The NFC West RB Units

[Elmgrovegnome]

The good thing here is Akers is in a contract season. That ensures he's got every reason to maximize his snaps. We have no idea what went down behind the scenes, but no matter how it went down he probably shares in some of the BS of it all to some extent. So the contract season sort of removes a lot of that because the guy should be fully locked in mentally from day one of camp.

Williams looks like he might be a good change of pace. Year two generally you're gonna see what he is, by combination of looking at that first two years overall for a back. Hopefully he makes an impact.

Evans in style is more of that Henderson type. He can hit it and go if the seams are there. What killed Hendy is the Rams aren't good at opening the seams and he would wilt with carries running into stacked fronts.

So looking at the group as a whole we have one bellcow type and a couple guys who are probably change of pace types. Evans does have the talent to be more than that, so he has a very important role to play for this offense if Akers misses time.

That's my big concern looking at the group. What happens if Akers can't go. Does the offense stall out for lack of run game balance. Rams are rolling the dice here at that position once again IMO. Question is whether they can get away with it this year with Akers having a career season or the dice roll on depth coming up good for them.

Yes I’d feel better with two good and durable runningbacks on the roster.

If Akers goes down will teams be able to tee off on Stafford and the passing game?

 

[oldnotdead]

IMO Charbonnet is over rated. He's very inconsistent and there are times I question his field vision and decision making. For a long time, I really liked him but the more I watched the more I began to see the flaws in his game. With a good running coach, he could become more consistent. But some things like field vision you have or you don't. A top RB anticipates the hole as well as sees them he also many times can set up the block, especially on sweeps and downfield, and it's something Charbonnet many times simply doesn't do.

McCaffery sets the 49ers RBs above the rest. Without him, they aren't the best group. Their OL and use of a FB is also a huge difference. Conversely, if the Rams lose Akers, IMO Evans is probably equally good. If the OL performs as expected, this RB group of the Rams will be a very good group and the run attack will have to be respected.

As a group, I think the Rams 3 RBs are the best in the division. McCaffery is the single best RB but as a group, I think the Rams are the best in the NFCW.

 

[RamDino]

It all depends on the O-line. If they can stay healthy the running backs should be fine. And the niners better hope Mcaffery doesn't get hurt (again).

 

[PARAM]

Akers keeps getting talked about like he’s ever done anything…I get we’re all homers but sheesh

If we step back and take an unemotional look at things, he's been here 3 years. In his rookie season, Henderson was the incumbent, so Akers had to wait his turn. However, in both 2020 and 2022, he led the Rams in rushing. In fact, during those 2 seasons, in games which he had 50% (or more) of the offensive snaps, his numbers look pretty damn good. (10 G) 190 attempts, 871 yards (4.6 ypc), 6 TD. And that's counting 1 game vs Arizona when Wolford started and all the defense had to do was play the run (21 carries for 34 yards). Take that one away and look at the other 9 games......169 carries, 837 yards, 5.0 ypc. I take that, would you? Perhaps, he's one of those "odd" RBs who needs work and not just spotty carries?

87.1 yards per game X 17 games =1479 yards. I think we'd take that. Was it his fault he wasn't used heavily until week 12 his rookie season and last year came on in the last 5 games, ironically, the 5 games when our OL was healthy, despite having career backups on it.

As far as "on paper, the Rams running game looks weak" it depends on who's reading the paper. Akers, Williams, Evans and Evans. I believe with a healthy O line, it'll be a nice stable of RBs. Of course, I might be viewing that through rose colored glasses but those numbers don't change unless you're wearing eclipse viewing glasses.

 

[NJRamsFan]

If we step back and take an unemotional look at things, he's been here 3 years. In his rookie season, Henderson was the incumbent, so Akers had to wait his turn. However, in both 2020 and 2022, he led the Rams in rushing. In fact, during those 2 seasons, in games which he had 50% (or more) of the offensive snaps, his numbers look pretty damn good. (10 G) 190 attempts, 871 yards (4.6 ypc), 6 TD. And that's counting 1 game vs Arizona when Wolford started and all the defense had to do was play the run (21 carries for 34 yards). Take that one away and look at the other 9 games......169 carries, 837 yards, 5.0 ypc. I take that, would you? Perhaps, he's one of those "odd" RBs who needs work and not just spotty carries?

