The 2020 NFL Draft has come and gone and the Los Angeles Rams were able to fill some of the voids on their roster after experiencing so much turnover in the offseason.
Despite not having a first-round pick, the Rams were still able to come away with what look to be several Week 1 contributor on both sides of the ball. Cam Akers, the team’s first pick of the draft, figures to be one of those contributors as he replaces the glaring hole at running back after Todd Gurley’s release.
Akers discussed what it was like to be drafted, via the Rams’ official Twitter:
“Man, it was just like a big relief, like a big weight off my shoulders. A blessing, just to be able to come from where I come from and to be able to reach that milestone and reaching my lifelong goal or lifelong dream of being in the NFL. Just having that opportunity, it was all right there. That’s what that whole moment was, just realizing that opportunity was right there.”
Akers has a relationship with Jalen Ramsey due to their Florida State ties and called him the best cornerback in the NFL. The rookie also revealed some advice Ramsey gave him:
“Jalen’s the best corner in the league for sure. He’s the best. But he just told me just continue to be me, basically. Continue to work hard, continue to stay grounded, stay humble and continue to put God first. Everything I want, that’ll happen. Just continue to be me and continue to work. Everything else will fall into place.”
The former Seminole was a productive runner during his time at Florida State despite scheme changes and poor offensive line play. Most of Akers’ work on the ground was done after contact, showing that he has tackle-breaking power and the proper balance to stay upright while churning out extra yardage.
Akers is also a capable pass catcher and should provide Sean McVay an offensive spark that was often missing during the 2019 NFL season. Even when he was on the field, Gurley lacked the same burst and speed fans were accustomed to seeing, so hopefully Akers is able to provide that and more once he makes his debut.
Los Angeles could have arguably used their picks to invest on the defensive side of the ball first given all their needs there, but spending a pick on Akers may be the energy infusion the team needed.
