The Los Angeles Rams made a clear statement during the 2025 NFL Draft: they believe in Jarquez Hunter. After trading up with the Colts to grab the Auburn standout in the fourth round at 117th overall, head coach Sean McVay was caught on camera saying, “There’s no question that’s who I want.”
That type of conviction, paired with Hunter’s college résumé and skill set, makes him one of the more intriguing rookie running backs for 2025 fantasy football managers to keep tabs on.
JARQUEZ HUNTER: A PROFILE BUILT FOR PLAYMAKING
Jarquez Hunter enters the NFL with a compact but powerful frame at 5’9” and 204 pounds. While not the most physically imposing back, his athletic traits and play style scream “big play waiting to happen.”
He ran a 4.44 forty-yard dash and forced a missed tackle on over 30% of his carries in college, a rate that rivals top-tier rookie RB prospects. His career rushing line of 539 carries for 3,371 yards (6.3 YPC) and 25 touchdowns, along with 68 catches for 558 yards and four scores through the air, showcases his versatility and consistency.
Hunter saved his best for last, wrapping up his collegiate career with a 1,201-yard season on just 188 carries (6.4 YPC) in 2024. Despite sharing touches with Tank Bigsby for two seasons at Auburn, Hunter remained efficient and productive, averaging nearly 62 yards from scrimmage per game even as the team’s RB2. As a senior, once given lead duties, he proved he could handle volume and remain explosive.
What sets Hunter apart is his ability to create yards after contact, an impressive 3.96 YCO/ATT, and his natural elusiveness. He’s a smooth, slashing runner who can win both inside and outside the tackles. McVay described him as a “home run hitter,” a trait the Rams offense has valued heavily in their running game since the Todd Gurley glory days.
SNEAKY OPPORTUNITY IN LA
When it comes to the Jarquez Hunter fantasy football outlook, the situation in the Rams’ backfield presents both questions and opportunities.
Kyren Williams has emerged as one of the league’s most productive fantasy backs over the past two seasons. But the team has spent back-to-back Day 2 and Day 3 picks on running backs—Blake Corum in 2024 and now Hunter in 2025. This could suggest either skepticism about Williams’ long-term durability or simply an attempt to stockpile depth and talent at a volatile position.
While Corum saw limited work as a rookie, to much of my dismay, Hunter may have a different path. The Rams coaching staff has shown more immediate enthusiasm for him, and Williams himself once beat out a higher-drafted back (Cam Akers) for the starting role. The door is open for Hunter to earn a meaningful role right away, particularly as a change-of-pace option with big-play upside.
Though Hunter needs refinement in pass protection, which will likely be a barrier to consistent third-down snaps early in his career, his ability to contribute as a receiver gives him the potential to carve out a flexible role. Even if he’s not the starter out of the gate, his elusiveness and breakaway speed could earn him around 8–12 touches per game as a rookie, with the upside for more if Williams misses time or continues to regress.
JARQUEZ HUNTER FANTASY OUTLOOK
In redraft formats, Jarquez Hunter’s 2025 fantasy football outlook is that of a high-upside late-round stash. He fits the mold of a rookie who could come on strong midseason, especially if injuries or inefficiency hit those ahead of him. With his burst, tackle-breaking ability, and McVay’s stamp of approval, Hunter is worth drafting in the later rounds as a potential league-winner if given the opportunity.
In dynasty leagues, he should already be on your radar as a Round 2 rookie pick with long-term appeal. If the Rams eventually pivot away from Kyren Williams or opt for a committee approach, Hunter could be a significant beneficiary. And if you’re betting on traits and coaching staff trust, few Day 3 picks enter the league with more momentum than the former Tiger.
SUMMARY
The Rams have developed a reputation for unearthing hidden gems in the NFL Draft, and Jarquez Hunter may be their latest find. Between the college production, elite metrics, and McVay’s glowing endorsement, there’s plenty of reason to be excited. Whether you’re looking for depth, upside, or a future starter, Hunter is a name fantasy managers should not overlook in 2025.
Draft him late. Watch him closely. And don’t be surprised if Jarquez Hunter becomes a 2025 fantasy football difference-maker by midseason.
