An examination of Isaiah Pead's rookie-year touches and college tape revealed Pead to be an aggressive inside runner with explosive lateral movement. A link to Evan Silva's tape study of Pead can be found at the link below. Silva observed that Pead lacked Daryl Richardson's explosion and perimeter speed, but is more dangerous when sprung to the second and third levels because he makes defenders miss, whereas Richardson is more "straight-linish." Pead showed some similarities to LeSean McCoy with shiftiness and big-play ability. Larger concerns were pass catching, pass protection, and a lack of physicality.

Rams RB Isaiah Pead says his primary offseason focus was on pass protection. The Rams are expected to implement a shotgun-based spread offense, and their primary back must pass protect efficiently next to Sam Bradford in the 'gun. "Body position," Pead explained. "I'm not the biggest guy, so I need every inch. Body position is the number one thing I need, and the physical part will take care of itself. You've got to be a willing blocker." The Rams continue to leave the door open for an RBBC or feature back, depending on what happens in camp. Pead was suspended for Week 1, but will be eligible for Week 2.

Isaiah Pead's one-game suspension stems from a July 2012 arrest for possession of two ounces of marijuana. The details of Pead's one-game ban initially went undisclosed as neither the NFL nor its players is under any obligation to explain suspensions. Coach Jeff Fisher has publicly supported Pead, who is almost a year removed from the violation and insists he's in a better place "mentally" after a lost rookie year.

Coach Jeff Fisher says Isaiah Pead's one-game suspension will have no bearing on the Rams' running back competition. "Not whatsoever," Fisher said Thursday. "He's not going to be penalized as far as reps and carries during the preseason. We're getting ready for a long haul, and we'll be without him for one week, which we understand, but it doesn't complicate things." The fact that the Rams aren't taking a tough-love approach with their second-year back suggests he remains their preferred lead runner. Zac Stacy and Daryl Richardson are going to get a lot of hype this summer, but Pead remains our best guess to replace Steven Jackson on early downs.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher threw support behind Isaiah Pead following his one-game suspension for a substance-abuse violation. The Rams know Pead is their most talented back. So they are propping him up instead of pushing him down. They need him. "He obviously has to suffer the consequences and miss the game," said Fisher. "But I'm pleased with how he's bounced back and his professional approach to being a member of this team." We still like Pead's chances of leading St. Louis in carries this season.

The Rams reportedly knew about Isaiah Pead's one-game suspension "for months" and maintain "high expectations" for the 2012 second-round pick. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the one-game ban stems from a "minor violation" from last year. Profootballtalk's Mike Florio speculates it resulted from some "previously unknown violation of law." The NFL does not have to disclose reasons for suspensions, and nor does Pead's camp. Ultimately, the one-game suspension could affect Pead's ADP and make him a better draft-day value.

NFL suspended Rams RB Isaiah Pead one game for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The suspension comes at a bad time for Pead, who is in a three-way battle to start. He's still very much in the mix for carries, but this opens the door wider for rookie Zac Stacy and Daryl Richardson. Pead has the ability to practice with the team and play in preseason games, so he'll still get plenty of reps. The fact that Pead is missing one game is much less of a concern than the bad vibes he's generating in St. Louis. The 50th overall pick in last year's draft, Pead's rookie season was a major disappointment.

Rams second-year RB Isaiah Pead attributed his slow first season to falling behind due to the NFL rule that prevents rookies from attending offseason workouts when their colleges are on the quarter system. "The crazy thing was, I wasn't even in school at the time," said Pead, who admitted his rookie season was "miserable" because he was so far behind. "I was just sitting around. I had a playbook, but I couldn't explain it to myself. I missed all but a week of (offseason practices) last year, so this year, I just feel like I'm that much farther along." In a "wide open" camp battle, Pead will battle Daryl Richardson and rookie Zac Stacy for the starting tailback job.

Isaiah Pead admitted his rookie season was "miserable." Thanks to a late graduation from college, Pead missed last year's OTAs and never recovered. The second-round pick fell behind seventh-rounder Daryl Richardson and ended up with 10 carries despite being healthy all year. Now that Steven Jackson is gone and Pead has a year in the system under his belt, he's expecting a major role. "Whole new era, whole new attitude, whole new team, whole new Pead," he said.

Coach Jeff Fisher confirmed that RB Isaiah Pead is in the mix to start this season. Pead barely got off the bench as a rookie, receiving just 10 carries all season as he fell behind Daryl Richardson. Now there's a massive opportunity with Steven Jackson in Atlanta, and Fisher hasn't lost faith in his second-round pick. "He'll get his opportunity this year. ... He's got a chance to make a lot of big plays for us." Like most young backs, Pead needs to show improvement in ball security and pass protection. But he has significantly more upside than Richardson and is the current favorite to lead this committee. The Rams will also add more talent to the position, possibly via April's draft.