Random Ramsdom: Can Cam Akers be RB1?

Early Tuesday morning, ESPN surveyed all of their NFL beat writers and asked each of them to make a bold prediction for each of their team’s training camps. Reporter Lindsey Thiry, who covers both Los Angeles teams, predicts that rookie third-rounder Cam Akers will win the starting job over Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson.

“Todd Gurley is gone, and the Rams must replace the production of the All-Pro back. Darrell Henderson returns in his second season, and Malcolm Brown will be a sixth-year pro, but look for Akers — who the Rams selected in the second round of the NFL draft — to receive a bulk of the carries. Akers, of course, must catch up to speed during training camp after missing out on offseason work because of the virtual program.”

Akers was uber-productive at Florida State despite having one of the worst offensive lines in the FBS. On top of being a well-rounded runner, he has a complete game. The guy can catch it and throw it (see his high school stats) with equal skill. I was a big fan of his prior to the draft and the Rams really hit a home run with this pick. If Akers ever earns the lion’s share of the carries, I expect him to battle for the title of best rookie running back in this class.

Now for today’s links.

Rams News:

All nine Rams draft picks have been signed (TheRams.com)

Cameron DaSilva can’t believe ex-Rams RB Todd Gurley made the NFL Top 100 (The Rams Wire)

Check out Jared Goff throwing in the new Rams helmet (The Rams Wire)

Bret Stuter explains how the Rams defense devalues linebackers (Ramblin’ Fan)

NFL News:

ESPN is tracking all the players who have decided to opt out of the 2020 season (ESPN)

Tom Daniels highlights the five Patriots players who have opted out of the 2020 season (Bleacher Report)

WR Davante Adams is not a fan of the NFL Top 100 (Bleacher Report)

Nick Shook reports on Vikings first-round pick getting placed on the reserve/Covid-19 list (NFL.com)

Jets GM Joe Douglas never promised an offer to S Jamal Adams (Pro Football Talk)

Steelers DT Stephon Tuitt will not kneel for the anthem (Pro Football Talk)