Cam Akers

[Loyal]

Even Gurley only had 1 100 yard game his first year with McVay, the last game of 2017. Obviously he blew up in 2018 but McVay we all know can abandon the run at the worst possible times.

Gurley was always a weapon in the passing game even when he wasn't running for a ton of yards. Gurley was a straight up weapon...
... Lets enjoy what Cam did today, and see if he keep it up.

 

[Merlin]

I guess I was spoiled by Faulk, SJAX and Gurley. Of course I know about the Oline and have been one of the posters ragging on the Rams for not picking Humphreys. But Cam's vision was for shyte and there was every chance he would get stripped of the ball early in the season when it mattered most. He has never had a streak of 100 yards rushing (not combined) games where he was anywhere close to a rushing leader. In my opinion, he is mediocre at best.

His vision has always been poor. It's why he struggles when the OL gets crushed, he has a hard time picking the seam quickly. But he does have some strengths to him, certainly a ton more than the other guys they were making him split carries with early in the year. He was almost surely right in that fallout with the staff.

 

[Hobgoblin]

He gets stuffed a lot. Line is crap but I’ve seen times where he will have a DB to run over and he can’t do it and gets stood up short.

He’s not trucking anyone. Which brings…He’s not that great as a pass catcher and blocking wise is meh. We could do worse I suppose.

 

[rdlkgliders]

Not to kick a guy when he's unemployed but I think this settles the Akers vs Henderson discussion?

That and the fact only one of them is on our team.
Cam looked very good today, best he has in quite awhile

 

[Memento]

If McVay was willing to throw a bunch of picks and an extension at Christian McCaffrey, it signals to me that Pollard isn't a pipe dream. Keep in mind that a lot of teams aren't willing to invest a large amount of resources into the HB position. We're one that is.

Pollard is either going to be franchised by Dallas (who may view him as an upgrade over Zeke) or he'll cost a serious amount of money, one I'm not comfortable with paying for a single running back, especially not when there's a potential for a committee. I'd sign someone like Montgomery or Singletary and draft a running back late, but I hope that McSnead don't decide to throw huge money at any running back.

 

[NateDawg122]

I guess I was spoiled by Faulk, SJAX and Gurley. Of course I know about the Oline and have been one of the posters ragging on the Rams for not picking Humphreys. But Cam's vision was for shyte and there was every chance he would get stripped of the ball early in the season when it mattered most. He has never had a streak of 100 yards rushing (not combined) games where he was anywhere close to a rushing leader. In my opinion, he is mediocre at best.

These numbers don't even include today's game:


View: https://twitter.com/DBro_FFB/status/1605734123875680256?s=20&t=hX30Oly4nc4BLkMOpA7_-Q

 

[Rams43]

I would much prefer to draft our RB from this rich draft. I’ll leave it up to the experts to decide exactly where.

I just don’t favor 2nd contracts to RB’s. I’d rather draft one every year until we hit paydirt.

 

[Loyal]

These numbers don't even include today's game:


View: https://twitter.com/DBro_FFB/status/1605734123875680256?s=20&t=hX30Oly4nc4BLkMOpA7_-Q

Bro, he's 45th best RB in yards gained (rushing) for the year. Yes, there issues on the Oline and yes McVay will go away from the running game if it's not getting the yardage he wants. But if you are a great back, you will change the HC's plans if the running game is shredding the defense and Cam doesn't do that often.

 

[OldSchool]

Gurley was always a weapon in the passing game even when he wasn't running for a ton of yards. Gurley was a straight up weapon...
... Lets enjoy what Cam did today, and see if he keep it up.

That's just it though. It's not just today that he's run well and lets add in a 100 yard day is a pretty terrible judge on whether a RB had a good game or not.

Personally I think it was amazing that he came back last year but it was too soon. He didn't even look right the first half of the year. I will never excuse the fumbles he's had but he's looked like a damn good running back for us quite a few games. I don't want a primary 1A feed all the carries type of back but I do like Cam Akers in our RB rotation this year and next and still want to draft a RB next year or sign a veteran.

 

[jrry32]

Pollard is either going to be franchised by Dallas (who may view him as an upgrade over Zeke) or he'll cost a serious amount of money, one I'm not comfortable with paying for a single running back, especially not when there's a potential for a committee. I'd sign someone like Montgomery or Singletary and draft a running back late, but I hope that McSnead don't decide to throw huge money at any running back.

Dallas would have to eat over $12 million in dead cap to get rid of Zeke and then pay Pollard. It's possible, but I'm not expecting it. The top HBs are only making about $15 million per year, and those contracts are backloaded. McVay was ready to shell out picks and money for McCaffrey. He wants a difference maker at the position. Pollard is that sort of talent. Singletary and Montgomery aren't. Our coach values dynamic HBs highly.

