McVay on drafting Jarquez Hunter: “No question he’s the guy we want—talented, hardworking, and perfect fit for our offense.”

The 2025 NFL Draft brought a lot of excitement for the Los Angeles Rams when they selected Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter in the fourth round. Head coach Sean McVay’s clear endorsement—“No question he’s the guy we want”—reveals the level of confidence the Rams have in Hunter’s abilities and the role he’s expected to play in their offense.

This statement isn’t just a passing compliment. It reflects a strategic decision based on thorough evaluation of Hunter’s skill set, character, and how he complements the Rams’ offensive philosophy. Let’s unpack what this means for the Rams, Hunter’s journey, and why this pick could be a game changer for both.

The Rams’ Offensive Philosophy and the Need for Hunter

Sean McVay is widely regarded as one of the brightest minds in the NFL, known for his innovative, dynamic, and versatile offense. His schemes emphasize pace, creativity, and the ability to keep defenses guessing through multiple formations and diverse playmakers. Central to this is having a running back who can do more than just run the ball — someone who can catch passes, block effectively, and execute in space.

In recent seasons, the Rams’ running back situation has been somewhat inconsistent due to injuries and fluctuating performances. McVay’s offense demands a running back who can thrive in the passing game and also contribute between the tackles, giving defenses no clear answer on how to stop the run or the pass.

Jarquez Hunter fits this mold perfectly. His agility, vision, and pass-catching skills align with what McVay wants in a backfield weapon. Beyond physical traits, McVay values Hunter’s work ethic and football IQ—traits essential to adapting to complex NFL offenses.

Jarquez Hunter: From Auburn to the NFL

Hunter’s collegiate career at Auburn was marked by explosive plays and steady improvement. He rushed for over 3,000 yards and scored 25 touchdowns during his time in college, making him one of the premier running backs in the SEC—a conference known for producing NFL-caliber talent.

What stands out about Hunter is his combination of power and speed. Despite being 5’9” and 204 pounds, his low center of gravity and balance allow him to break tackles and maintain momentum. His 4.44-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine demonstrated his elite speed and acceleration.

Moreover, Hunter showed his ability to be a dual-threat back, contributing significantly in the passing game. With McVay’s offense emphasizing screen passes and check-downs to running backs, Hunter’s reliable hands and route-running ability give the Rams more weapons and flexibility.

Hunter’s toughness is also a key part of his profile. He played through injuries during college and showed resilience in high-pressure moments, qualities McVay highlighted as critical for success in the NFL.

McVay’s Confidence: More Than Just Talent

When McVay says, “No question he’s the guy we want,” it underscores that Hunter isn’t just talented but also fits the culture and mentality McVay is building in Los Angeles.

McVay is known for fostering a team-first mentality and demanding professionalism and preparation from every player. Hunter’s reputation as a hardworking, disciplined athlete made him stand out during scouting.

Character matters hugely in the NFL, especially for players who might not come into a franchise as guaranteed starters. Hunter’s attitude means he can earn the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates quickly, which is vital for any rookie adapting to the speed and complexity of the pro game.

What Hunter Brings to the Rams’ Offense

• Versatility: Hunter’s ability to run between the tackles, bounce outside, catch passes, and even block blitzing defenders makes him a Swiss Army knife in McVay’s offense.
• Explosiveness: He can turn small creases into big gains with his acceleration and vision, forcing defenses to stay honest.
• Hands: Reliable catching ability out of the backfield opens up screen passes and quick routes that can keep drives alive.
• Football IQ: Hunter reads defenses well, allowing him to find cutback lanes and adjust routes on the fly, a skill McVay values in executing his complex schemes.
• Work Ethic: His commitment to training and preparation ensures he can quickly learn and execute the Rams’ playbook.

Impact on the Rams’ Backfield

Before drafting Hunter, the Rams had a backfield in transition. Veteran Cam Akers showed flashes but struggled with injuries and consistency, while younger backs were still developing.

Adding Hunter creates healthy competition and depth, vital in a league where injuries can derail seasons. His presence gives McVay more flexibility to design plays tailored to different backs’ strengths.

Hunter’s skill set allows the Rams to vary their attack — from power runs inside to quick passes and outside zone runs — keeping defenses guessing and improving offensive balance.

Hunter’s Potential Role and Expectations

While fourth-round picks often aren’t expected to start immediately, McVay’s praise suggests the Rams see Hunter contributing early, whether on special teams or in specific offensive packages.

His role could grow rapidly, especially if injuries occur or he proves himself in practice. McVay’s offense rewards players who can do multiple things well, so Hunter’s ability to catch, run, and block could earn him snaps in various situations.

Over time, Hunter has the potential to become a featured back, especially as he adapts and improves in areas like pass protection and ball security.

Challenges and Areas for Growth

Transitioning to the NFL is tough. Hunter will face faster, stronger defenders and more complex defensive schemes. Key areas he’ll need to develop include:

• Pass Protection: Blocking blitzes effectively is crucial for a running back’s playing time, especially in passing situations.
• Ball Security: Avoiding fumbles will be vital to earning trust and maintaining a role.
• Route Running Refinement: As an NFL receiver, sharper route-running will maximize his utility in the passing game.

The Rams’ coaching staff, including McVay, will focus on these areas to unlock Hunter’s full potential.

Long-Term Outlook

Jarquez Hunter’s selection signals the Rams’ desire to build a multi-dimensional offense around players who can create matchup problems. McVay’s endorsement shows the team’s confidence that Hunter fits their vision.

If Hunter continues to develop, embraces the challenges, and leverages his skills, he could become a key contributor and fan favorite in Los Angeles.

For Hunter, this is an opportunity to prove he belongs at the highest level and to make a lasting impact on a franchise with a passionate fan base and championship aspirations.

Sean McVay’s statement on drafting Jarquez Hunter — “No question he’s the guy we want—talented, hardworking, and perfect fit for our offense” — encapsulates the optimism surrounding this pick.

Hunter’s talent and character align perfectly with the Rams’ needs and McVay’s offensive philosophy. His versatility, explosiveness, and football IQ make him a promising addition who could reshape the Rams’ backfield for years to come.

As the NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Hunter to see if he can live up to the high praise and expectations. If he does, this draft pick could be remembered as a defining moment in the Rams’ quest for sustained success.