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The Rams took Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter in the NFL draft on Saturday, and the pick came as a surprise to many. Hunter ran for over 1,200 yards this year for the Tigers on 6.4 yards per carry. He also punched in eight touchdowns and proved to be a consistent back in a tough SEC. Hunter ran for a season-high 278 yards and two touchdowns early in SEC play against Kentucky.
Sean McVay and Les Snead are high on Hunter, and Snead already has a connection with Hunter as he an Auburn alum. McVay provided some insight during his presser on the Hunter pick and the reasoning behind selecting him.
"I think when you really look at it, and Les being an Auburn alum, when you look at just the way that this guy has played the game at a high level in an incredibly competitive conference and a lot of guy that get drafted are playing on Sundays where he's got the ability to go through you or have the ability to run away from you," he said.
McVay also went into Hunter's Zoom call with the team and what he took out of that.
"We had a chance to spend a little time with him as a coaching staff on a Zoom call," he said. "He had a great demeanor about himself. When you put the film on, he lights up. You can really feel his ability to have a recall about something and it means something to him, his security to be able to accept coaching and take accountability for some things and maybe he could improve upon. T texted Kyren Williams how excited I am for him to get a chance to learn from him and be around him."
It seems as if the Rams have big plans for Hunter, and the fanbase hopes so, as well. Many believed that the Rams' running back group lacked burst and the ability to break off a big run. Hunter definitely has the ability to do that and is a back that can do it well – while also blocking in pass protection. The team has consistently been able to find late-round gems, including Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, and former Ram, Cooper Kupp.
Hunter joins a 2025 draft class that included second-round pick tight end Terrance Ferguson (Oregon), third-round pick outside linebacker Josiah Stewart (Michigan), fifth-round picks defensive tackle Ty Hamilton (Ohio State) and linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (Ole Miss), with wide receiver Konata Mumpfield out of Pittsburgh rounding things out in the seventh.
The Rams' class has received positive reviews from experts around the league and Hunter's addition to the backfield is reason for excitement.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2025 NFL Draft: Rams looking for next late-round gem in Jarquez Hunter
Continue reading...
Sean McVay and Les Snead are high on Hunter, and Snead already has a connection with Hunter as he an Auburn alum. McVay provided some insight during his presser on the Hunter pick and the reasoning behind selecting him.
"I think when you really look at it, and Les being an Auburn alum, when you look at just the way that this guy has played the game at a high level in an incredibly competitive conference and a lot of guy that get drafted are playing on Sundays where he's got the ability to go through you or have the ability to run away from you," he said.
McVay also went into Hunter's Zoom call with the team and what he took out of that.
"We had a chance to spend a little time with him as a coaching staff on a Zoom call," he said. "He had a great demeanor about himself. When you put the film on, he lights up. You can really feel his ability to have a recall about something and it means something to him, his security to be able to accept coaching and take accountability for some things and maybe he could improve upon. T texted Kyren Williams how excited I am for him to get a chance to learn from him and be around him."
It seems as if the Rams have big plans for Hunter, and the fanbase hopes so, as well. Many believed that the Rams' running back group lacked burst and the ability to break off a big run. Hunter definitely has the ability to do that and is a back that can do it well – while also blocking in pass protection. The team has consistently been able to find late-round gems, including Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, and former Ram, Cooper Kupp.
Hunter joins a 2025 draft class that included second-round pick tight end Terrance Ferguson (Oregon), third-round pick outside linebacker Josiah Stewart (Michigan), fifth-round picks defensive tackle Ty Hamilton (Ohio State) and linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (Ole Miss), with wide receiver Konata Mumpfield out of Pittsburgh rounding things out in the seventh.
The Rams' class has received positive reviews from experts around the league and Hunter's addition to the backfield is reason for excitement.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2025 NFL Draft: Rams looking for next late-round gem in Jarquez Hunter
Continue reading...