 

[Memento]

Dallas would have to eat over $12 million in dead cap to get rid of Zeke and then pay Pollard. It's possible, but I'm not expecting it. The top HBs are only making about $15 million per year, and those contracts are backloaded. McVay was ready to shell out picks and money for McCaffrey. He wants a difference maker at the position. Pollard is that sort of talent. Singletary and Montgomery aren't. Our coach values dynamic HBs highly.

I just don't see us getting Pollard. Antonio Gibson, maybe, but he wouldn't be my first choice for a running back. McVay may rely on dynamic running backs, but he's proven that he'll also go with guys like Anderson and Brown for sheer reliability. Singletary and Montgomery fit that mold along with K-Will; Akers and maybe an early running back like Sean Tucker are your dynamic backs.

 

[jrry32]

These numbers don't even include today's game:


View: https://twitter.com/DBro_FFB/status/1605734123875680256?s=20&t=hX30Oly4nc4BLkMOpA7_-Q

I ran the numbers earlier. Since the NO game, Cam is averaging 4.45 YPC (behind our terrible OL), 64.33 RYPG (extrapolates to about 1091 rushing yards in a season), and 1 TD per game. It's nice to see Cam turning things around. He has earned a spot for next year, even if he shouldn't be handed the starting job.

 

[Dodgersrf]

He looks like he's having fun again.

It's great to see

 

[jrry32]

I just don't see us getting Pollard. Antonio Gibson, maybe, but he wouldn't be my first choice for a running back. McVay may rely on dynamic running backs, but he's proven that he'll also go with guys like Anderson and Brown for sheer reliability. Singletary and Montgomery fit that mold along with K-Will; Akers and maybe an early running back like Sean Tucker are your dynamic backs.

Anderson and Brown were desperation signings. They weren't guys we pursued during the offseason planning to make them a key player. Look at the guys we put significant resources into at the position: Todd Gurley (fast, explosive, and dynamic with very good receiving ability), Darrell Henderson (fast and explosive with receiving upside), Cam Akers (explosive and dynamic with receiving potential), and Christian McCaffrey (failed - explosive, fast, and dynamic with elite receiving ability).

McVay has a type. Pollard fits that type. Antonio Gibson has the skillset and potential to fit that type (college WR with 4.39 speed who is dangerous in space). Montgomery doesn't fit it. (And I like David Montgomery.) Devin Singletary doesn't fit that type.

Does Sean Tucker fit that type? Yes. As does Jahmyr Gibbs. But I'd rather not spend another premium pick on a HB. I'd prefer to use our second on an EDGE. As for our third, it seems like prime real estate for an OL.

 

[Memento]

He's also proven to value the reliable running backs. Kyren Williams is not an especially-dynamic player, and yet McVay traded up to get him. Malcolm Brown (the first part) was used exclusively, even with Gurley in the game. He's never been a dynamic player.

I personally love Sean Tucker and would love to have him (I think Gibbs is a first round prospect along with the obvious choice in Bijan Robinson.), but I agree with you that edge and offensive line should go with those picks.

What I disagree with is Gibson being on the target list. Maybe as a cheap inexpensive option, but personally, I'm not a fan; he's just too damn inconsistent and fumble prone. I think McVay would definitely be better off with a more reliable power back to complement Akers. Montgomery/Singletary would be the ideal choices, (I admit, I'd much prefer Singletary; I've loved him since his college days.)

 

[So Ram]

Anderson and Brown were desperation signings. They weren't guys we pursued during the offseason planning to make them a key player. Look at the guys we put significant resources into at the position: Todd Gurley (fast, explosive, and dynamic with very good receiving ability), Darrell Henderson (fast and explosive with receiving upside), Cam Akers (explosive and dynamic with receiving potential), and Christian McCaffrey (failed - explosive, fast, and dynamic with elite receiving ability).

McVay has a type. Pollard fits that type. Antonio Gibson has the skillset and potential to fit that type (college WR with 4.39 speed who is dangerous in space). Montgomery doesn't fit it. (And I like David Montgomery.) Devin Singletary doesn't fit that type.

Does Sean Tucker fit that type? Yes. As does Jahmyr Gibbs. But I'd rather not spend another premium pick on a HB. I'd prefer to use our second on an EDGE. As for our third, it seems like prime real estate for an OL.

Jrry - I’ll post below. Always respect your out look. Always in depth & well thought.When looking at draft picks I hold your likes in well regard as a standard to compare for or against.

 

[So Ram]

He's also proven to value the reliable running backs. Kyren Williams is not an especially-dynamic player, and yet McVay traded up to get him. Malcolm Brown (the first part) was used exclusively, even with Gurley in the game. He's never been a dynamic player.

I personally love Sean Tucker and would love to have him (I think Gibbs is a first round prospect along with the obvious choice in Bijan Robinson.), but I agree with you that edge and offensive line should go with those picks.

