The Los Angeles Rams just broke a nine-year streak of drafting running backs this spring, and while that might sound like a huge vote of confidence for second-year back Jarquez Hunter, don't celebrate yet. Hunter essentially redshirted his rookie year, and things are looking mighty complicated for him as training camp approaches. Ronnie Rivers, who was ahead of Hunter on the depth chart last season, is back for 2026, and that means Hunter's spot is anything but safe.
When camp kicks off later this month, the running back lineup looks pretty set at the top: Kyren Williams is your 1A, and Blake Corum is the 1B. After that, it gets murky fast for Hunter. Rivers and Hunter are battling it out for that first reserve spot, and honestly, the Rams only carried three running backs on their initial 53-man roster out of training camp last year. They even brought Rivers back later! Jordan Waters and Dean Connors are just camp bodies, undrafted free agents, and longshots to make the squad. This means the decision likely boils down to Rivers or Hunter. It's a rough spot to be in, especially after spending a fourth-round pick on Hunter.
Here’s the rub: Rivers can really contribute on special teams. He finished third on the Rams in kick returns, behind Xavier Smith (43) and Jordan Whittington (22). Rivers was the best on an average basis, clocking in at 25.9 yards per attempt. He's also a total workhorse on the punt team unit, leading all running backs and finishing sixth on the team in snaps. This isn't some minor tweak either; if Hunter wants that third back spot, he *must* prove he's willing and able to help on special teams. It’s non-negotiable. With Williams and Corum handling the bulk of the carries, special teams is Hunter's only clear path to the roster.
But here’s the kicker, the one thing Hunter brings that no other Rams running back can claim: pure speed. We're talking 4.44 40-yard dash speed! The dude was a homerun hitter at Auburn, averaging a whopping 6.4 yards per carry. Long speed is a definite limitation for Williams and even Corum to a lesser extent. Hunter has that explosive juice. The problem? We just don't know if that speed translates to special teams. In a year where it's "Super Bowl or bust" for the Rams, relying on a sound veteran like Rivers might seem like the safer answer. Hunter's electric speed is a huge asset, but if he can't show it on special teams, he simply won't get the opportunity to carry the ball.
Jarquez Hunter is one of the Rams' biggest question marks heading into training camp. Can he finally crack that lineup and carve out a role in 2026? We're about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.