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oldnotdead said:

Couldn't agree with you more. JJ simply lacks the range to play a single high FS. He's okay when played in a Tampa 2 type of zone. Like Hill, JJ is best as a zone DB. That's why IMO they drafted Burgess. With Fuller, Burgess and Rapp they are set at safety and I don't see them spending money on JJ. In the secondary Williams is the key DB to extend and being a RFA I don't see him going anywhere. If the Rams are smart they will simply extend him now spreading the cost over 5 years.

Extending Floyd is the other priority extension. If Lewis can ever stay healthy he would be a very good bookend to Floyd. But with the rise of Fox and with Rivers they look pretty good at this point.

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well David Long was drafted as what I call a Luxury pick.He is still only 22/23.

The guy I think guy Ram Fans are over looking is Nick Scott.

Man, I love Adams skills once the ball is in the air. Really great body control, hands, and truly fights for the ball. Could be a perfect match to Stafford's deep ball. Anybody know his speed?

Eskridge is interesting. Lots of long plays, but not a ton of Deep Routes, or at least go routs. Lots of long crossers, kind of like Tyreek Hill. Looks like some nice cuts and changes of direction as well. Just surprised with that kind of speed he didn't have a lot of go routes.

dang said:

‘dinky but smart’ is a good description of Blythe. I rewatched the Seattle playoff game. He was running around like a kid in a candy shop getting in the way of people but never really controlling his block. He was constantly getting pushed back in pass plays and helping other OL blocking on run plays but not really taking anyone out by himself. He’s smart and tries hard but he is a C level OC at best. The Rams need and deserve a B+ or better OC.

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That's why I always stated that Blythe on 3rd and long was absolutely terrible because a bull rush would just put him right into Goff and as a result, Goff was rarely able to have time to throw a decent 3rd and long pass.

Stafford will have the same problem if we don't find a center to stop the bull rushes on 3rd and long.

The first 3 games last year Stafford had similar problems as Goff whenever a guard let an inside rusher get past him.

However, Detroit had a very capable center and that didn't happen that often until Detroit got behind which happened often with Detroit's absolutely terrible defense.

Merlin said:

I will admit that the way he answered questions about the drops struck me as dismissive almost. Don't recall what he said exactly but it sort of struck me as he didn't see drops as a problem.

Which may just mean he's a confident player. Who knows.

I'm guessing he was probably a Snead upside pick. Because I doubt the staff was beating the table for him. And I am fine with doing that btw. Just hit on the pick.

Click to expand...

He had 2nd round athletic ability and size.
If he can overcome his catching woes? lookout.
It's a boom or bust pick, because he has the tools to be special.

I don't feel like any of those guys move the bar for us tbh. Might as well just keep Kiser and Reeder and let those two compete with late round and UDFA types.

The guy to go get is McKinney after the Texans cut him. They have a rebuild ahead. He is coming off a down season behind a really terrible defensive front. Since he will be a cut he won't affect our comp formula.

FrantikRam said:

He should go try to get paid. But if I'm Snead I tell him anything for $3 million or less come back to us

Click to expand...

I like Fox and agree to this. Dudes stepped up more each year and is a relentless worker. But if he's looking for a big payday, cya.

JonRam99 said:

#yikes
~Leonard Floyd (he's not on your roster)
I like that you addressed our 2 worst blocking positions, C & TE. But ya I'd rather trade boom than Hav.
Plus I'd rather get a possible LT replacement with our 2nd pick, assuming we ship Boom out -- are you proposing that Boom is still the long-term plan to replace Whit? I really like our depth at Safety, even with losing JJIII.

Click to expand...

First, thanks for letting me know about omitting Floyd. I didn't realize I missed him on the roster.
Second, regarding Boom, I'm leaving him on roster as depth and let him walk the next season. Others trade him off in their mock, but I don't see any team giving the Rams any value for him. With Hav, he has more value, along with reducing the Cap number for RT and having Evans who can step in.

