With the 117th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft the Los Angeles Rams select Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter.
With the 117th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter. This choice underscores the Rams’ commitment to enhancing their offensive backfield with a dynamic and versatile playmaker.
Jarquez Hunter is a 5’10”, 210-pound running back who showcased his skills over four seasons at Auburn University. Known for his explosive burst and agility, Hunter has the ability to change the course of a game with his big-play potential. He averaged over 6.0 yards per carry during his college career, highlighting his efficiency and home-run capability.
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Vision and Agility: Hunter exhibits excellent field vision, allowing him to navigate through defensive lines effectively. His lateral quickness and one-cut ability enable him to evade tacklers and gain significant yardage.CNY Homepage+2NFL Draft Buzz+2Vikings Wire+2CNY Homepage+1NFL Draft Buzz+1
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Contact Balance: He possesses a low center of gravity, making him difficult to bring down. Hunter consistently falls forward after contact, maximizing yardage on each carry.FantasyPros
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Receiving Ability: While his collegiate route tree was limited, Hunter has shown promise as a pass catcher out of the backfield. His soft hands and ability to gain yards after the catch make him a dual-threat option.
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Pass Protection: Hunter is willing in pass protection, demonstrating the ability to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback, though his technique may require refinement at the professional level.CNY Homepage
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Ball Security: Over his career, Hunter recorded seven fumbles, indicating a need for improved ball security to prevent turnovers at the next level.NFL Draft Buzz
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Pass Protection Technique: While he shows willingness, Hunter’s blocking technique can be inconsistent, which may impact his ability to stay on the field in third-down situations.NFL Draft Buzz+1FantasyPros+1
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Scheme Fit: Having operated primarily out of the shotgun and pistol formations at Auburn, Hunter may need time to adjust to NFL offenses that utilize under-center schemes more frequently.CNY Homepage
The Rams’ selection of Hunter aligns with their offensive philosophy, which emphasizes a balanced attack and versatility. Hunter’s ability to contribute both in the running game and as a receiver out of the backfield complements the Rams’ offensive scheme. His explosiveness and big-play potential can provide a spark to the Rams’ offense, offering a dynamic option alongside their existing running backs.
Additionally, Hunter’s willingness in pass protection addresses a need for reliable blocking in the backfield, ensuring that the quarterback has adequate time to execute plays. His adaptability and work ethic suggest that, with coaching, he can refine his technique and become a well-rounded contributor.
While Hunter may not immediately assume a starting role, his skill set positions him as a valuable asset in the Rams’ running back rotation. With development, particularly in areas like pass protection and ball security, Hunter has the potential to evolve into a feature back. His explosiveness and versatility make him a compelling prospect who could significantly impact the Rams’ offensive production in the coming seasons.NFL Draft Buzz
The selection of Jarquez Hunter by the Los Angeles Rams at pick 117 represents a strategic move to bolster their offensive backfield with a dynamic and versatile running back. Hunter’s blend of vision, agility, and big-play potential aligns well with the Rams’ offensive philosophy, and with continued development, he could become a key contributor to their success.
