It’s been an exceptionally difficult offseason for rookies in the NFL this year, coming into the league with no OTAs or minicamp in the spring and into the summer. That puts first-year players behind the eight-ball, especially for those fighting for starting jobs or simply spots on the 53-man roster.
Cam Akers has still managed to stand out in the crowd, however, despite being limited to video calls with his coaches. According to Omar Ruiz of NFL Network, Akers shined in the team’s virtual meetings for his engagement.
“One player I’m told who stood out in virtual meetings was rookie running back Cam Akers for his engagement, assertiveness and asking all the right questions. Akers, of course, will have a big role in the Rams’ re-tooled running game, along with second-year running back Darrell Henderson in replacing Todd Gurley,” Ruiz reported.
Akers was a favorite of the Rams’ leading up to the draft, as the front office set their sights on him as one of their top targets in the second round. They landed him at No. 52 overall, and came away thrilled with the selection.
Akers will have a great chance to grab hold of the starting running back job, with Henderson and Malcolm Brown likely backing him up as change-of-pace and short-yardage backs, respectively.
Ruiz also reported that Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods have made it a point to help the running game, too, by improving as blockers.
“I’m told that in meetings, they want to know what every offensive lineman’s assignment is to better understand the concept of their blocking schemes,” he said.