What I disagree with is Gibson being on the target list. Maybe as a cheap inexpensive option, but personally, I'm not a fan; he's just too damn inconsistent and fumble prone. I think McVay would definitely be better off with a more reliable power back to complement Akers. Montgomery/Singletary would be the ideal choices, (I admit, I'd much prefer Singletary; I've loved him since his college days.)

I’ll just throw my view into a player I would like as a Ram
to have a chance to be a good fit for The Rams IMO.

Last season Mcvay really liked David Montgomery. He always talks well of opposing players,but David Montgomery is a player I think he really likes.
A’ Robinson had a tough season,but played with him.I think it would be a good fit.

—Reason is he is an every down type that would complement Cam Akers the best because he is 220plus pounds.He can take the pounding (extra Carries) late in games & the short tough yards.
Williams does well blocking for his size,but IMO that would be a nice solid stable if a RB group.

—The question is at what cost?

I have to add one of Cam Akers best runs was with a 2 TE set with Hopkins & Higbee. IMO to much has been put on the offensive line.The Rams never had a true RG or backup LT?

Once again thinking Bobby Evans was ever suppose to be on the roster & still is is sort of a joke?
Coach Den & Bonify’d wanted him cut after preseason 2021.Why The Rams front office or coaches thought other wise was a POOR decision.

 

[jrry32]

He's also proven to value the reliable running backs. Kyren Williams is not an especially-dynamic player, and yet McVay traded up to get him. Malcolm Brown (the first part) was used exclusively, even with Gurley in the game. He's never been a dynamic player.

I personally love Sean Tucker and would love to have him (I think Gibbs is a first round prospect along with the obvious choice in Bijan Robinson.), but I agree with you that edge and offensive line should go with those picks.

We used a fifth on Kyren, who's biggest strengths were his receiving ability and blocking ability. IMO, McVay views him as a role player. That makes sense to me. He has a lot of upside as a 3rd down HB.

What I disagree with is Gibson being on the target list. Maybe as a cheap inexpensive option, but personally, I'm not a fan; he's just too damn inconsistent and fumble prone. I think McVay would definitely be better off with a more reliable power back to complement Akers. Montgomery/Singletary would be the ideal choices, (I admit, I'd much prefer Singletary; I've loved him since his college days.)

Gibson is definitely the inexpensive option. I think one of our 6ths and a 2024 5th or 6th round pick does it. He ran for 1000 yards last year. Fumbling was an issue, but it hasn't been a huge issue this year. Gibson is new to the position, as he played WR in college, so inconsistency isn't surprising. But it's hard to argue with 6'2" 220, 4.39 40, contact balance, and the ability to make sharp cuts.

He fits the McVay archetype. And I think he has been utilized poorly in Washington. You have an explosive former WR at HB, and you're not going to find a way to get him majorly involved in your passing attack? Crazy. I think he's a guy who could ascend in a major way with a creative offensive mind and more experience at the position.

I'll note again that McVay doesn't seem to want a power HB. As for Singletary, I don't see him as a fit. He doesn't offer the receiving ability or speed that McVay values. I think we'd benefit from a bruising runner, but McVay has never shown any interest in one outside of our C.J. Anderson desperation. Michel was a hard-nosed runner, but he was a guy we traded for because of Akers's unexpected injury. We didn't even try to retain him this past offseason.

 

[jrry32]

I’ll just throw my view into a player I would like as a Ram
to have a chance to be a good fit for The Rams IMO.

Last season Mcvay really liked David Montgomery. He always talks well of opposing players,but David Montgomery is a player I think he really likes.
A’ Robinson had a tough season,but played with him.I think it would be a good fit.

—Reason is he is an every down type that would complement Cam Akers the best because he is 220plus pounds.He can take the pounding (extra Carries) late in games & the short tough yards.
Williams does well blocking for his size,but IMO that would be a nice solid stable if a RB group.

—The question is at what cost?

I have to add one of Cam Akers best runs was with a 2 TE set with Hopkins & Higbee. IMO to much has been put on the offensive line.The Rams never had a true RG or backup LT?

Once again thinking Bobby Evans was ever suppose to be on the roster & still is is sort of a joke?
Coach Den & Bonify’d wanted him cut after preseason 2021.Why The Rams front office or coaches thought other wise was a POOR decision.

I like Montgomery. I just don't get the sense that McVay will want to throw money at him. He's a good runner and receiver, but he's not fast and has a lot of mileage on his legs.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Less expensive and less mileage than any of the other names I'm hearing here would be D'Ernest Johnson, the Cleveland reserve RB whom the Rams and a few other teams were trying to trade for according to the media just prior to this seasons trade deadline. Johnson will be a free agent in 2023. Draft a big back (5'11", 224lbs.) like Kentucky's Chris Rodriguez to replace Malcolm Brown as RB3 and grab D'Ernest Johnson as a cheap free agent RB4. jmo.