Fantasy Upside
The Los Angeles Rams used the 52nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on Cam Akers to be the heir apparent to former All-Pro Todd Gurley. Already accustomed to a workhorse behind atrocious offensive line play, Akers finished his final season at Florida State rushing for 1,144 yards accumulating 18 total touchdowns. The Rams run a lot of their offense through the RB position with a series of play-action, sweeps and RB screens—and fortunately for Akers, there is not a clear cut RB1 on this roster. Akers’ size, speed and draft capital make him standout from teammates Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown—giving a serious opportunity to step right into Gurley’s workload.
Fantasy Downside
Akers’ role in this backfield is still unclear, not just what he’ll do in the backfield but what the coaching staff will ask of the RB position now that team has moved away from the three-WR set. Henderson seems to have potential on passing downs and Brown had been used as a goal-line back last season with Gurley as the entrenched starter, so the Rams may start the year with a full-blown committee. Most importantly, the Rams have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, so even if Akers is given the bulk of the carries, he might not be as productive as he was in college.
2020 Bottom Line
Akers is one of the many RBs drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft that has loads of talent and potential to make a serious impact in their rookie year. However, Akers might be the only one with a true workhorse workload in 2020, making him a very appealing option. We have Akers ranked 27th amongst running backs and his current ADP in 12-team leagues has him going at the end of the 6th round. Akers will be one of the last RBs left in fantasy drafts that have legitimate workhorse potential, making him a value in all leagues.
