Les Snead explains why Rams want a 'committee with different skill sets' at RB

USA Today

02-05-2025

Les Snead explains why Rams want a 'committee with different skill sets' at RB
One of the most fascinating picks in the Los Angeles Rams' draft class was Jarquez Hunter, the running back from Auburn. Los Angeles traded up 10 spots to land him in the fourth round, adding another playmaker to the backfield despite already having Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
Williams' job as the RB1 seems safe but it's easy to imagine a scenario where his carries are reduced at least slightly in order to get Corum and now Hunter touches.
Rams GM Les Snead explained on the 'Rich Eisen Show' that with the way the regular season has expanded to 17 games and potentially 18 in the near future, Los Angeles wants a committee with unique skill sets.
'He's just been a fun player to watch in terms of just how he runs, his running style,' Snead said. 'He's one of those guys that ignites a crowd, ignites an audience with the way he breaks tackles. He runs with joy and then if he does break those tackles, he has the ability to hit a double, triple, take it the distance. We do think the way this NFL season is going, the amount of wear and tear that goes into playing running back, having a committee and a committee with different skill sets only helps us continue being able to run the football like we want to run it.'
From a roster-building perspective, this makes perfect sense. Williams has been a workhorse the last two years, carrying the ball 544 times in the regular season and 48 more times in the playoffs. The Rams have rarely taken Williams off the field since he became the starter in 2023, but that could change in 2025.
Williams and Corum have similar skill sets, which is something Snead and Sean McVay lauded when they drafted Corum in the third round last year. Hunter is a different type of runner, though, bringing more speed and breakaway ability to the backfield.
With Williams operating as the RB1 and getting the bulk of the carries on first and second down, it opens the door for Corum or Hunter to get opportunities on third down. The presence of two talented backups will also allow the Rams to keep Williams fresh throughout the season.