With fantasy gamers trying to find the next upside running back, drafters have pushed Rams rookie running back Jarquez Hunter up draft boards.
An evergreen trait of good fantasy gamers is to be on the lookout for the next upside running back who could be a starter in the event of an injury. Depth chart study and coach speak provide small wrinkles that can end up helping fantasy gamers find the next league winner.
The Rams have been a great source of fantasy goodness with the likes of Toddy Gurley, Darrell Henderson Jr., and Kyren Williams. The Rams selected Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter in the 4th round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In the last week, Hunter is up 4.9 spots on Underdog creeping into the early part of the 17th round.
While Kyren Williams is surely the safe bellcow in the Rams offense, it is advantageous to draft Jarquez Hunter as a high upside back who could be both a league winner and fill out a needed running back spot in redraft leagues. For such a cheap price and the rich history that the Rams have with running backs, it is wise to select Hunter with a late round pick going forward.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
Los Angeles Rams rookie running back Jarquez Hunter is ...
Los Angeles Rams rookie running back Jarquez Hunter has an ...
Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter was a ...
LA Rams GM Les Snead spoke about how having a committee “helps” the team run the ball how they want.
In an interview post-draft with Rich Eisen, Rams GM Les Snead said:
We do think the way this NFL season’s going — the amount of wear and tear that goes into playing running back — that 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.
Taking a committee approach would be a departure from how head coach Sean McVey has historically approached the position. Whether it was Todd Gurley, Darrell Henderson, or Kyren Williams, the Rams have normally given at least 60% of rushes to the lead running back.
Speculation of a committee in the Rams backfield has heated up over the last year given the drafting of third round pick Blake Coram in 2024 and the drafting of Jarquez Hunter in 2025. The Rams have engaged in contract extension talks with Williams, however, those have not yet come to fruition.
Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)
The LA Rams add a strong, physical runner as more depth to their backfield in the 2025 NFL Draft
Jarquez Hunter joins the LA Rams as a compact, downhill runner at 5’9” and 204 lbs, who didn’t flash elite athletic traits during the pre-draft process but showed enough functional strength and vision to carve out a role. The Rams certainly have a type at the RB position as Hunter enters a crowded backfield that includes similar RB’s in Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
The Rams offense just maintained continuity as they continue to ease the load on Matthew Stafford, and Hunter’s tough, SEC-tested frame will add to that continuity. He’s not expected to challenge for the starting role early, but with the durability concerns around Williams, Hunter may get opportunities to prove his worth. While his Dynasty upside is capped without a clear path to a lead role, Hunter is a name to monitor if injuries strike since the Rams are so adverse to running back committees.
Author: Lukasz Stec (@Lukasz_FF01)
Get to know former Auburn Tiger running back Jarquez Hunter.
Senior Bowl Profile: Jarquez Hunter
Jarquez Hunter (5’10 209) is a former 3 star recruit (40th RB in 2021) heading into the Senior Bowl as one of the most decorated and dynamic running backs in Auburn history, but seemingly lacking large scale fanfare. A first-team All-SEC selection in 2024, Hunter finished his career ranked fourth all-time among Auburn rushers with 3,371 yards and 25 rushing touchdowns. His senior season was his best yet, rushing for a career-high 1,201 yards. Hunter also ranks sixth in school history in all-purpose yards with 4,453, showcasing his versatility and explosiveness.
Hunter thrives at processing info and finding openings, even against loaded defensive fronts. He combines his “second gear” speed with outstanding lateral agility, and his pad level and contact balance make him nearly impossible for the first defender to bring down.
Jarquez Hunter will look to solidify himself as one of the most complete running back prospects in the draft. The Senior Bowl provides the perfect stage for Hunter to showcase his elite skill set against top-tier competition.
Author: Justin Currie (@Chev90)
