Practice Squad
Buddy Howell 6-1 225 RB 4th yr
Last three years on Houston had 5 rushes in 19, 16 last year but played in 15, 16 and 14 games each year so probably special teams. Listed as on rams for two games this year. He was called up for week 3. I have not found the other week yet. He is likely the next man up. Here is a quote from the ramswire when we signed him to the practice squad.
Howell is a bigger back at 6-foot-1 and 213 pounds, excelling on special teams. He provides depth behind Darrell Henderson Jr., Sony Michel and Jake Funk, though he’s unlikely to contribute unless there’s an injury.
Our other back on the PS, Javian Hawkins, is a better fit for backing up a returner or maybe if Henderson goes down. He is not a good fit replacing Funk.
Javian Hawkins 5-9 196 (these are numbers reported on rams website) 5-8 183 (numbers reported by nfl.com from the draft) RB rookie Louisville
given a 5th round grade
Overview
Despite lacking desired size, Hawkins is a very useful stretch-game specialist who brings energy and home run potential with him onto the field. He doesn't operate with a booming burst gear, but his play speed is consistent and he can get to a breakaway gear if defenders don't mind their run fits. He's going to be more elusive at the early stages of a run than once he's up to the second and third level and his rush tracks can be somewhat predictable at times. He can create for himself with vision and athleticism, but the run will often end as soon as there is contact. Hawkins appears capable of doing more in the passing game than Louisville asked of him and has a chance to compete for backup carries within a couple of years in a zone-heavy run scheme.
Strengths
* Showed out with home run ability over last two seasons
* Posted touchdown runs of 75, 70 and 90 yards in 2020. * Born to run an outside zone. * Patient in allowing blockers to find their work. * Feet are light but explosive. * Gets from cut to cut fluidly in order to avoid early traffic. * Feels development of cut-back lanes and breaks for it over blocker's hip. * Decisive when it's time to hit it downhill between the tackles. * Adequate spin move out of contact. * Scramble gene to completely re-route when blocking scheme disintegrates. * Viable dump-off option with potential for more as a receiver
Weaknesses
Thin frame not ideal for bundles of carries as a pro.
Somewhat scheme-dependent.
Arm tackles around his legs will bring him down.
Unable to drive through contact and fall forward often as inside runner.
Needs to do a better job of pressing the line of scrimmage on inside zone carries.
Plays fast but is more of a one-speed runner.
Sees and hits holes but not as creative as expected on the second level.
Elusiveness and instincts wane in the open field a little bit.
