Should the L.A. Rams Expend a 3rd-Round Draft Pick on Impressive USC Running Back MarShawn Lloyd?

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.

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.