With their first selection not being until late in the second round, the Rams elected to draft a running back in Florida State’s Cam Akers.
With many holes to fill in their roster, the Rams instead liked what they saw in the former Seminole and decided they wanted to give Henderson and Brown some help in the backfield. Let’s see what Rams fans can expect from their new running back.
Elusive Speed
Akers has an easy time picking up yards, even when he didn’t have a great offensive line to block for him. In fact, many analysts believed that with a better line Akers could have found himself celebrating last night instead of today. He has been given the title of the cut-back king after being able to elude tackles left and right and using his speed to just outrun defenses. That is proven as he was tied for eighth in the nations with 74 missed tackles forced last season.
Effective Blocker
Akers has no problem protecting his quarterback when not being handed the ball. He has proven that he is more than willing to do what it takes to move the football downfield. With a strong lower body and big build, he is more than capable of more than just outrunning his opponents.
Good hands
Akers has excellent hands and is also a great pass-catcher that will help give Goff another option. He has a great transition from catching the ball to racking up yards right after. That speed we recently mentioned will absolutely play if he can be able to catch and reach an open field.
Final Thoughts
Although the Rams could have easily turned their attention to other needs on their roster, they felt that Akers was the right pick. If he can do what he did at Florida State that he can form a dangerous pair with Darrell Henderson. His speed and shiftiness will help the Rams run game and the passing game won’t skip a beat with him still on the field. All the Rams need is to draft someone that can help the line give him the blocks he needs.
