RB Options, by Round

[AvengerRam]

The Rams need to upgrade the No. 2 back position behind Steven Jackson. Unfortunately, this is not the deepest crop at the position.

Here are the RBs I'd consider taking, by round.

Round 1

Mark Ingram, Alabama
Ingram is the only RB I give a clear first round grade. I would not take him with the 14th pick, but he could be an option if the Rams trade down in the round.

Round 2

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
Williams could go in the first round, but I have him rated as a second round pick. If he were to last until the Rams second round pick, I'd strongly consider him.

Round 3

DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
Murray may never be workhorse back, but he was the best receiving RB in college football (71 receptions) last year. That could be a very good asset in Josh McDaniels' offense.

Jordan Todman, UConn
I am a big fan of Todman and think he could be a bit of a sleeper in the draft. He's not the biggest back, but he carried a heavy load at UConn. He also has the speed to be a game-breaker.

Jaquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
Rodgers has a high-profile, and might not last this long. If he does, he'd be a nice fit for the Rams and a good value in Round 3.

Round 4

Dione Lewis, Pittsburgh
Lewis is not a big back, but he's demonstated the ability to carry a big load (nearly 600 touches in the last two years). I think he could out-play his draft position.

Derrick Locke, Kentucky
I like Lock's speed and receiving ability. He would not be a future replacement for Jackson in all likelihood, but could be a great complimentary back.

Rounds 5-7

John Clay, Wisconsin
Clay would not be a change-of-pace back. Rather, he is a back who will remind many of Brandon Jacobs. It will be interesting to see his 40 time, as that will likely determine where he is taken.

Donald Buckram, UTEP
Buckram had nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage in his Junior year before being slowed by injuries in his Senior year. Another potential sleeper pick.

[Nick]

A solid list overall, but is there a reason Kendall Hunter is absent? I would stick him right in the mix with the other Round 3 options.

[AvengerRam]

A solid list overall, but is there a reason Kendall Hunter is absent? I would stick him right in the mix with the other Round 3 options.

I wouldn't argue with Hunter in Round 3, though I definitely would not take him in Round 2 (I've seen some draft sites rating him as a second round pick).

[MauiRam]

No interest at all in Shane Vereen? Just curious ..

[sosa39rams]

Kendall Hunter? Noel Devine? Mikel Leshoure? I think you may have forgotten some guys.

[AvengerRam]

No interest at all in Shane Vereen? Just curious ..

Doesn't wow me. He's a solid back, but he is not a burner, nor is he a "big back." If I were to rank him, it would be in the Round 5-7 range.

[AvengerRam]

Kendall Hunter?

Addressed him above.

Noel Devine?

No interest at all. He's 160 lbs.

Mikel Leshoure?

Hardly a change-of-pace guy. In fact, he's kind of a poor-man's Steven Jackson (nowhere near as fast, though). Not worth his likely 3rd round status, in my opinion.

I think you may have forgotten some guys.

No, its just that this is MY list. All may feel free to come up with their own.

[TylerBishop]

I agree, especially with your critiques of the guys you've left off.

I actually really like Hunter at a 4+ round value

I really like Ryan Williams, but at 2 it's too much for us, I think we should seek value elsewhere.

Murray will be a star, mark my words, but he may be too expensive for us.

[GROUND DOG 39]

Id love Murray in the 3rd round. Wouldnt take Williams in the second, much prefer Murray. I think this is a draft where we'll have to get our change of pace back after the 3rd round. The first 3 rounds should be for potential starters in my opinion.
Derrick Locke is good at 4, explosive looking. Also agree with Hunter being a reach in the 3rd.

[bruce4life]

How does Noel Devine not tickle your fancy? He is the exact type of change of pace RB the Rams need. He's is more around 185lbs not 160 come on man. SJ39 still has a couple of years left in his legs and a RB such as Devine could help immensely!

[AvengerRam]

How does Noel Devine not tickle your fancy? He is the exact type of change of pace RB the Rams need. He's is more around 185lbs not 160 come on man. SJ39 still has a couple of years left in his legs and a RB such as Devine could help immensely!

Actually, he weighed in at an even 160 at the Senior Bowl practices.

[39WillRunYaOva]

Is Lamicheal James not going to the draft??Im not even sure so some1 inform me but i like the kid i think he is worth a look especially from i last heard of him he will prlly be available later rather than sooner.He is very quick and a nice compliment to SJ,might not be the guy to take the reigns from SJ in the next couple years but for right now a good 2nd with some NFL polishing.

[AvengerRam]

Is Lamicheal James not going to the draft??Im not even sure so some1 inform me but i like the kid i think he is worth a look especially from i last heard of him he will prlly be available later rather than sooner.He is very quick and a nice compliment to SJ,might not be the guy to take the reigns from SJ in the next couple years but for right now a good 2nd with some NFL polishing.

He is returning to Oregon. If he had declared, he would absolutely be on this list.

[richtree]

Derrick Locke's late season and post-season performance will get this man drafted alot higher than people think.....He could be late second early 3rd with a solid combine.

[BM_Face]

No, its just that this is MY list. All may feel free to come up with their own.

TBH, from the thread title I was expecting a lot more names. Not everyone wants to start a whole new thread to suggest a name or two.

Helu>Buckram