Rams' explosive potential playmaker must prove he is ready to level up

While he wasn't drafted at a position that demanded immediate production, Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter certainly had every right to expect more from his rookie season. After all, he joined an offense seemingly desperate for an explosive playmaker. Hunter was TNT in the backfield throughout his college career at Auburn.

He was the talk of the town in training camp last season. He not only impressed the coaching staff with his ability to hit the hole at full speed, but he also showcased a knack for running through would-be tacklers. It earned him the nickname "Battering Ram."

But his promising summer never materialized into something more. Even as the Rams running game sputtered early in the season, he sat on the bench. His only contribution was a cameo role on special teams. That was hardly what he or fans expected after glowing reports.

The Battering Ram could be a real thing in 2026 training camp

While Hunter did not crack the rotation as a rookie, he is still very much in play to contribute this season. The Rams found remarkable success by toggling between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum in 2025. The pair combined for 1,998 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.

But as the offense showed with tight ends, there is always room for more.

Hunter restores the next logical dimension to LA's backfield. While Williams and Corum are effective runners, neither boasts breakaway speed that forces defensive backs to adjust how they line up. Hunter possesses just enough speed to back up safeties a step or two. How much faster is he?

Except for undrafted rookie Dean Conners, he has an edge on the rest of the room:

• Kyren Williams | Age: 25 | 5-foot-9 | 202 pounds | 5 yrs in NFL | 4.65-second 40
• Ronnie Rivers | Age: 27 | 5-foot-9 | 192 pounds | 5 yrs in NFL | 4.60-second 40
• Blake Corum | Age: 25 | 5-foot-8 | 210 pounds | 3 yrs in NFL | 4.53-second 40
• Jarquez Hunter | Age: 22 | 5-foot-9 | 204 pounds | 1 yr in NFL | 4.44-second 40
• Jordan Waters | Age 25 | 6-foot-0| 210 pounds | 1 yr in NFL | 4.59-second 40
• Dean Conners | Age 22 | 5-foot-11 | 206 pounds | Rookie | 4.45-second 40

He rushed 33 times for 110 yards in three preseason games last season. He even outplayed Corum in games they both played. So there's hope for Hunter to contribute. Training camp will give him a chance to earn carries beyond summer exhibition contests.

There was nothing wrong with LA's rushing offense last season. Hardly. But a tight-end-heavy offense should take advantage of having so many blockers on the field. Hunter makes sense, not just for his quicker-paced running, but also for his punishing style. He could be a difference-maker in 2026.

As always, thanks for reading.

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