Undrafted second-year RB Ronnie Rivers relieved Kyren Williams of his massive snap share last Sunday against the Colts. Prior to Week 4, Williams saw snap shares of 75.3%, 98.7%, and a whopping 100%. Rivers impressed, rushing for 47 yards on nine carries and two receptions for 10 yards.
“He did a really good job. I was pleased with Ronnie,” Sean McVay told the media. “He got a couple runs called back that were really productive, but he’s steady, man. He’s got great vision. He’s got great patience. I thought both Kyren and Ronnie did a really nice job as a whole, whether that was in the run game or in the pass game.
WHO IS RONNIE RIVERS?
Rivers, the son of Barry Sanders’ backup, was a dual threat out of the backfield at Fresno State, seeing a 13.3% or higher target share over his junior and senior seasons. Rivers was one of two non-power five running backs to receive an 80.0-plus grade as a rusher and receiver from PFF.
Coming out of Fresno State the 5’8″ 195 lbs back went undrafted and signed with the Rams in September of 2022 following his release by the Seattle Seahawks. Rivers played a minimal role in nine games last year but has started to peck away at Williams’ snap share.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT MOVING FORWARD?
Ronnie Rivers looked efficient in the win over the Colts last week. He was able to pass block, utilize his jump cut, and follow his blocker in the receiving game. He’s also looked much more explosive than Kyren Williams has throughout the season.
Although he’s had a crazy usage rate, Williams has been inefficient with most of his touches thus far, averaging 3.8 yards per carry, and a PFF grade of 66.1 and 62.0 over his last two games. Rivers and Williams have similar 40-yard dash times. However, Rivers’ burst and agility scores are miles ahead of Williams.
Following his impressive Week 4 performance, coach Sean McVay said, “I think you’ll continue to see him get a healthy dose and a healthy workload because he’s earned it.”
Moving forward, Rivers will be the RB2 behind Kyren Williams, but with an excessive workload for an undersized back, Rivers can take over the role any given week. Rivers is worth a stash on a majority of rosters before Week 5.
