Rams RB Kyren Williams negotiations need surgical precision to end as a win-win

If team extends Williams, who is on the short list to make Rams roster?

I've argued the reasoning behind paring down the number of running backs on the 53-man Rams roster in 2025. If the team hopes to be effective for 17 games, the Rams need to do a better job of matching the number of players on the roster to the number of opportunities given to that positional group.

The Rams adhere to one running back per play. By rights, the team should limit the number of running backs on the roster to three. Right now, the team boasts six running backs on the roster. So, who goes? It would be simple if the Rams witnessed breakout players at the running back position in training camp and the preseason. But that's a difficult scenario to realize.

Players who impress in training camp or are presumed starters in 2025 will never see preseason action. Players who excel in preseason are already fighting an uphill battle just to make the roster. And it's that lack of head-to-head comparative performances that makes it very difficult for the team to reveal the depth chart to fans until preseason games arrive. Even then, don't expect many changes to who makes the roster and who does not make the Rams roster after preseason starts, even if a running back shines like an NFL star.

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

So, who is on the short- list to make the Rams roster in 2025? Let's run down the list:

(6) - Jordan Waters

While I am thrilled over the upside of 6-foot-0, 215-pound rookie running back Jordan Waters, I fear he is simply the token big back who doesn't stand much of a chance at making the Rams roster. But he is faster than three of the six running backs, towers over the group, and has enough weight and power to make a huge difference. He may not make the active roster, but he has better than even odds of signing on the practice squad.

(5) - Cody Schrader

The Rams loved Cody Schrader so much that the team claimed him off the San Francisco 49ers' waiver wire. The thing is, he spent an entire year on the Rams roster and didn't deliver anything. He is slightly bigger and slightly faster than Kyren Williams. The problem is, if he didn't see action in 2024, he has even more competition for playing time in 2025. There is simply not enough room on the roster for everyone. Whatever the Rams loved in 2024 never showed up on a football field.

(4) - Ronnie Rivers

Veteran Ronnie Rivers is the smallest running back of the group, and he also boasts the most experience behind featured RB Kyren Williams. In the NFL realm of roster slots, is that enough to ensure inclusion in 2025? The Rams parted ways with veteran RB Boston Scott in 2024, so no. Ronnie Rives is a surprise cut from the team's 53-man roster. If he clears waivers, the team will certainly bring him back on the practice squad.

(3) - Blake Corum

It's been a year, and I still have no answer as to why rookie RB Blake Corum was not deployed more in 2024. While slightly shorter than Kyren Williams, he is heavier and faster. Still, other rookie runners drafted far later than Corum had productive rookie seasons. Was it Corum's shortcomings? Or do the Rams simply deliberately avoid putting rookie running backs into games? Whatever the reasons, that matters will need to be resolved in 2025. Corum makes the roster. Still, he has an uphill battle. He didn't get much work and was injured in Week 18 of 2024.

(2) - Jarquez Hunter

Jarquez Hunter has a real shot to not only make the Rams roster but to leapfrog Corum to earn a larger role in the offense. He is the fastest running back on the team, affording the chance to explode for huge gains on any play. That is something this offense desperately needs. But at 2024 pounds, he is much stronger than you might expect. He is a north-south running back who can move the pile to gain a first down or to score a touchdown. The Rams need to get him chances. If he plays, he stays. He brings a new dimension to the Rams' offense.

(1) - Kyren Williams

Addition by subtraction? Yes, that's right. This team should target 200 to 225 carries for Kyren Williams in 2025. He was a far more effective runner with fewer carries, and he managed to have a much better handle on the football. If the team is concerned about too many changes impacting the players' feel for the game, then sit Williams once out of every third game. The team can use that downtime to get opportunities for Jarquez Hunter and Blake Corum.

The Rams' rushing offense was not good in 2025. It's not because Williams could not run well, but because the team did not allow any other players to get significant carries. The Detroit Lions split 435 carries between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers split 351 carries between rookie RB Bucky Irving and veteran Rachaad White.

The Rams took notice. Now, it's a matter of implementing that strategy and getting far more production out of a group of talented runners.

Kyren Williams may feel good about contract negotiations, but the team must drastically alter the way they use him in the offense this season. He is surrounded by talented teammates. It's time to harness their talents too.

As always, thanks for reading.