87.1 yards per game X 17 games =1479 yards. I think we'd take that. Was it his fault he wasn't used heavily until week 12 his rookie season and last year came on in the last 5 games, ironically, the 5 games when our OL was healthy, despite having career backups on it.

As far as "on paper, the Rams running game looks weak" it depends on who's reading the paper. Akers, Williams, Evans and Evans. I believe with a healthy O line, it'll be a nice stable of RBs. Of course, I might be viewing that through rose colored glasses but those numbers don't change unless you're wearing eclipse viewing glasses.

My unemotional look at things tells me the more you have to extrapolate data over durations and outcomes that didn’t happen the more you’re providing inaccurate context.

Idc what he was on pace to do. I care what he did, which is not much. Will he break out? Maybe, I hope so Bc he is very talented. But again, every year that passes with the “if only it wasn’t for this thing” is another year that makes it less likely the second round rb will succeed

 

[PARAM]

My unemotional look at things tells me the more you have to extrapolate data over durations and outcomes that didn’t happen the more you’re providing inaccurate context.

Idc what he was on pace to do. I care what he did, which is not much. Will he break out? Maybe, I hope so Bc he is very talented. But again, every year that passes with the “if only it wasn’t for this thing” is another year that makes it less likely the second round rb will succeed

Fair points. How about something he did that isn't extrapolated data? He came back way early from an achilles tear to help us in our SB run. That's gotta count as something he did a hat can be hung on. If it's a what have you done for me lately approach, lately he was pretty effing good. And of that extrapolated data, never was he on the field more over a 5-6 games period than those last 5-6 games. But he's done nothing this year, so there's that.

 

[jrry32]

It may sound silly but don't rule out Tiyon Evans. I hope he makes the 53.

I could see that happening if he brings it on special teams. He's explosive, built like a tank, and runs hard.

 

[jrry32]

.

I reckon cam is gonna have the year we thought he was gonna have in 21 before he got injured.

.

If he has his head screwed on right and the OL plays well, that's certainly possible. He finished the year strong, seems to be past his Achilles injury, and has plenty of motivation in his contract year.

 

[So Ram]

If he has his head screwed on right and the OL plays well, that's certainly possible. He finished the year strong, seems to be past his Achilles injury, and has plenty of motivation in his contract year.

Also think The Rams are looking into the future with him.The OC is already talking him up.I started a thread before his injury about being one of the best RB’s ever. Since then he took a step back in every way.
—IMO he has a chance to be excellent the next 4-5 season & his career is just beginning.There is a few reasons I say that as well.The biggest which is all tied into is maturity.

 

[So Ram]

Going to say Zach Charbonnet was the RB I wanted to get.That would have been a nice value pick if they had drafted Creed.That Tutu Atwell is such a big hole in the franchise.DJ1 was a Ram & Robert Wood.Then Allen Robinson who basically got cut(given away).OBJ as well,but Pucka is a nice draft & will be better than Ben Sko running the Jet Sweep & Kupp can’t take the extra pounding.

 

[kurtfaulk]

If he has his head screwed on right and the OL plays well, that's certainly possible. He finished the year strong, seems to be past his Achilles injury, and has plenty of motivation in his contract year.

He looked fantastic at the end of the season. People around here make out like his season ended when he was forced to take a holiday. It's not his fault every time he touched the ball early in the season defenders were on him 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

I just don't get the negativity towards him.

.

 

[BuffaloRam]

He looked fantastic at the end of the season. People around here make out like his season ended when he was forced to take a holiday. It's not his fault every time he touched the ball early in the season defenders were on him 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

I just don't get the negativity towards him.

.

I think we were all spoiled by excellent RB play for the past 30 years - ED, Marshall Faulk, SJax and TGII.

Akers isn’t that caliber but O-alone play would have impacted almost all RBs production.

