The Los Angeles Rams’ season came to a depressing end in the Divisional Round at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles and superstar running back Saquon Barkley.
While Rams RB Kyren Williams had a solid snowstorm performance, recording 19 carries for 106 rushing yards, it simply could not compare to Barkley. The first-year Eagle finished with 26 carries for 232 total yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Seeing Barkley have a historic performance could be all the Rams need to desire a powerhouse, superstar RB. All of this hinges on quarterback Matthew Stafford and whether he calls it a career.
Rams Already Predicted To Replace Kyren Williams in 2025 NFL Draft
As previously mentioned, Williams is far from a poor starting RB. However, his lack of explosive plays could lead to Los Angeles taking inspiration from the Detroit Lions. Williams recorded just two rushes for more than 20 yards and one for more than 30 yards in the 2024 regular season.
The Lions had arguably the NFL’s most dominant rushing attack in 2024, with the one-two punch of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Williams is comparable to Montgomery, with their styles of play stemming from short-yardage bulldozer TDs. But adding Boise State generational RB Ashton Jeanty could perfect the backfield. Pro Football Network’s Dalton Miller predicts the Rams to select Jeanty at No. 26 in the first round.
“Whatever deal Les Snead made, he fleeced the Devil worse than Johnny did. Jeanty isn’t quite the same caliber of athletic phenom that Saquon Barkley or Bijan Robinson were. However, his game is likely the most complete coming from the college ranks,” Miller wrote. “He’s no slouch athletically, either. Nobody creates more explosive runs than Jeanty in college football. He clearly has a high gear despite being packaged in a 5-foot-8 frame.”
Wide receiver Puka Nacua has no problem handling the explosive players out wide, but bringing that same factor to the backfield is exactly what Jeanty can do. At first glance, fans won’t view Jeanty as a comparable receiving threat to Gibbs, but Miller pointed out an appealing fact about the Boise State superstar.
“But many might not know that he also led all RBs in receiving yards in 2023, a trait the Broncos hid from the world in the 2024 version of their offense,” Miller wrote. “Also, Jeanty is a fantastic pass protector, both physically and technically, making him as well-rounded as they come.”
Multiple teams selecting before Los Angeles could have interest in Jeanty, such as the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, but those organizations could decide to fill other holes in their lineup. Meanwhile, with the Rams one touchdown away from the NFC Championship, adding to their skill-position group isn’t a bad approach.