Cam Akers stood out in Rams' virtual offseason program

[ROD-BOT]

Report: Cam Akers stood out in Rams' virtual offseason program

Cam Akers made a strong first impression in the Rams’ virtual team meetings.

theramswire.usatoday.com

Cam Akers stood out in Rams' virtual offseason program

It’s been an exceptionally difficult offseason for rookies in the NFL this year, coming into the league with no OTAs or minicamp in the spring and into the summer. That puts first-year players behind the eight-ball, especially for those fighting for starting jobs or simply spots on the 53-man roster.

Cam Akers has still managed to stand out in the crowd, however, despite being limited to video calls with his coaches. According to Omar Ruiz of NFL Network, Akers shined in the team’s virtual meetings for his engagement.

“One player I’m told who stood out in virtual meetings was rookie running back Cam Akers for his engagement, assertiveness and asking all the right questions. Akers, of course, will have a big role in the Rams’ re-tooled running game, along with second-year running back Darrell Henderson in replacing Todd Gurley,” Ruiz reported.



View: https://twitter.com/nflnetwork/status/1283446432003813376?s=21

Akers was a favorite of the Rams’ leading up to the draft, as the front office set their sights on him as one of their top targets in the second round. They landed him at No. 52 overall, and came away thrilled with the selection.

Akers will have a great chance to grab hold of the starting running back job, with Henderson and Malcolm Brown likely backing him up as change-of-pace and short-yardage backs, respectively.

Ruiz also reported that Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods have made it a point to help the running game, too, by improving as blockers.

“I’m told that in meetings, they want to know what every offensive lineman’s assignment is to better understand the concept of their blocking schemes,” he said.

 

[Loyal]

*filler column. I love what Akers might be able to do, but this stuff doesn't make him great in a game, imo.

 

[HitStick]

*filler column. I love what Akers might be able to do, but this stuff doesn't make him great in a game, imo.

Disagree. Understanding the offense is the biggest thing that a rookie can do. Every player in the NFL has talent. There’s even a story about Faulk stopping a meeting and yelling at everyone else for not taking notes.

 

[Merlin]

"Cam Akers stood out in Rams' virtual offseason program"

 

[Ram65]

I'll take it. If he is going to be the #1 RB I want his head in the game and knowing his responsibilities. I'm sure he knows how to run the football. What he needs to prove is he knows how to pick up blitzes to protect Goff. The more he knows the better chance he will succeed. He has the heart for it as the scouts called him a warrior.

 

[Loyal]

Disagree. Understanding the offense is the biggest thing that a rookie can do. Every player in the NFL has talent. There’s even a story about Faulk stopping a meeting and yelling at everyone else for not taking notes.

We'll see, won't we? Part of doing well in practice and play in games, exhibits that study was done or he would do horribly. Study alone does squat.

 

[ReekofRams]

It at least better than reading that he didn’t do well in the virtual offseason.

 

[Mikey Ram]

It at least better than reading that he didn’t do well in the virtual offseason.

I sat here for an hour, trying like hell to come up with a brilliant retort to disagree with this comment...I couldn't fucking come up with one !!!

 

[FarNorth]

I'll take it. If he is going to be the #1 RB I want his head in the game and knowing his responsibilities. I'm sure he knows how to run the football. What he needs to prove is he knows how to pick up blitzes to protect Goff. The more he knows the better chance he will succeed. He has the heart for it as the scouts called him a warrior.

The mental side is critical especially for a rookie playmaker who will have key responsibilities including pass protection and must know all the plays and blocking schemes. No, it's not the same as on field execution. But if Akers hasn't mastered the offense and the playbook before this year's shortened training camp imo he would be almost guaranteeing himself a position as a spot player like Henderson last year.

 

[Mojo Ram]

BREAKING: Cam Akers needs help with playbook, but assures team "My Madden experience will prepare me for the NFL."

 

[Corbin]

This is fucking dumb. Damn can’t wait for OTA’s or whatever their doing this is getting bad. Fucking reporters. You got tons of time to do research and come up with stories and you right this you moron?

 

[Merlin]

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/tompelissero/status/1284495775129645057?s=21

 

[OldSchool]

We'll see, won't we? Part of doing well in practice and play in games, exhibits that study was done or he would do horribly. Study alone does squat.

Come on man! You know very well this is an infinitely better report than he couldn't understand anything when asked and was quiet unless called on for input. This is a great sign treat it as something positive going into training camp.

 

[OldSchool]

This is fucking dumb. Damn can’t wait for OTA’s or whatever their doing this is getting bad. Fucking reporters. You got tons of time to do research and come up with stories and you right this you moron?

Hahahaha what's a bigger joke the article or the reactions to it? My goodness this is meh news at the least, or something positive about our first draft pick this year if you want it to be.

 

[Loyal]

Come on man! You know very well this is an infinitely better report than he couldn't understand anything when asked and was quiet unless called on for input. This is a great sign treat it as something positive going into training camp.

Is he a tractor or trailer of RB's? OldSchool, my homerific friend... ~ LACHAMP46

 

[dieterbrock]

. But if Akers hasn't mastered the offense and the playbook before this year's shortened training camp imo he would be almost guaranteeing himself a position as a spot player like Henderson last year.

Akers doesnt have Todd Gurley standing in his way.
In fact, he doesnt have anyone standing in his way as neither Henderson or Brown did anything last year to warrant #1 RB consideration

 

[Rams43]

I don’t see how this is anything other than a very positive sign for Akers.

Not the be all, end all but very encouraging.

I’ll take a football smart player over one that mentally struggles every damned time.

 

[OldSchool]

Is he a tractor or trailer of RB's? OldSchool, my homerific friend... ~ LACHAMP46

This is being a big ass tractor and a damned good sign for the team.

 

[Corbin]

Hahahaha what's a bigger joke the article or the reactions to it? My goodness this is meh news at the least, or something positive about our first draft pick this year if you want it to be.

Aye Aye Captain Joyous Nothingsome III

 

[Faceplant]

Come on man! You know very well this is an infinitely better report than he couldn't understand anything when asked and was quiet unless called on for input. This is a great sign treat it as something positive going into training camp.

Agreed. Remember Isaiah Pead??