If there’s one thing the Los Angeles Rams aren’t lacking heading into the 2020 season, it’s playmakers on offense. With Todd Gurley, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks, Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett and even Darrell Henderson, the Rams are rich with talent at the skill positions.
Getting all of those players the touches they deserve is difficult, as is giving each enough playing time – especially considering the Rams’ reliance on 11 personnel with three receivers on the field at almost all times. Yet, as many offensive skill players as the Rams have, Sean McVay would be open to adding a new position to the mix.
When asked at the combine Tuesday if he’d ever incorporate a fullback on offense, McVay made his feelings clear.
“Oh yeah, absolutely,” McVay said, via Rich Hammond of The Athletic.
This doesn’t mean the Rams are going to go out and find their own Kyle Juszczyk or Andy Janovich. It doesn’t even mean they’re going to have a fullback on the roster at all. But the fact that McVay would be open to the idea is encouraging.
In 2018, he was reluctant to leave his comfort zone of 11 personnel. Last season, the Rams used more two-tight end sets and different personnel packages. As defenses continue to adapt to the Rams offense, McVay will also come up with new ideas to keep teams on their toes. Adding a fullback seems like one possibility.
“We’re excited about diving in and making sure we’ve got some better things we can do,” McVay said, “so you feel like you’re able to dictate the terms and not feel like defenses are doing that to you.”
Let’s not forget, in McVay’s first year as a head coach, the Rams selected fullback Sam Rogers in the sixth round of the draft. He spent his rookie year on the practice squad and was cut in May of 2018, but McVay clearly had an idea of how to use a fullback in L.A.
Perhaps we’ll see that vision come to fruition next season if the Rams add one again.
