Drafting the best LA Rams Fantasy Football roster value for 2022

Running Back

Running back Cam Akers is a similar story to that of Allen Robinson III, in that given how last season transpired for him with the ruptured Achilles injury and the lackluster performance in the playoffs when he returned, his draft value will undoubtedly fall compared to where it was pre-season 2021.

Is Cam Akers another candidate to be a late-round draft selection and exceed expectations?  Given the history of this type of injury and the effect it has on running backs’ careers, I’m not betting on it.  One of the things fantasy managers, at least the good ones, do to maximize their team, is minimize risk.  Akers is a big risk and this is why I have him ranked where I do at 28.

Looking at previous running backs that sustained a ruptured Achilles injury.  Some examples include Green Bay Packers running back Edgar Bennett, going back to 1997, and more recently Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman and Indianapolis Colts RB Marlon Mack.  Historically, running backs just don’t return to their previous form after an Achilles tear and even fewer are able to carve out any semblance of a successful career once they return.

Draft Akers in Round 8

That being said, Akers flashed his former self in the Wildcard Round of the NFL Playoffs at certain points but as the playoffs continued, he was essentially a non-factor.  That, and the struggle for NFL running backs to overcome his type of injury, has me worried about his outlook for the 2022 season.  He averaged just 2.57 yards per rush, had no touchdowns, and only eight receptions in those four playoff games combined.

I have my doubts whether the team even believes he can return to form and a be a factor too because they did draft Kyren Williams in the fifth round out of Notre Dame.  In fact, Williams could turn out to be a sneaky good pick-up in the double-digit rounds of your fantasy football draft.

The one plus here is that Akers did get a lot of work in the playoffs.  He rushed for 67 carries and played all four games without further injuries.  Now he will have a full off-season to get right and be fully healthy.