 

[CGI_Ram]

It may sound silly but don't rule out Tiyon Evans. I hope he makes the 53.

Definitely.

Tiyon Evans looks the part and Rams fans generally appreciate his running style. A bigger, thicker, guy.

I think the following video lines right up with his scouting report.

“He profiles as a physical, tone-setting runner that will accelerate through holes at full speed and invite collisions.”


View: https://youtu.be/mf6uc892p7Y

The Draft Network

TDN

thedraftnetwork.com

Tiyon Evans is a running back who transferred to Louisville from Tennessee after originally starting his collegiate career in the JUCO ranks at Hutchinson Community College. At Louisville, Evans immediately carved out a role as part of a rotation at running back, starting the season as a double-digit carry per game back. But in-season injuries limited his role and carries, resulting in Evans finishing the season rushing for 525 yards and six touchdowns.

Even with limited reps, Evans’ profile is evident. He profiles as a physical, tone-setting runner that will accelerate through holes at full speed and invite collisions. Evans plays in a creative scheme that runs both zone and gap principles, but Evans’ style appears to be best for gap or inside zone schemes.

Evans is a one-cut back that prefers to get his pads north and south. Once north and south, Evans is a quick accelerator, bursting through the hole to pick up yardage. Evans is a straight-line runner whose momentum allows him to fall forward and pick up positive yardage on most runs. Evans has a compact frame that, when combined with his physical style and lowering his pads, makes him a tough tackle for defenders. He is also able to run through most arm tackles.

Evans’ limitations as a player appear to stem from a limited athletic profile. Evans is compact with a thick lower half and appears to be more of a player to pick up 20-yard chunks than necessarily a running back who threatens defenses with great breakaway speed. There is also concern about Evans’ ability to handle immediate backfield penetration. When defenders can get into the backfield early, it disallows Evans to get his momentum going north and south and forces him to be elusive and make lateral cuts—not a strong element to his game.

Overall, Evans has physical traits that transfer to the NFL and should thrive in a situation where he is a part of a rotation early in his career.

Top Reasons to Buy In:

• Quick accelerator/burst
• Physical temperament
• Change-of-pace running style

Top Reasons For Concern:

• Injury concerns
• Top-end speed
• Lack of production in passing game

Size (NFL Combine):

Height: 5′ 9 1/2”

Weight: 225 lbs

Arm Length: 30 3/8”

Hand Size: 8 1/2”

Athletic Testing (NFL Combine):

40-yard Dash: 4.52s

Vertical Jump: 30.5”

Broad Jump: TBD

Short-Shuttle: TBD

Three-Cone: TBD

Bench Reps: TBD

Ideal Role: Rotational back

Scheme Fit: Scheme-versatile skill set

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Definitely.

Tiyon Evans looks the part and Rams fans generally appreciate his running style. A bigger, thicker, guy.

I think the following video lines right up with his scouting report.

“He profiles as a physical, tone-setting runner that will accelerate through holes at full speed and invite collisions.”


View: https://youtu.be/mf6uc892p7Y

The Draft Network

TDN

thedraftnetwork.com

Tiyon Evans is a running back who transferred to Louisville from Tennessee after originally starting his collegiate career in the JUCO ranks at Hutchinson Community College. At Louisville, Evans immediately carved out a role as part of a rotation at running back, starting the season as a double-digit carry per game back. But in-season injuries limited his role and carries, resulting in Evans finishing the season rushing for 525 yards and six touchdowns.

Even with limited reps, Evans’ profile is evident. He profiles as a physical, tone-setting runner that will accelerate through holes at full speed and invite collisions. Evans plays in a creative scheme that runs both zone and gap principles, but Evans’ style appears to be best for gap or inside zone schemes.

Evans is a one-cut back that prefers to get his pads north and south. Once north and south, Evans is a quick accelerator, bursting through the hole to pick up yardage. Evans is a straight-line runner whose momentum allows him to fall forward and pick up positive yardage on most runs. Evans has a compact frame that, when combined with his physical style and lowering his pads, makes him a tough tackle for defenders. He is also able to run through most arm tackles.