1 QB Trevor Lawrence Clemson
2 OL Penei Sewell Oregon
3 QB Justin Fields Ohio St
4 QB Zach Wilson BYU
5 WR DeVonta Smith Alabama
6 WR JaMarr Chase LSU
7 TE Kyle Pitts Florida
8 CB Patrick Surtain Alabama
9 LB Micah Parsons Penn St
10 CB Caleb Farley Virginia Tech
11 WR Jaylen Waddle Alabama
12 OL Rashawn Slater Northwestern
13 LB Jeremiah Owusu Koramoah Notre Dame
14 OL Christian Darrisaw Virginia Tech
15 QB Trey Lance North Dakota St

16 ER Greg Rousseau Miami
17 ER Azeez Ojulari Georgia
18 ER Kwity Paye Michigan
19 CB Jaycee Horn South Carolina
20 LB Zaven Collins Tulsa
21 DL Christian Barmore Alabama
22 OL Alijah Vera Tucker USC
23 RB Travis Etienne Clemson
24 WR Rashod Bateman Minnesota
25 OL Alex Leatherwood Alabama
26 ER Jayson Oweh Penn St
27 OL Wyatt Davis Ohio St
28 RB Najee Harris Alabama
29 ER Jaelan Phillips Miami
30 QB Mac Jones Alabama
31 ER Joseph Ossai Texas

32 LB Nick Bolton Missouri
33 OL Samuel Cosmi Texas
34 WR Terrace Marshall LSU
35 OL Liam Eichenberg Notre Dame
36 S Trevon Moehrig TCU
37 WR Kadarius Toney Florida
38 OL Jalen Mayfield Michigan
39 TE Pat Freiermuth Penn St
40 WR Rondale Moore Purdue
41 DL Daviyon Nixon Iowa
42 DL Jay Tufele USC
43 CB Asante Samuel Florida St
44 ER Carlos Basham Wake Forest

45 S Jevon Holland Oregon
46 S Talanoa Hufanga USC
47 WR Amon Ra St Brown USC
48 CB Eric Stokes Georgia
49 CB Tyson Campbell Georgia
50 ER Patrick Jones Pittsburgh
51 LB Chazz Surratt North Carolina
52 DL Tommy Togiai Ohio St
53 OL Josh Myers Ohio St
54 OL Creed Humphrey Oklahoma
55 RB Javonte Williams North Carolina
56 CB Elijah Molden Washington
57 DL Levi Onwuzurike Washington
58 TE Brevin Jordan Miami
59 CB Greg Newsome Northwestern
60 OL Landon Dickerson Alabama

61 OL Dillon Radunz North Dakota St
62 ER Quincy Roche Miami
63 LB Cameron McGrone Michigan
64 QB Kyle Trask Florida
65 OL Teven Jenkins Oklahoma St
66 WR Elijah Moore Mississippi
67 CB Shaun Wade Ohio St
68 LB Baron Browning Ohio St
69 OL Trey Smith Tennessee
70 LB Dylan Moses Alabama
71 WR Tylan Wallace Oklahoma St
72 DL Tyler Shelvin LSU
73 OL Jackson Carman Clemson
74 TE Hunter Long Boston College
75 WR Dyami Brown North Carolina

76 LB Pete Werner Ohio St
77 S Andre Cisco Syracuse
78 ER Joe Tryon Washington
79 DL Alim McNeill North Carolina St
80 RB Michael Carter North Carolina
81 LB Jabril Cox LSU
82 OL Deonte Brown Alabama
83 RB Kenneth Gainwell Memphis
84 DL Jaylen Twyman Pittsburgh
85 ER Rashad Weaver Pittsburgh
86 DL Marlon Tuipulotu USC
87 S Hamsah Nasirildeen Florida St
88 ER Ronnie Perkins Oklahoma
89 TE Tommy Tremble Notre Dame
90 CB Paulson Adebo Stanford

91 WR Nico Collins Michigan
92 WR Seth Williams Auburn
93 RB Chuba Hubbard Oklahoma St
94 OL Spencer Brown Northern Iowa
95 RB Trey Sermon Ohio St
96 DL Marvin Wilson Florida St
97 OL Walker Little Stanford
98 CB Ifeatu Melifonwu Syracuse
99 S Paris Ford Pittsburgh
100 ER Jordan Smith Alabama-Birmingham
101 LB Monty Rice Georgia
102 CB Israel Mukuamu South Carolina
103 ER Dayo Odeyingbo Vanderbilt
104 S Richard LeCounte Georgia

105 S Richie Grant Central Florida
106 S Caden Sterns Texas
107 ER Hamilcar Rashed Oregon St
108 WR Tutu Atwell Louisville
109 TE Kenny Yeboah Mississippi
110 RB Jaret Patterson Buffalo
111 WR DWayne Eskridge Western Michigan
112 ER Shaka Toney Penn St
113 S Jamien Sherwood Auburn
114 WR Amari Rodgers Clemson
115 ER Victor Dimukeje Duke
116 OL Aaron Banks Notre Dame
117 WR Anthony Schwartz Auburn
118 S Divine Deablo Virginia Tech
119 S James Wiggins Cincinnati
120 OL Sadarius Hutcherson South Carolina

