game to relieve the starter.

He is also capable of big plays as a receiver out of the backfield as well. His longest reception was for 39 yards in 2019, but he had a 27-yard reception in 2023. Now, keep in mind that he is a rotational player who comes in off the bench to give starters some rest. That results in a small portion of offensive snaps going his way.

In 2023, Scott had 68 offensive snaps and 186 special teams snaps. From that, he put up 20 carries for 86 yards and five rushing first downs. He also caught four of six passes for 52 yards and two receiving first downs. He did play against the Rams in 2023, but was limited to special teams exclusively.

Scott is most effective when used in a Darren Sproles-like role. And Sproles exploded in Year 7 when he left the then-San Diego Chargers and joined a more sophisticated offense of the New Orleans Saints. Now, Scott is leaving the Philadelphia Eagles after six years, and joining a rather proficient LA Rams offense in Year 7. Will he have the same results? Stay tuned.

I: Rams are committed to a Gould standard in 2024

Since hiring RB Coach Ron Gould, the LA Rams running game has slowly but steadily begun to resemble the fantastic rushing offenses of yesteryear. And with the investment into the offensive line and running back rooms in 2024, I cannot see how the team will not develop the ground assault even further this year.

From trading away disgruntled RB Cam Akers to blending a committee of rushers when Kyren Williams fell to injury, the team appears to have a solution to every challenge that it has faced so far. Now, with the addition of Scott, I believe that this team's running back committee feels as though Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Boston Scott will handle the workload, and will be every bit as effective as the Run DMC RB committee of 2020 that was made up of Darrell Henderson Jr., Malcolm Brown, and Cam Akers.

Boston Scott adds that last flourish of a veteran who is content to pick up some carries here and there, but who can step up and start for the team if the situation calls for it. And there are many scenarios that I can imagine that would call for it through the 2024 NFL season.

Rams HC Sean McVay is finally getting the type of trustworthy running game that he can depend on in games, and that is thanks to the expertise of Coach Gould. It's becoming glaringly apparent that this team has a 'type' of receiver, and that type is a runner who stands under 5-foot-10 with a low center of gravity, who can evade tacklers, but who can run through the first defender and arm tackles.

Boston Scott fits that purchase order to a tee. Even as he brings unique qualties to the offense and special teams, he overlaps the talents of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum enough to be a vital strategic addition to the Rams roster.

Thanks for reading.