Cam Akers

[So Ram]

He's going into his final year of his contract, Washington relegated him to a backup role, and HBs don't carry that much value these days. I'll take my chances on ball security and him not panning out. I believe in our coaches.


Buffalo keeps drafting and trading for other HBs to use as their receiving backs, so I don't get the warm and fuzzies about Singletary as a receiver. And as I said, I don't see him as a fit. His skillset isn't one that McVay has typically pursued.


We're not getting a third for Van Jefferson. He hasn't done enough to garner that sort of return.


We're mostly in agreement then. I just don't see McVay breaking with his history. The guy has a type at HB. I don't necessarily think it's the optimal type for our system, but he's the HC and gets to make that call. I actually preferred both Montgomery and Singletary to Darrell Henderson when we drafted him.

But Henderson was McVay's type of HB. He was an explosive and fast one-cut runner who flashed a lot of upside as a receiver in college. He didn't pan out in the way we hoped he would, but McVay hasn't shown any interest in receding from pursuing that type of HB. Akers had a similar skillset (not quite as fast but more dynamic as a runner). And McCaffrey obviously offers that sort of skillset (explosive, fast, and dynamic one-cut runner with elite receiving ability).

So I'm trying to keep that in mind when offering up guys I think we will pursue. Tucker and Gibbs do fit the bill in the Draft. And McVay does have a penchant for spending premium picks on HBs. But I get the feeling this year that we'll look to fill that hole before the Draft.

Anyways, hope you're enjoying the holidays, Jemma!

Trading up for Henderson when there was so many quality RB’s on the board upset me. Les Snead(Rams) work so hard to trade back for value,which I like.
Pollard was another player that was on the board.
—Gibson would be a nice addition from Washington,but don’t see how The Rams could get him?
-as far as draft picks your always well ahead of the game year round.

 

[So Ram]

I think Cam #1, and Williams #2 and they draft a RB in the 3rd round. Why? Because they don't want a repeat of this year's Aker's fit and also better depth at the position. Also, I think they see that they need a big, fast, power RB.

A freak of a RB coming out of Texas is Roschon Johnson: 6'2", 223 lbs, runs a 4.39 in the 40, good blocker when asked to chip or pass pro, decent receiver, and doesn't fumble. Probably will be available in the 6th round.

Taking a RB like Johnson in the 6th would open the 3rd round pick for an OG/C. I still think if they don't trade for an edge they will draft on in the second round. Hoecht can play in rotation with the new guy with Hardy in rotation with Floyd.

Sounds good,but hard call as of now. Hoecht has really come as a solid De/OLB.
Raheem Morris deserves some credit & Mcvay for getting rid of Henderson.It was time to buy into 2023,but still compete.
— The Rams showed what next MAN UP really means & how not to play for draft picks.
—First losing season for Mcvay & he NEVER wants that to happen again.

 

[NateDawg122]

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.

Akers has literally forced McVay to play him more...have you not noticed that Henderson was cut and Akers has received over 70% of the snaps in 3 out of the last 4 games??

You're bringing up total yardage without mentioning the games Cam missed or was barely active because of his dispute with McVay. Ever since that was resolved he's become a big part of the offense.

And it's not just O-line issues my guy, Akers and Higbee are literally the only starting skill position players that are healthy.

 

[Kupped]

If McVay wants to make a move, he'll find the resources. I'm confident in that. They can play around with the cap, and they've never shied away from making trades or using picks on HBs. My expectation is that we'll see them make a move for somebody.

I just posted on another thread... Over The Cap says they can open as much as $97 million if they used every extension available. That's crazy.
But, it does open up the possibility of bringing in a higher quality back, as you suggest.

I think they're more likely to go big than they are to fold up the tent, that's for sure.

 

[LouisvilleRam]

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

That and nobody else in the league wants the RB we cut. But I still appreciate his hands coming through for us on February 13th.

