L.A. Rams running back Kyren Williams had a terrific year in the 2023 season. However, Williams has had injury issues, and the Rams are not all that deep at running back right now. Should they look to strengthen that position by drafting USC’s MarShawn Lloyd?
Sports Illustrated recommends that the Rams consider adding Lloyd to their running back room.
Assessing the Depth of the L.A. Rams at the Running Back Position
The Rams’ current stable of running backs includes:
- Kyren Williams
- Royce Freeman
- Ronnie Rivers
- Zach Evans
Williams is the solid starter. As reported by Sports Illustrated:
“Williams was incredible in 2023, logging 1,350 yards per scrimmage and an NFL-leading 95.3 rushing yards per game. He was one of the league’s most efficient backs, posting the third-most rushing yards despite playing in just 12 games.”
28-year-old Freeman and 25-year-old Rivers turned in admirable backup performances. Evans had limited playing time for the team in his rookie season.
Sports Illustrated views Lloyd as a “playmaker” who could have a positive impact in the Rams offensive backfield.
USC Trojan RB MarShawn Lloyd
Lloyd played his college ball at both of the NCAA’s USCs. He played two seasons for the University of South Carolina and then transferred to the University of Southern California. Throughout his collegiate career, he rushed for 1,621 yards with 19 touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 5.6 yards per carry against elite competition in the SEC and Pac-12.
Lloyd Performed Impressively at the NFL Combine
ESPN rates Lloyd as the 70th-best player in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had an impressive performance at the NFL Combine, raising his draft stock by running a 4.46 40-yard dash and turning in impressive vertical and broad jumps.
USC RB MarShawn Lloyd could be the first RB off the board according to the @nflnetwork analysts 👀✌🏻#FightOn✌🏻 pic.twitter.com/GxOk8wrhtQ
— Arrogant Nation✌🏻 (@FightOnRusty) March 2, 2024
Based on Lloyd’s “elite acceleration and agility[,]” which “makes him a home-run threat from anywhere on the field[,]” Sports Illustrated believes Lloyd would be an excellent fit for the Rams.
Stay tuned to Gridiron Heroics for continuing coverage of the L.A. Rams, MarShawn Lloyd, and the 2024 NFL Draft.
For more sports-related news, focused primarily on the USC Trojans, SMU Mustangs, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Rams, please follow me at @vshjah_Victor.
