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By: Cameron DaSilva | 6 hours ago
http://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/02/12/nfl-los-angeles-rams-draft-2018-running-back-todd-gurley/
As talented as he is, Todd Gurley was viewed as somewhat of a question mark entering the 2017 season. He posted one of the worst seasons in recent memory two years ago when he rushed for 885 yards on 278 carries – one fewer attempt than he had in 2017, when he rushed for 1,305 yards.
No one was calling him a bust, but some questioned whether he could return to a Pro Bowl level in Los Angeles. He silenced those few doubters by leading the league in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns.
His performance this past season established him as a top-level running back, erasing any concerns about his future. That being said, the Rams could still use an addition at the position this offseason.
Lance Dunbar didn’t pan out, Malcolm Brown is a restricted free agent and Tavon Austin – who played mostly at running back – isn’t likely to return in 2018. That leaves Gurley as the only quality back on the roster.
Sure, Justin Davis is still there, but he had trouble holding onto the football in 2017 and is unsure to even make the team next season. Brown should be back as a restricted free agent, but having a dynamic pass-catching back is something Sean McVay would certainly like.
Unfortunately, there won’t be many affordable options in free agency, but the Rams could look to the draft as a way to add a change-of-pace back. That doesn’t necessarily mean they should spend a third or even fourth-round pick on one, but with three sixth-round picks, there are a few guys who could make an impact.
With a deep crop of running backs in this year’s class, talented guys will be pushed down the board, simply because there are so many good players at the position.
Akrum Wadley out of Iowa would be a nice option, but he’s unlikely to last beyond the fifth round. That’d be a bit rich for the Rams, because of how low of a need running back is. If he were to slip to the sixth round, however, the Rams should pounce. The same goes for Nyheim Hines from N.C. State and John Kelly out of Tennessee.
Both can contribute as third-down backs and change-of-pace guys who can make big plays on offense, which is exactly what the Rams hoped Dunbar would be. Kelly is a bit on the smaller side, which will hurt his draft stock, but he’ll boost it at the combine when he runs and goes through the agility drills.
Drafting a running back isn’t a must by any means for the Rams, but unless Dunbar and Austin return, they could use a scat back to contribute in the passing game.
http://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/02/12/nfl-los-angeles-rams-draft-2018-running-back-todd-gurley/
As talented as he is, Todd Gurley was viewed as somewhat of a question mark entering the 2017 season. He posted one of the worst seasons in recent memory two years ago when he rushed for 885 yards on 278 carries – one fewer attempt than he had in 2017, when he rushed for 1,305 yards.
No one was calling him a bust, but some questioned whether he could return to a Pro Bowl level in Los Angeles. He silenced those few doubters by leading the league in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns.
His performance this past season established him as a top-level running back, erasing any concerns about his future. That being said, the Rams could still use an addition at the position this offseason.
Lance Dunbar didn’t pan out, Malcolm Brown is a restricted free agent and Tavon Austin – who played mostly at running back – isn’t likely to return in 2018. That leaves Gurley as the only quality back on the roster.
Sure, Justin Davis is still there, but he had trouble holding onto the football in 2017 and is unsure to even make the team next season. Brown should be back as a restricted free agent, but having a dynamic pass-catching back is something Sean McVay would certainly like.
Unfortunately, there won’t be many affordable options in free agency, but the Rams could look to the draft as a way to add a change-of-pace back. That doesn’t necessarily mean they should spend a third or even fourth-round pick on one, but with three sixth-round picks, there are a few guys who could make an impact.
With a deep crop of running backs in this year’s class, talented guys will be pushed down the board, simply because there are so many good players at the position.
Akrum Wadley out of Iowa would be a nice option, but he’s unlikely to last beyond the fifth round. That’d be a bit rich for the Rams, because of how low of a need running back is. If he were to slip to the sixth round, however, the Rams should pounce. The same goes for Nyheim Hines from N.C. State and John Kelly out of Tennessee.
Both can contribute as third-down backs and change-of-pace guys who can make big plays on offense, which is exactly what the Rams hoped Dunbar would be. Kelly is a bit on the smaller side, which will hurt his draft stock, but he’ll boost it at the combine when he runs and goes through the agility drills.
Drafting a running back isn’t a must by any means for the Rams, but unless Dunbar and Austin return, they could use a scat back to contribute in the passing game.