Kyren Williams, a running back, emerged as a breakout star for the Los Angeles Rams this past season. Despite only
participating in 12 games overall, the Notre Dame product made a big impression with 1,144 yards of rushing and 12
touchdowns. Due to his physical nature, Williams misses a lot of games during the season. Most recently, he suffered
a fractured hand in the NFC Wild Card game against the Detroit Lions.
Given that Zach Evans and Ronnie Rivers are the only running backs on the roster as backups, may the Rams decide
to add some more experienced depth? Williams has shown he can be an every-down back, so it makes sense that LA
wouldn’t want to spend a lot of money on a new player. For this reason, former Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins
would be the ideal fit.
Dobbins has experienced numerous injuries of his own, such as an Achilles tendon rupture this past season and an
ACL tear from back in 2021. Although it is regrettable for Dobbins, the Rams may benefit from this as it will
probably lower his free agency price tag. For the upcoming offseason, Sportrac currently projects Dobbins’ market
worth to be at $2 million annually.
Aside from the inexpensive cost, why would the Rams want to add the frequently injured Dobbins?
Dobbins has shown that he has the ability to be one of the league’s best running backs when healthy. With a knack
for the end zone inside the 20, the former second-round choice has averaged 5.8 yards per rush over his career and
scored 12 touchdowns in around 24 games. Dobbins could establish his worth in this part of the game plan,
especially considering the Rams’ problems in the red zone during their most recent playoff game against the Lions,
where Los Angeles had to settle for field goals on three drives, including two in the fourth quarter. Furthermore, he is
still only 25 years old. Williams would already be known as “the guy,” so Dobbins wouldn’t need to take on a
significant role in Los Angeles. Akin to his 2020 campaign, in which he amassed 805 yards and nine touchdowns on
just 134 runs, he and Williams have the potential to be an extremely potent physical duo. During his finest season as
a professional, Dobbins shared carries with Mark Ingram II, demonstrating his effectiveness even while coming off
the bench.
Dobbins embodies the classic low risk/high reward gamer. Being a free agent this summer, the Rams would not have
to give anything up to acquire him. With a projected salary of $2 million per year, there would be virtually no
guaranteed money up front, allowing you to dismiss him whenever you like. The most of McVay’s reclamation
endeavors have been successful; this past season, Steelers cast member Kevin Dotson comes to mind. Could Dobbins
be the next?
