The Cam Akers Enigma - Do the Rams need to add a starting RB?

[CGI_Ram]

We had a brief thread on this, HERE, but I want to poke at this topic again…

For me, one of the bigger unknowns projecting the 2023 roster is… What do we have in Cam Akers?

WTH was that in 2022?

He starts the season and looks very below average out there. Akers gains 151 on 51 carries for 3.0ypc.

Then out of the blue, he’s on the trading block and misses a few games. Suddenly… In what can only be described as a whacky turn of events…. Akers and the Rams reconcile.

Whaaaat?

Akers returns to the team and gains 635yds on 137 attempts for 4.6ypc. Of which 345yds came in the final 3 games. He also looked noticeably more energetic on the field.

I got to admit… I am super confused! What do we have in Cam Akers?

Is he the guy we saw the first half of the season - or - the guy we saw down the stretch? Is the trade wackiness a sign of instability with Akers?

Kyren Williams looks like a nice player, but he’s pegged for the Darrell Henderson change-up role, IMO.

How urgent is the need to find another RB with starter potential?

Do the Rams draft a RB early?

Do the Rams add an established starter by FA?

 

[Memento]

Yes. Akers is a free agent after this year, so I guarantee that we'll be going for a running back of some kind.

 

[fanotodd]

Achilles injuries take a long time to heal, so that could explain the late season explosiveness.

Having gone back and rewatched the playoff games before each SB of the McVay era, it’s clear how much of a factor Gurley was, despite being less than 100%. A McVay offense revolves around an all purpose, scary RB. Akers has not established that reputation.

Should the Rams acquire a RB capable of being that type of RB, the Rams are in the same boat again with Akers. They will have to trade or release him.

I don’t know about anybody else here, but I didn’t see enough of KW to have a solid opinion—other than to wonder why he wasn’t used more the last few games when so many players were getting a good look. Maybe the Rams were sandbagging?lol.

Side note: the OL/offense was scarier/better in the first SB run, even without Kupp. Stafford would have won us a ring that year too. Goff AND McVay were not up to the task. Too green.

 

[Loyal]

I’d be tempted by Bijan Robinson if he fell into the 2nd round.

 

[Faceplant]

I think they have to bring in another dual purpose back. I just don't trust Cam anymore... And yes, wtf WAS that last year?? I really wish we had the inside scoop. On a side note, McVay really doesn't seem to want to keep longer tenured backs (CJ, Sony) on the roster very long, does he? Kinda weird considering that both contributed very nicely and were not breaking the bank.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Yes. Akers takes too long to heat up. Waiting until November for the starting RB to get going is too long.

 

[PARAM]

I’d be tempted by Bijan Robinson if he fell into the 2nd round.

For sure. But will he? Doubtful. In that case, I like his team mate Rochon Johnson, 6'2" 225 or Kendre Miller from TCU. But I do like the thought of taking a RB (a big one) with one of our first 3 picks, particularly if we trade down with one of our first two and pick up another 3rd (or a 4th).

 

[I like Rams]

From reports, it was said that Hendo nor Akers were happy about the rb by committee. If this is true, I feel we may just need to let Akers go. What's the point of grabbing an rb to compete with Akers if Akers is just going to complain and want out when he takes away his snaps?

 

[ottoman89]

They need to add a bruiser in my opinion. Don't have to be a Derrick Henry. But someone who can get the tough yards and run mean. It'd be a great compliment to Akers. Which is why I wasn't a huge fan of the Williams pick last year. Too many RBs like one another.

I want a 49er RB. They run mean as hell.

 

[dieterbrock]

I'm just writing it off under the premise that Henderson was the issue in the RB room and it is now resolved. Should be always adding to the RB room, and while I dont forsee a true fullback in McVay's future (as much as I'd love) I do believe an H-Back may be on the table, aka a 6th rounder. Skow had his moments but just cant give 17 games there unless he puts on some lbs-
Would rather see him in a move TE role anyways

 

[oldnotdead]

I would be surprised if the Rams didn't take a RB early on that third day or if they get a 3rd round comp pick. This team needs to go 3 deep at RB. Or they can transition Powell to RB which is where he has played most of his life. Powell as a RB is probably as good as or better than anyone that they might get on day 3 of the draft.