121 OL Alaric Jackson Iowa
122 OL Brady Christensen BYU
123 WR Sage Surratt Wake Forest
124 OL Ben Cleveland Georgia
125 RB Jermar Jefferson Oregon St
126 CB Rodarius Williams Oklahoma St
127 OL Drake Jackson Kentucky
128 CB ArDarius Washington TCU
129 LB Garret Wallow TCU
130 CB Marco Wilson Florida
131 CB Trill Williams Syracuse
132 ER Payton Turner Houston
133 CB Kary Vincent LSU
134 RB Kylin Hill Mississippi St
135 LB DeAngelo Malone Western Kentucky

136 ER Chris Rumph Duke
137 CB Shakur Brown Michigan St
138 S Shawn Davis Florida
139 S Tyree Gillespie Missouri
140 DL Khyiris Tonga BYU
141 CB Ambry Thomas Michigan
142 OL Jack Anderson Texas Tech
143 LB Charles Snowden Virginia
144 QB Davis Mills Stanford
145 TE Noah Gray Duke
146 DL Darius Stills West Virginia
147 WR Marquez Stevenson Houston
148 OL James Hudson Cincinnati
149 LB Buddy Johnson Texas AM
150 CB Aaron Robinson Central Florida

151 DL Bobby Brown Texas AM
152 WR Shi Smith South Carolina
153 WR Dazz Newsome North Carolina
154 CB Olaijah Griffin USC
155 WR Ihmir Smith Marsette Iowa
156 ER Daelin Hayes Notre Dame
157 OL Michal Menet Penn St
158 OL Tommy Kraemer Notre Dame
159 LB Tony Fields West Virginia
160 WR Tyler Vaughns USC
161 S Joshuah Bledsoe Missouri
162 WR Simi Fehoko Stanford
163 RB Javian Hawkins Louisville
164 S Aashari Crosswell Arizona St
165 RB Demetric Felton UCLA

166 S Darrick Forrest Cincinnati
167 S Tariq Thompson San Diego St
168 RB Rhamondre Stevenson Oklahoma
169 WR Whop Philyor Indiana
170 OL Adrian Ealy Oklahoma
171 QB Jamie Newman Wake Forest
172 CB Camryn Bynum California
173 ER Tarron Jackson Coastal Carolina
174 ER Jonathon Cooper Ohio St
175 WR Austin Watkins Alabama-Birmingham
176 ER Osa Odighizuwa UCLA
177 QB Kellen Mond Texas AM
178 WR Marlon Williams Central Florida
179 TE Tony Poljan Virginia
180 DL Adetokunbo Ogundeji Notre Dame

181 ER Wyatt Hubert Kansas St
182 WR Josh Imatorbhebhe Illinois
183 RB Khalil Herbert Virginia Tech
184 WR Damonte Coxie Memphis
185 ER Malcolm Koonce Buffalo
186 ER Elerson Smith Northern Iowa
187 DL Tedarrell Slaton Florida
188 ER Patrick Johnson Tulane
189 RB Elijah Mitchell Louisiana
190 WR Dax Milne BYU
191 CB DJ Daniel Georgia
192 WR Tamorrion Terry Florida St
193 LB Amen Ogbongbemiga Oklahoma St
194 OL Landon Young Kentucky
195 OL Trey Hill Georgia
196 LB JaCoby Stevens LSU
197 CB Keith Taylor Washington
198 TE Tre McKitty Georgia
199 OL David Moore Grambling St
200 DL Marquiss Spencer Mississippi St

Thanks, @Merlin Since I think this is where the Rams need to concentrate on in the draft. An impactful Edge Rusher/OLB'er should be there for us close to where we will have our first selection. I waited for 3 seasons to see if Og Okoronkwo would have an impact & been sorely disappointed.

Fact is Snead has not got too lucky with drafting ER/OLB'ers

Terrell Lewis
Nnamka Samson Ebukam
Ejuan Amir Price
John Franklin-Myers
Justin Lawler
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

I'm more concerned about him dropping an easy TD pass or fumbling a handoff, and the Rams missing a potentially crucial scoring opportunity because of it. Even as a blocker he could whiff on somebody. Or false start, or get caught holding. It's not like he would take a lot of practice reps on offense.

