The Perfect Running Back Complement to Kyren Williams
As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, the focus is shifting toward refining their roster to maintain their competitive edge in the NFC West. With quarterback Matthew Stafford steering the ship and a dynamic offensive scheme under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have a solid foundation. However, one area of intrigue heading into the draft is the running back position. Kyren Williams has emerged as a reliable workhorse, bringing tenacity and vision to the backfield. Yet, the Rams could elevate their offense by adding a complementary piece—a running back who brings a different flavor to the ground game, enhancing balance and explosiveness. With the draft board taking shape, several prospects stand out as potential fits, headlined by Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson.
The Current State of the Rams’ Backfield
Kyren Williams has solidified his role as the Rams’ lead back, showcasing a blend of power, patience, and pass-catching ability that aligns seamlessly with McVay’s system. His bruising style and ability to churn out tough yards make him the “thunder” in the backfield. However, the Rams lack a consistent “lightning” element—a speedster with breakaway potential to stretch defenses and turn short gains into game-changing plays. While rookie Blake Corum has shown promise, his skill set mirrors Williams more than it diversifies, leaving a gap in the roster for a true change-of-pace back.
The Rams’ offensive philosophy thrives on versatility and unpredictability. Adding a running back with elite burst and open-field elusiveness could force defenses to adjust, opening up opportunities for Williams and the passing game alike. With the 2025 draft class boasting a deep pool of running back talent, the Rams have a golden opportunity to find that missing piece.
TreVeyon Henderson: The Explosive Playmaker
At the top of the Rams’ potential draft board sits TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State’s dynamic running back who embodies the traits McVay covets. Henderson’s blend of vision, burst, and reliability makes him a near-ideal fit to complement Williams. Standing at 5’10” and 208 pounds, Henderson isn’t the biggest back, but his explosive athleticism and home-run speed make him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Henderson’s college tape is a highlight reel of big plays. In 2024 alone, he racked up 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns on 144 carries, averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per attempt. His 27 receptions for 284 yards and a score further underscore his versatility as a receiving threat out of the backfield. What sets Henderson apart is his patience and decisiveness—qualities that shine in zone schemes like the ones the Rams employ. He reads blocks with precision, then explodes through creases with a gear few defenders can match.
One of Henderson’s standout traits is his pass protection, an often-overlooked skill that McVay values highly. His willingness to step up and stonewall blitzes ensures he can stay on the field in critical third-down situations, giving Stafford an extra layer of security. While durability concerns linger due to past injuries (a foot issue in 2022 and an ankle tweak in 2023), Henderson’s 2024 campaign proved he can handle a significant workload when healthy. For a Rams team looking to add a spark without sacrificing reliability, Henderson could be the answer.
Other Contenders on the Draft Board
While Henderson stands out, the 2025 running back class offers a variety of flavors, and the Rams have options depending on where they pick and what they prioritize. Here’s a look at some other prospects who could fit the bill:
- Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss): Judkins brings a similar explosiveness to Henderson, with a knack for breaking off long runs. His vision and burst align with the Rams’ needs, though his pass protection isn’t as polished as Henderson’s. If the Rams want a pure playmaker and are willing to coach up his blocking, Judkins could be a steal.
- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee): Sampson offers a different style than Williams, with shiftiness and agility that translate well to McVay’s outside zone concepts. His ability to evade tacklers in space could add a new wrinkle to the offense, though he lacks the top-end speed of Henderson or Judkins.
- Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech): Tuten’s suddenness and power make him an intriguing mid-round option. He thrives in duo run concepts, hitting holes with authority and offering special teams value. While he’s not a “wait-and-see” back, his fumble history is a concern the Rams would need to address.
- Raheim Sanders (South Carolina): Sanders is a comeback story with a versatile skill set—power, speed, and a nose for the end zone. His injury history (knee, shoulder, and ankle issues) might push him down the board, but his vision and north-south running style could complement Williams effectively.
- LeQuint Allen Jr. (Syracuse): A true three-down back, Allen excels as a receiver and in pass protection, with excellent vision to boot. He’s not the fastest, but his all-around game could make him a Day 3 gem for a team like the Rams.
Prospects to Avoid
Not every running back fits the Rams’ mold. DJ Giddens (Kansas State) lacks the decisiveness and pass protection comfort McVay demands, while his limited second gear doesn’t address the team’s need for explosiveness. Similarly, Brashard Smith (SMU), a converted wide receiver, feels more like a gadget player than a true complement to Williams. RJ Harvey (UCF) has shiftiness but struggles with ball security and lacks the home-run speed the Rams crave.
The Strategic Fit
The Rams’ running back room isn’t in dire need of an overhaul, but adding balance is key to unlocking the offense’s full potential. Williams thrives between the tackles, grinding out yards and wearing down defenses. Pairing him with a back like Henderson—who can turn a simple check-down into a 75-yard touchdown—would keep opponents guessing and stretch the field horizontally and vertically.
McVay’s history suggests he’ll target a player who can contribute immediately, even in a limited role. Henderson’s pass protection and receiving skills mean he wouldn’t be a one-dimensional addition, while his explosiveness addresses a glaring gap in the Rams’ current backfield. If he’s available in the second round (a realistic projection given his talent and injury history), the Rams could pounce, though a trade-up into the late first isn’t out of the question for a player of his caliber.
The Bigger Picture
The 2025 draft is about more than just the running back position for the Rams. With needs at cornerback, linebacker, and potentially along the offensive line, general manager Les Snead will have to weigh his options. However, the depth of this running back class means the Rams could address other priorities early and still land a difference-maker like Tuten or Allen later on Day 3.
Ultimately, the goal is to maximize Stafford’s window while grooming the roster for the future. A dynamic duo of Williams and a speedster like Henderson could elevate the Rams’ offense from good to elite, giving McVay the tools to out scheme even the NFL’s stingiest defenses. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on how the Rams balance their immediate needs with their long-term vision—and whether TreVeyon Henderson becomes the next cornerstone of their backfield.
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