The Los Angeles Rams traded back in the first round, which netted them a second 2026 first-round draft pick. A part of that trade sent their second third-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons, leaving the team with just the 90th overall pick in the draft.
In the second round, they found their Tyler Higbee succession plan in the Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson
They opted for Michigan edge rusher Josaiah Stewart in the second round, leaving the top needs in the draft unaddressed — cornerback, linebacker, and quarterback.
In the 4th round of the NFL Draft, the Rams traded up with the Indianapolis Colts and selected Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter. The Rams sent the Colts one of their sixth-round picks (190) for the pleasure of moving up 10 spots
According to ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, “The Rams’ eight straight years drafting a running back is the longest active streak in the NFL and the longest streak by any team since Washington from 2011-20, according to ESPN Research.”
Los Angeles Rams Select RB Jarquez Hunter With The 117th Pick In The NFL Draft
HT 5′9″ | WT 204 | AGE 22
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked as the 11th-best running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class, writing, Hunter’s vision and tempo tend to run hot and cold, but he is a hammerhead with downhill burst to run through holes and into contact without gearing down. Along with his hungry run style, his impact on special teams will separate him on an NFL depth chart.
Jarquez Hunter established himself as a featured back during his two years as a starter at Auburn, playing in head coach Hugh Freeze’s run-pass option (RPO)-oriented offense. After serving as Tank Bigsby’s backup for two seasons, Hunter led the Tigers in rushing in both his junior and senior years. His contributions to the program place him fourth on Auburn’s all-time rushing list, behind notable figures such as Bo Jackson, Cadillac Williams, and James Brooks.
Hunter’s physical attributes are evident; a former state champion powerlifter in high school, he possesses a well-defined physique. His running style is characterized by physicality and balance, making him a difficult ball carrier to bring down. Notably, he ranked second in the FBS in 2024, with 36.6 percent of his carries resulting in a first down or touchdown. While he may not be the most elusive or creative runner, either at the line of scrimmage or in open space, Hunter consistently displays a relentless leg drive, allowing him to gain additional yardage while carrying defenders.
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