Boston Scott vs Jared Verse for Rams kick returner?

AJ Schulte

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Boston Scott vs Jared Verse for Rams kick returner? image

The Los Angeles Rams made an under-the-move signing right after the draft, signing free agent running back Boston Scott. Scott may have been veteran insurance to shore up their depth and push younger guys like Zach Evans and Ronnie Rivers, but Scott's role could be beyond that. 

According to Stu Jackson of TheRams.com, Scott has gotten work as the team's punt and kick returner, a point of emphasis with the new kickoff rules that teams are still navigating (see thread below).  

Keep in mind that both spots are WIDE open on the Rams' roster. Last year, Austin Trammell served as the team's main returner but mainly opted to fair catch returns (34 of 56 attempts were fair caught). Outside of Brandon Powell (now with the Vikings), the Rams haven't had a consistent returner in years, but Boston Scott could lock that role down this year. 

Scott has 66 career kick returns, with 1,504 career kick return yards (all five career fair catches occurred last year). With the new rules, a physical running back style of player is a better fit (lots of parallels to run blocking under the new rules), and Scott fits that to a T. 

However, another player has thrown his hat into the ring for the kick returner role: first-round pick Jared Verse. Rams' special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn said Verse wants to return kicks with the team.

Admittedly, I'd really like to see it, given Verse's build and physicality. It's not going to happen, given the high injury risk and the Rams' investment into Verse, but it would be a sight to see. Who knows, maybe the Rams could lean into McVay's mad scientist side and draw up something creative for Verse to take advantage of his elite athleticism. I'm certainly not telling Verse no. 

AJ Schulte

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AJ Schulte previously was an analyst for Pro Football Network in 2019 before rejoining in September of 2023. He currently resides in Texas and has been producing content since 2018. Prior to his time at PFN, AJ gained experience covering the Denver Broncos with SB Nation’s Mile High Report and as part of the editorial staff with The 33rd Team. He spent time gaining formal scouting experience as part of RPM Data in 2023. AJ holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Texas at Austin and is also working on gaining his certification in Sports Law.