 

[ArkyRamsFan]

Disagree on Jefferson. He nearly eclipsed 900 yards and had eight touchdowns with Stafford in a number three wide receiver role last year. There's got to be at least one team who would take a chance on him for a third round pick; teams would feel like he'd make an excellent number two receiver. Add in that Atwell is likely the deep threat role next year and with Kupp and Robinson coming back, we won't need Jefferson (even when you consider that they very well could move Skowronek to tight end full time; he's already an HB in name and usage. And yes, I'm saying that because I have still have a bit of faith in Jacob Harris or Lance McCutcheon (or whatever wide receiver we draft next year because McVay always drafts receivers whenever he can get them. My personal preference for McVay's latest receiver? Zakhari Franklin; this kid is seriously one of the best route runners in this class.)

That's a fair point on Gibson, but he's still not the type of back I'd pursue with his inconsistency and fumble issues. If we absolutely had the money to go for a running back, I'd take Pollard, but I think Dallas re-signs him and cuts Zeke. That, or he'll cost an absolute fortune on the open market. That's why I think we draft a running back highly; I bet that McVay wants a younger back with the traits he values. I just think he values ball security, which is why I don't think Gibson is the answer.

Gibbs is easily a first round pick. We're not getting him or Bijan Robinson. That's why Tucker's my favorite back in this class; I think he's the best running back who will fall to us. I think McVay drafts a running back highly; like I said, I doubt we get Pollard, I'm hesitant on Gibson, and Akers needs to embrace competition, and he's on the last year of his contract.

Just can't see anyone giving up a 3rd for V. Jefferson as he will be in his walk year next year and if a team can't resign him they'll lose their value for the pick they spent.

~ArkyRamsFan~

 

[dieterbrock]

Hard to believe my eyes yesterday! Cam looked fantastic.
2 games left, would love to see this type of ball control offense in it. If it does, we can ponder "where has it been", and "how do we prepare for 2023 & play the same way
Even Old Man Brown got in to the action yesterday, you love to see it

 

[MadGoat]

I think McVay is putting the blame on that as much on the staff as anything else. It sounds like Samples didn't work out with that room and that they restructured the staff. I don't even think he's with the team anymore.

After his third TD.. McVay ran down the sideline and gave him a hug and chat... they're rebuilding their relationship on and off the field, imo.. and Cam is their best bet for next season, imo, with a limited amount of cap space and draft picks.

I'm starting to connect he dots on Samples being a big part of the problem. Coaching the position in wide-open Air Raid style offenses is a lot different than the NFL. His biggest value in the college game was his recruiting ability, so I also wonder if he's a OK-to-good college coach at this point, but not ready for what is needed at the NFL level.

 

[Kupped]

I'm starting to connect he dots on Samples being a big part of the problem. Coaching the position in wide-open Air Raid style offenses is a lot different than the NFL. His biggest value in the college game was his recruiting ability, so I also wonder if he's a OK-to-good college coach at this point, but not ready for what is needed at the NFL level.

The coaching staff changes will be something to watch. I wonder what happens with Thomas Brown. He was basically forced back to coaching RBs full-time, it *seems*... and I'm not sure that jives with his career ambitions. He was also responsible for the Samples hire. Who knows?

 

[Kupped]

.... absolutely the Rams starter and bell-cow going into 2023.

Need to bring in a young prospect and a vet.. but no need to draft anyone before the 5th round at the position.

 

[NateDawg122]

Yep! Looks fantastic and let's us use draft capital elsewhere

 

[jrry32]

I continue to say that we need to bring in a legit HB to pair with Akers, whether that's in the Draft, FA, or via a trade. People can dismiss Cam's issues this year as on the rookie HB Coach. And that might be true. But if you're wrong and Cam comes back next year with a bad attitude and shit effort, we'll be in the same bad spot we were for much of this year.

Plus, with Cam's body type, I don't know how he'll hold up to a season's worth of pounding at 20+ touches per game. He'd benefit if we had a guy to pair with him. Hopefully, Kyren will be ready to be a factor on passing downs next year too. So yeah, if I'm the Rams, I'm still planning to bring in a talented HB to work alongside Cam in a committee.

 

[Kupped]

I continue to say that we need to bring in a legit HB to pair with Akers, whether that's in the Draft, FA, or via a trade. People can dismiss Cam's issues this year as on the rookie HB Coach. And that might be true. But if you're wrong and Cam comes back next year with a bad attitude and shit effort, we'll be in the same bad spot we were for much of this year.