 

[dieterbrock]

How will the Rams get a 3rd rounder? I thought at best we might get a 4th for Williams, but could drop as low to a 5th? Not arguing here, just havent been following this side of things

 

[El Chapo Jr]

Unless McVay sees a game changer early on, he could be tempted to draft one. The only RBs I'd be interested in would be Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs. If we reinforce the o-line via FA, it's definitely a possibility to draft either one. Just not sure if we'll go that route since guessing what McVay and company will do is tough to do.

 

[Rams43]

I think this Akers ‘situation’ is pretty simple.

Akers gets the lions share of the snaps this year if he can maintain the kind of production we saw late last year.

But after this year he’s a goner.

Rams will surely draft a RB that they think could be their new starter in ’24 at the latest. In fact, Rams should draft a RB every year and rotate them out every 4 years. No contract extensions for RB’s unless they are truly elite Gurley types, and only then if they’re completely healthy.

 

[So Ram]

IMO - Cam Akers had an issue on being called out & blamed.He didn’t buy in & thought he should have been the starting RB day 1 without any accountability.He found out the hard way about TEAM(We) First!!

D. Henderson was never that RB who wanted to work extra hard to be excellent.He didn’t like contact & playing sore.He was never going to be an every down RB.
K. Williams is Young & was hurt.How hard he works in the off season he will be that RB that Henderson was suppose to be.
The Rams like I’ve been saying need that bigger RB that can get those short yards,& or take the extra hits to close out games in the 4th qrt. .Protect the QB on certain downs as well.

The new RB’s coach will come in with a new attitude & relationship with this group.
—Wonder about Malcom Brown?

 

[Flatlyner]

I'm of the opinion that the achillies was finally healed and his explosiveness was back at the end of last season. IMO he came back too soon and wasn't his normal athletic self. As his second contract is approaching and I'm very against giving large 2nd contracts to RB's not named McCaffrey, I'd absolutely grab one this year. There is a TON of very nice backs in the draft this year, which may cause them to drop some. I see 11+ RB's in this draft that I would absolutely not mind seeing added to our RB room. I'd have to think we have enough draft capital to grab one at some point. Just hope McVay doesn't get crazy ideas and try to jump up to grab Bijan.

 

[So Ram]

Well - I knew or had an Idea of what I’ve thought The Rams have needed.Then again I think Cam Akers is BETTER than Ram Fans are willing to give him right now.

In 2020 The Rams could have solved there RB problem by trading up for Johnathan Taylor,but he finally got hurt,so himdsite being what it is.

—Still in LOVE with Lance Dickerson LG/c with Philly.Trade up as well,but those are franchise types.

IMO - Cam Akers PRoved himself at the End of 2022. He had a pass block that he finally bought into helping protect the QB.
Cam Akers is also still The Youngest player on The Rams!! I don’t see The Rams letting him go that easily.He still has so much upside & will be a Top 10 RB in 2023!!

 

[Loyal]

I'm of the opinion that the achillies was finally healed and his explosiveness was back at the end of last season. IMO he came back too soon and wasn't his normal athletic self. As his second contract is approaching and I'm very against giving large 2nd contracts to RB's not named McCaffrey, I'd absolutely grab one this year. There is a TON of very nice backs in the draft this year, which may cause them to drop some. I see 11+ RB's in this draft that I would absolutely not mind seeing added to our RB room. I'd have to think we have enough draft capital to grab one at some point. Just hope McVay doesn't get crazy ideas and try to jump up to grab Bijan.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwYN7mTi6HM

 

[rdlkgliders]

There are 10+ good rbs and 2 or 3 that are top half of the first round talent.
I would love to get a RB but not sure rd 2 or 3 is a place we can afford to spend our capitol. We are so limited by our drafting assets and needing of help in a few areas that it may not make sense to the F.O
Robinson, Corum & Gibbs are possibly top 20 talent but play @ a position that has become devalued due to longevity amongst other things.

If we could get another 3rd or a 4th somehow we may be able to land a top 10 back which likely would be a top 3 - 5 in many of the drafts over recent years

 

[Ram65]

All things considered, Akers had a very solid second half of the year. I expect McVay to have him penciled in as the starter in a contract year. The Rams have to wonder about his ability to stay on the field. He hasn't taken a lot of hits over his Rams career so I expect him to be ready to go.

K. Williams NFL career path is still unknown. Like others, I'm surprised he didn't get more work at the end of the season. I like him as a receiver and want to see him get more carries as well.

McVay has to add to the RB room in any event. I look for a later-round pick.

If we could get another 3rd or a 4th somehow we may be able to land a top 10 back which likely would be a top 3 - 5 in many of the drafts over recent years

That's possible.