NFL Draft: Why Cam Akers is a perfect fit for the LA Rams

WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 19: Cam Akers #3 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of their game at BB&T Field on October 19, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 19: Cam Akers #3 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of their game at BB&T Field on October 19, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The LA Rams selected Cam Akers with the No. 52 pick of the 2020 NFL Draft Friday night. Here’s why he’s a perfect fit for their offense.

Cam Akers goes into an ideal situation with the LA Rams as they have had one of the better offenses in the league the past few years.

All you have to do is look at the production their former running back Todd Gurley to see how important the position is to their offense.

The Rams run a lot of plays offensively, they ran over 1,000 plays the past three years, with a large percentage of them going to the running back position.

For instance, Gurley ran the ball well over 200 times each season there and had anywhere from 40-60 receptions in a season every year.

Florida State Seminoles Football
Florida State Seminoles Football

Florida State Seminoles Football

That fits in perfectly with what the Noles did on offense the past three seasons. Akers ran the ball 231 times and had 30 receptions while averaging over seven yards per catch with four touchdowns in 2019.

The passing game is where we saw his load increase each year, and that’s what’s happening with NFL offenses.

In terms of the run game, Akers excels at breaking through arm tackles and isn’t afraid to run the ball between the tackles but has the speed and vision to bounce outside when the opportunities are there.

Another way he’s perfect for their offense is pass protection. The Rams threw the ball 60 percent of the time last season and Jared Goff was sacked 50 times. Akers has shown he’s willing to step up in pass protection against linebackers, defensive ends, and even defensive tackles.

At 5’10” and 217 pounds, his compact frame and low center of gravity allow him to take on those bigger guys. However, it’s his mentality and willingness to get dirty that separate him from most of the available running backs.