LA Rams 2020 NFL Draft rookie floor/ceiling: Cam Akers

After parting ways with veterans RB Todd Gurley, the LA Rams selected a worthy successor from the 2020 NFL Draft, Florida State’s Cam Akers

With the 52nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams selected Cam Akers, running back, out of Florida State. Akers is 5-foot-11, 215-pounds who was the first pick of the Rams in the 2020 NFL Draft. With the release of Todd Gurley as a salary cap casualty, the Rams had a huge hole to fill in the offensive backfield. Akers is now Gurley’s successor.

Akers had solid production at the college level despite the fact he didn’t benefit from a good offensive line. This means the Rams drafted a running back whose potential hasn’t been reached yet. With a better line blocking for him and head coach Sean McVay’s play-calling that potential could be unlocked.

By watching Akers’ play for Florida State, we can compare his style of play to those players who played in the NFL who he most resembles. Following that comparison, we can use that information to project his true NFL potential. Of course, there are no guarantees. But it is a logical and tangible approach that can be revisited and improved over time.  First, let’s look at his basic attributes. Then looking at we know we can use it to project a comp for both their floor and ceiling.

Basic Attributes

-Shifty

-Puts a shoulder down and punishes defenders to end runs

-Has patience behind the line of scrimmage

-Quick bursts to cut or bounce to the outside

-His potential was untapped at Florida State, a chance at being better than shown

Ceiling-Brian Westbrook

A little bit of a throwback here but one I feel that’s appropriate. While Akers is a tad bigger and heavier, the difference in size is negligible when comparing him to this NFL standout running back.  In fact, I see a lot of prime Brian Westbrook in Cam Akers. Note that I am comparing just their running similarities, not receiving. While Akers should improve his receiving skills while in the pros, don’t expect him to become a headliner with his route-running.

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Westbrook was just as dangerous as a receiver as a runner, specifically the period from 2004-2008. That’s a 4.63 yards per rushing average with a 1074.5 yards per season average in that stretch. Westbrook would always put a shoulder down to end runs or use his lower center of gravity to maintain his balance after a hit.

Akers uses a similar technique, sensing contact and lowering his shoulder to initiate contact with would-be tacklers. And like Westbrook, he has a low center of gravity which makes him a difficult runner to bring down. He also possesses that instinctive sense, much like Westbrook, of how to slide through the smallest of creases in the line of scrimmage to daylight. Akers also possesses a Westbrook-like ability to use his blockers to their fullest potential. That strategy squeezes extra yards out of each play, adding up to a hefty sum at the final gun.

Floor- Devonta Freeman

Another featured running back out of Florida State, Devonta Freeman had plenty of oomph in his running game during the Atlanta Falcons 2015 season through the 2017 season. Freeman was not particularly active in the passing game in college like Akers.  That did not prevent him from displaying some expertise as a receiver in the NFL.  he had four seasons with over 300 yards receiving, and one season of catching passes for over 500 yards in the pros.

Akers can project as a similarly gifted addition to the Rams’ passing game as he showed similar proficiency at Florida State.

Final Projection

The Rams have always been consistent at finding talented running backs to play in their offense, and Cam Akers should continue that streak. He has many instinctive similarities to that of Westbrook, which compels me to lean very optimistically when projecting his potential NFL production.  While he should improve his receiving production compared to college don’t expect him to put up Westbrook-like receiving numbers. The Philadelphia Eagles were quite limited in their passing options, whereas the LA Rams are bursting with talent.  His receiving numbers project more similar to that of Freemans  While those numbers are solid, they are not how Akers will earn his next contract. I project a 900-1100 rushing a year from Akers with around 300-400 receiving yards a season.

Even though I expect him to be the featured back in the Rams system, I’d expect him to still split some touches with Darrell Henderson. Both Westbrook and Freeman had their partners in crime in Duce Staley or Tevin Coleman while starting out.

Either way, rookie Cam Akers has huge shoes to fill.