5 reasons why LA Rams rookie RB Akers is ideal featured back

Reason 3 – Blitz pickup

LA Rams running back Jared Goff needs protection when he sets up to pass the ball. While the brunt of that protection falls upon the offensive line, there are more players involved in pass protection.

Part of the pass protection challenge can be solved by running screen pass plays. Akers excels at the screen pass, using his blockers wisely and always keeping his eyes up. In the process, he weaves his running lane to make optimal use of his blockers. That’s a patient and effective way to game maximum yards on the least wear and tear, a patented strategy by Akers.

When he remains in the backfield to block, his powerful legs and shorter stature gives him the ideal ability to stick blitzing defenders. And that second or two of difference is all that is needed to allow Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff to find his receiver and move the chains.

"“Just an all-around running back,” Akers said of his game Feb. 26 while attending the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. “Somebody’s who’s, of course, able to run the ball but another important aspect of running back is being able to block also. I just think I’m a complete back from catching to blocking to running.” – Cam Akers at his 2020 NFL Scouting Combine interview, per 24/7Sports.com"

A running back who is confident enough to boast about his blocking absolutely fills the needs for the Rams in this draft as the runner to be the featured running back in 2020 and beyond.