Cam Akers is coming into the NFL as a wide-eyed rookie looking to make an impact for the Rams in Year 1. He’s trying to do so after an unorthodox offseason that featured no OTAs or minicamps, severely limiting his time on the field.
He’s had a lot of time to work out and train on his own, which also involves watching film and studying the playbook. Like so many other young players, Akers studied some of the best veterans who play his position.
On a conference call with reporters Tuesday, Akers revealed that he watches Todd Gurley, Dalvin Cook, Alvin Kamara and Ezekiel Elliott when looking to add elements to his own game.
The common denominator between those players is that they’re all complete backs.
In addition to Todd Gurley, Cam Akers said running backs he watched and tried to emulate when adding things to his game were Zeke Elliott, Dalvin Cook and Alvin Kamara.
"I just like to watch full-package guys. Guys who can do it all and aren't one-dimensional."
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) August 11, 2020
Akers isn’t sure to be a starter for the Rams this season, needing to beat out Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown for that spot. He’s at a disadvantage being a rookie with no experience in the Rams’ system, and with no preseason to work through, either.