Plus, with Cam's body type, I don't know how he'll hold up to a season's worth of pounding at 20+ touches per game. He'd benefit if we had a guy to pair with him. Hopefully, Kyren will be ready to be a factor on passing downs next year too. So yeah, if I'm the Rams, I'm still planning to bring in a talented HB to work alongside Cam in a committee.

It sounds like we're on the same page, but maybe you'd spend a higher pick than me? I wouldn't go higher than the 5th.

 

[Merlin]

Two backs that can carry the load and two change of pace and we are good. Akers clearly returns but yes we need to hedge our bets.

One superior back who can do both would be nice too. But minimum we need to ensure we don't get caught short.

Also ideally one change of pace back is a returns specialist too.

 

[norcalramfan]

I don’t like him turning sideways and even backwards when he gets jammed up in the hole. Good backs continue to drive forward. I think it might be a result of his Achilles injury and not trusting it.

 

[Kupped]

Two backs that can carry the load and two change of pace and we are good. Akers clearly returns but yes we need to hedge our bets.

One superior back who can do both would be nice too. But minimum we need to ensure we don't get caught short.

Also ideally one change of pace back is a returns specialist too.

Can't argue with any of that.. what resources are you spending to make that all happen this offseason?

How high of a draft pick? How much are you willing to spend in FA?

 

[Kupped]

I don’t like him turning sideways and even backwards when he gets jammed up in the hole. Good backs continue to drive forward. I think it might be a result of his Achilles injury and not trusting it.

I don't think it has anything to do with his achilles.. it's just his style and it's been successful for him. He likes to move laterally at the last possible second to reduce contact area for a defender in hopes of slipping them. He's not super powerful, head on.. but when he can off-balance a defender, he can usually run through their tackles.

 

[jrry32]

I don't think it has anything to do with his achilles.. it's just his style and it's been successful for him. He likes to move laterally at the last possible second to reduce contact area for a defender in hopes of slipping them. He's not super powerful, head on.. but when he can off-balance a defender, he can usually run through their tackles.

Yeah, I think it's the right approach. Akers is more slippery than powerful.

 

[jrry32]

It sounds like we're on the same page, but maybe you'd spend a higher pick than me? I wouldn't go higher than the 5th.

Based on my knowledge of the type of HBs McVay likes, these are guys I could see us pursuing:
FA
Tony Pollard - Dallas (big splash - $13M per year)
D'Ernest Johnson - Cleveland (bargain option)
Jeff Wilson - Miami (cheaper option - probably too injury prone)

Trade
Antonio Gibson - Washington (Day 3 pick in 2023 and maybe a Day 3 pick in 2024)
Kenny Gainwell - Philadelphia (Day 3 pick)

Draft
Jahmyr Gibbs - Alabama (early second round)
Sean Tucker - Syracuse (early third round)
Chase Brown - Illinois (early-to-mid third round)
Devon Achane - Texas A&M (mid third to mid fourth)
Deuce Vaughn - Kansas State (late third to late fourth)

Two backs that can carry the load and two change of pace and we are good. Akers clearly returns but yes we need to hedge our bets.

One superior back who can do both would be nice too. But minimum we need to ensure we don't get caught short.

Also ideally one change of pace back is a returns specialist too.

Largely agree.

 

[Kupped]

Based on my knowledge of the type of HBs McVay likes, these are guys I could see us pursuing:
FA
Tony Pollard - Dallas (big splash - $13M per year)
D'Ernest Johnson - Cleveland (bargain option)
Jeff Wilson - Miami (cheaper option - probably too injury prone)

Trade
Antonio Gibson - Washington (Day 3 pick in 2023 and maybe a Day 3 pick in 2024)
Kenny Gainwell - Philadelphia (Day 3 pick)

Draft
Jahmyr Gibbs - Alabama (early second round)
Sean Tucker - Syracuse (early third round)
Chase Brown - Illinois (early-to-mid third round)
Devon Achane - Texas A&M (mid third to mid fourth)
Deuce Vaughn - Kansas State (late third to late fourth)

Largely agree.

Got it.

I think I'm of the mind that they can't invest too much in the position this offseason. I'm thinking more bargain FAs.. and lower round prospects.

With that pick, though... I want an absolute stud athlete... someone who can return kickoffs and who, if there's a seam on a running play.. can just hit it hard and fast. I don't need a "complete back" at that spot as a rookie.