Evans’ limitations as a player appear to stem from a limited athletic profile. Evans is compact with a thick lower half and appears to be more of a player to pick up 20-yard chunks than necessarily a running back who threatens defenses with great breakaway speed. There is also concern about Evans’ ability to handle immediate backfield penetration. When defenders can get into the backfield early, it disallows Evans to get his momentum going north and south and forces him to be elusive and make lateral cuts—not a strong element to his game.

Overall, Evans has physical traits that transfer to the NFL and should thrive in a situation where he is a part of a rotation early in his career.

Top Reasons to Buy In:

• Quick accelerator/burst
• Physical temperament
• Change-of-pace running style

Top Reasons For Concern:

• Injury concerns
• Top-end speed
• Lack of production in passing game

Size (NFL Combine):

Height: 5′ 9 1/2”

Weight: 225 lbs

Arm Length: 30 3/8”

Hand Size: 8 1/2”

Athletic Testing (NFL Combine):

40-yard Dash: 4.52s

Vertical Jump: 30.5”

Broad Jump: TBD

Short-Shuttle: TBD

Three-Cone: TBD

Bench Reps: TBD

Ideal Role: Rotational back

Scheme Fit: Scheme-versatile skill set

This looks like the prototypical Shanahan back. Kyle said what he values when drafting runningbacks is that they see and hit the hole very quickly.

So, it seems he’s not as concerned with a home run hitter, as long as he can get 4-6 yards a carry he’s content. 49er RBs that fit that mold often get injured.

 

[den-the-coach]

Size & ball security concern me for our beloved Rams. Zach Evans had issues with that at Ole Miss, but with the new RB Coach in Ron Gould let’s hope it comes together.

 

[nighttrain]

Size & ball security concern me for our beloved Rams. Zach Evans had issues with that at Ole Miss, but with the new RB in Ron Gould let’s hope it comes together.

pardon, but who is Ron Gould?

train

 

[den-the-coach]

pardon, but who is Ron Gould?

train

Sorry RB Coach.

 

[oldnotdead]

Forget Tiyon Evans he's not who the Rams drafted. Zach Evans is the RB that will make a difference. He's 5'11" 200 lbs, runs a 4.51.

This is what Draft Buzz had to say:

• Demonstrated the ability to track the ball over his shoulder. Good flexibility and balance to adjust to the poorly thrown pass. Good vision and patience for screens.
• Evans has the straight-line speed to outrun angles, and his flexibility allows him to turn the corner on the perimeter and stay near top speed as Evans does; he’s especially effective on fly sweeps.
• Strong interior runner. Quickly presses the line of scrimmage and has the burst to get through the line of scrimmage and into the second level quickly. A classic North-South runner who doesn't waste time moving laterally.
• His initial burst is excellent, and he’s capable of running out of a traditional setup or taking the ball lined up next to a quarterback in shotgun.
• Evans consistently falls forward, and he will also bounce off of or shake loose from a couple of tackles to turn minimal gains into big runs.
• He’s a creative runner, finding cut-back lanes and often looking like a return specialist on some of his longer runs.
• His stop-start ability in traffic, exceptional balance, lateral agility and body control allow him to squeeze out chunks of yardage when it appears that nothing is there.

People compare him to Gurley and Gordon as the kind of impact RB he can be. He's a tackle breaker and a good receiver. He plays faster than his timed speed. Played against top competition with good success. Tremendous value in the 6th round. Don't sleep on him and he will push Akers. The Rams moved up to get him because they saw real value.

 

[oldnotdead]

zach evans ole miss highlights - Google Search

This is why I think the Rams got a real steal. He's got good field vision, which is something a lot of RBs don't have.

 

[den-the-coach]

zach evans ole miss highlights - Google Search

This is why I think the Rams got a real steal. He's got good field vision, which is something a lot of RBs don't have.

Actually one of Zach Evans knock was lack of field vision.

Weaknesses

• Below average processing and responding to defensive fronts.

Zach Evans Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Zach Evans

www.nfl.com