LA Rams rookie RB Cam Akers projected 2020 totals may be too low

LA Rams rookie RB Cam Akers projected 2020 totals of 800 yards may be too low

LA Rams running back Cam Akers was not selected simply from speed, ability to catch a pass, or the mystical manner of juking a defender to the ground by appearing to be somewhere he’s not. The LA Rams simply fell in love with Akers’ ability to make something positive out of nothing. That’s not a casual observation, but rather one of a complete and utter necessity for the LA Rams offense for the foreseeable future. Not only did the LA Rams have one of the worst-performing offensive lines of 2019, but in the perspective of you-get-what-you-pay-for, the Rams have committed only a pittance of financial resources to the offensive line.

With an organization that has so undervalued the guys in the trenches, the team is forced to employ those running backs who can make things happen with very little support.  That’s why the Rams selected rookie running back Cam Akers out of Florida State with their first available draft pick. He has an amazing ability to get the most out of his blockers and then taking off to daylight when the blocking runs out.  That skillset is incredibly rare in the NCAA, which is why the Rams had to grab Akers with their first 2020 NFL Draft pick.

Rookie rusher restores Rams running

It’s presumptuous to project a rookie as some sort of accomplished NFL player, particularly without third-party confirmation. So we have been tapping the brakes hard on our enthusiasm over the Akers selection while others weigh in on the matter.  Reactions to Akers’s production on the Rams squad have been trickling in. The first to weigh in was ESPN on their projection of the LA Rams running backs in terms of fantasy football. Their initial projection for Akers rookie debut was 173 carries for 720 yards on the ground plus seven touchdowns.

Of course, we used our editorial judgment to enhance their original projection upwards.  We did so by upping their projected number of carries.  Now a second projection enters the field. Once more, the initial reaction to the estimates for Akers in 2020 is a pleasant starting point.

While this projection is positive, it’s hard to judge with no number of carries included.

Consensus Cam can compete

The takeaway from the projections so far is that Rams rookie running back Cam Akers can compete in the NFL. While that will be proven in 2020, it is always nice for a positive consensus to form around a new player before the season begins. Nice, but only as long as the rookie pays no heed. NFL roster spots and playing time are awarded on the merit system. Earn the right to play, and you play. Play well, and you earn more playing time, perhaps even the right to start. Anointing a rookie as the presumed starter has a downside risk, and the Rams new addition Cam Akers must do everything in his power to avoid that risk.

You can bet that the Rams will ensure that Akers keeps two feet on the ground, both figuratively and literally. The Rams need not only to get production from the running game but need to become effective at getting tough yards, first downs, and touchdowns.  That is not just pressuring upon the rookie running back but upon the entire stable of rushers on the team.  For now, the Rams have three running backs in the mix. But the team quietly added two running backs after the draft and either of two could earn a spot on the Rams roster or practice squad. It’s a fun position for the Rams this year. Former RB Todd Gurley left a huge role to fill this year, and the Rams may find the need to carry four running backs this year. In any case, the LA Rams have plenty of work to do. And to that note, so does rookie running back Cam Akers.