Rams News

Taking a run at a back
Sunday, April 12, 1998

By Jim Thomas
If not Curtis Enis, it'll be someone. Fred Taylor, Robert Holcombe, Tavian Banks. The Rams need a running back. Only one back currently under contract - Jerald Moore - carried more than 34 times or gained more than 104 yards last season.

Moore showed promise and determination as a power runner in five late-season starts following the release of Lawrence Phillips. But there are still questions about his durability and his ability to hang onto the football. Then there's receiving whiz Amp Lee, and unproven youngsters David Thompson, June Henley, and Kevin Bouie.

So if they don't grab Enis in the first round, they'll almost certainly take a running back in the second or third rounds. The Rams can only hope they fare better at this position than in recent drafts. In the '90s, the Rams have selected six running backs in the first, second or third rounds: Phillips, Moore, James Bostic, Jerome Bettis, Russell White and Latin Berry. The only player to distinguish himself in that group - Bettis - got traded away to Pittsburgh during the 1996 draft.

And don't forget fullback. Dick Vermeil's patience is wearing thin with
Craig "Ironhead" Heyward. Backup Derrick Harris suited up only once last
season, and didn't get in the game. So don't be surprised if the Rams go
fullback shopping in the mid or late rounds.

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