Rams Urged to Sign 2,500-Yard Free Agent RB

Valentino calls for one more addition despite the drafting of Hunter. The newcomer is built for inside runs while accelerating to a 4.44 time in the 40-yard dash. But Valentino writes Dobbins is still explosive. 

"The top running back free agent available is still J.K. Dobbins. Coming off an excellent season for the rival Chargers, the 26-year-old brings better efficiency and explosiveness than anyone else on the market," Valentino wrote. 

He adds how a Williams/Dobbins pairing will provide a stronger, complementary duo than Williams had with last year's rookie Blake Corum. 

"Dobbins' advanced numbers reveal someone who hits home runs and creates more than your average back. He ranked 13th in rushes of at least 10 yards despite having fewer carries than any back in the top 18 of the metric. Pro Football Focus's breakaway metric has Dobbins as seventh amongst backs with at least 110 carries," Valentino wrote. 

Dobbins is fresh off a career-best 905 rushing yards for Harbaugh. His runs lifted the Chargers back to the playoffs. But Dobbins still comes with concerns. 

"His injury history, which includes an Achilles and ACL tear, is significant," Valentino said. "However, the Rams can mitigate his exposure by keeping his total workload around 200 carries alongside a talented Williams and Corum." 

Now the Rams added Hunter as a potential change-of-pace option for this season. L.A. also has started Ronnie Rivers before, who brings versatility as a receiver. Luring in Dobbins, though, increases the Rams' likelihood of pummeling teams inside through the ground game.