Isaiah Pead

How far Pead has fallen in two years. Entering the 2013 season, he had a shot as the team’s starting running back, but fell to fourth on the depth chart to begin 2015. His first two seasons as a pro resulted in 17 carries for 75 yards and 14 receptions for 94 receiving yards, but Pead failed to register a single carry in 2014 and may not even make the roster in 2015. The Rams like what Chase Reynolds and Trey Watts bring to the table as depth running backs, so Pead’s last carry in September of 2013 could be his final as a member of the Rams if he doesn’t provide a strong showing in training camp.

Pead, who had a tough year in 2013 while opening the season with a one game suspension and then totaling only seven carries, will miss the 2014 season due to a torn ACL.

With Steven Jackson out of town, the 5-10, 197-pound Pead has the opportunity to earn a significant workload in what should be a wide-open competition for the Rams starting tailback job this summer. However, teammate Daryl Richardson is nearly as fast as Pead, saw 98 carries last year to Pead's 10, and the team also drafted the rugged Zac Stacy in the fifth round. Moreover, Pead will serve a Week 1 suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, something that's not going to help his cause. Of course, few backs run a 4.39 40, and Pead could be the best fit in what should be a faster-paced more wide-open offense this year.

The Rams took Pead with the 50th pick of the draft and reportedly envision him as Steven Jackson’s long-term replacement. At 5-10, 197, and with home run speed, Pead has been compared to Jamaal Charles. Pead is slated for a third-down role as a rookie, but Jackson has 2,138 career carries and could break down at any time. There are few other alternatives on St. Louis’ roster, so Pead could easily make an impact as a rookie.