Rams Strengthen Their Ground Attack with Jarquez Hunter
The Los Angeles Rams have added Jarquez Hunter, Auburn running back, to their roster after selecting him in the fourth round of the draft. This addition strengthens an already competitive group of running backs, which includes Kyren Williams, the team’s undisputed starter.
Kyren Williams, drafted in the fifth round of 2022, is in his final year of his rookie contract. Rams coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead have already discussed a possible extension with Williams’ agent.
Williams is a very important piece for the future of what we want to achieve.
Sean McVay, Rams Coach
The arrival of Hunter, one year after the Rams selected Blake Corum in the third round, doesn’t mean the team won’t try to retain Williams. Since 2017, the Rams have selected a running back in every draft, the longest streak in the NFL.
Last season, Williams had a standout season, rushing for 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns on 316 attempts, in addition to 34 receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns. Williams accounted for 43% of the Rams’ touches in 2024, leading the league in that regard.
Despite Williams’ success, the team expects Hunter to bring more explosiveness to the running game. Hunter averaged 4.03 yards per carry after contact last season, the best mark in the SEC among players with at least 100 carries.
He can hit home runs.
Sean McVay, Rams Coach
Hunter describes himself as a “north-south, downhill” runner with the ability to catch the ball and protect the passer.
Coach McVay praised Hunter’s ability to “run through you or run away from you”, highlighting his competitiveness and the impact he had on his college team.
