Rams: 3 players we can’t wait to watch on Hard Knocks
By Ryan Heckman
Running Back Cam Akers
One of the most meaningful picks in all of this year’s draft happened when the Rams took running back Cam Akers out of Florida State in the second round. Why? Let’s back up just a bit.
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Up until last spring, the Rams’ back field belonged to Todd Gurley and Todd Gurley alone. He was unquestionably the best back in football and could do it all at the highest of levels. Under Sean McVay, Gurley had totaled 56 touchdowns in three seasons. His touch percentage was off the charts simply because he could do anything asked of him.
Then, the knees became an issue. The Rams drafted Darrell Henderson in the third round last year, but he hardly played as a rookie and now has a minor injury worry of his own.
Fast forward to the present. In drafting Akers so high, the Rams basically said that this is his job to lose. The back field belongs to Akers, but as a rookie, his situation could be a little uncomfortable.
He’s coming into a situation where last year’s rookie (Henderson) thought he might have the job once Gurley was gone. Instead, Henderson saw the team invest more high draft capital in a running back.
I am eager to see how Akers handles this position, also taking Malcolm Brown into consideration — who is a very capable back as well. The Rams have talent in the back field, but there’s no denying Akers will be the main guy. He’s been given the keys to the car from the get-go.
How will he handle it?