Let your blockers block, your running backs carry and your TEs and WRs catch the football. You need better players at those positions, then find some.

fanotodd said:

Because of $$ constraints this year due to the low cap figure, it’s doubtful the Rams will offset those losses with signings of their own. We’re looking at at least 1 3rd roun comp pick (maybe 2) and 2-3 3rd rounders with that group.

The train just keeps a rollin’.

Click to expand...

that is what you call good drafting &
coaching right there.

I forgot what game it was but there was some goof on here saying ppl "are not real rams fans" in one of the gameday threads for not blindly praising Goff after one of the games where he shit the bed...

Whoever and wherever you are long lost goof...just know that I thought of you when I saw the Goff for Stafford trade go through...Hopefully you got a good deal on your Lion's jersey, lord knows it'll be on sale after the season is over...

I seriously doubt Lewis knee will hold up.

Cam Akers' second-half surge highlights Los Angeles Rams' promising 2020 rookie class

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- It was Week 13 when rookie running back Cam Akers found a rhythm, scoring a touchdown for a third consecutive game and helping deliver the Los Angeles Rams a key 38-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Stuck playing a role in a running back committee, Akers emerged that afternoon as a feature back with some sage advice: Running backs tend to find a better flow with more touches.

Rams coach Sean McVay must have been listening because moving forward it was Akers, a second-round pick from Florida State, who the offense relied on for some big backfield performances.

Akers wasn't the only rookie to emerge for the 10-6 Rams. Safety Jordan Fuller played a starring role in the secondary and receiver Van Jefferson stepped up in the postseason.

But it was the emergence of Akers, drafted to replace Todd Gurley II, that provides the most promise for an offense that must be more consistent in 2021 behind new quarterback Matthew Stafford.

"Probably about midseason, that's when I started to get a good grasp on the run concepts, what the coaches wanted," Akers said after the season. "I just kind of settled in, played football and it showed."

In a 24-3 win over the New England Patriots in Week 14, Akers rushed for 171 yards on 29 carries. He bested that in a 30-20 wild-card playoff win over the Seattle Seahawks, as he accumulated 176 all-purpose yards and scored a touchdown.

McVay said Akers emerged as a "big-time guy" over the last few weeks and that there are high expectations for him moving forward.

In 13 games, Akers rushed for 625 yards and two touchdowns on 145 carries and caught 11 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.

Here's a review of the rest of the Rams' 2020 draft class:

Round 2 (No. 57 overall) Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

Jefferson appeared on track to play a significant role in the offense after an outstanding training camp, but the rookie's opportunities were limited through 16 regular-season games, as he caught 19 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown.

However, in a divisional-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, Jefferson stepped up in Cooper Kupp's absence and caught six passes for 46 yards and a touchdown, providing a resounding reminder of his ability to be a playmaker going forward. "Van showed why the game's not too big for him," McVay said after the season. Watch for Jefferson to earn a starting role in 2021 with Josh Reynolds scheduled for free agency.

Round 3 (No. 84) Terrell Lewis, OLB, Alabama

Lewis has all the physical tools -- during training camp teammates marveled at his physical traits. However, Lewis' rookie season was plagued by injuries. First it was his knee, which many teams flagged ahead of the NFL draft, causing him to drop to the third round despite having first-round talent. Then, he had ankle issues. In all, Lewis appeared in eight games and recorded two sacks and eight tackles. If Lewis is able to remain healthy in 2021 -- a big question considering his injury history dating to college -- he has the opportunity to play a big role on the edge with outside linebackers Leonard Floyd and Samson Ebukam pending free agents.

Round 3 (No. 104) Terrell Burgess, S, Utah

Burgess earned a role on special teams at the outset of the season and his contributions on defense began to grow in Week 6. However, his season ended abruptly when he was carted off the field with a broken ankle in a 24-10 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 7. Watch for Burgess to play an increased role on defense next season, especially if safety John Johnson III leaves in free agency.

Round 4 (No. 136) Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue

After the 2020 draft, Rams general manager Les Snead said Hopkins could carve an early role, but also pointed out the strength of a tight end group that included Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett and Johnny Mundt, leaving open the expectation that Hopkins' biggest contributions could come in the seasons ahead. Hopkins appeared in five games on special teams but was otherwise inactive this season. With Everett scheduled for free agency in March, expect Hopkins to play an increased role in 2021.

Round 6 (No. 199) Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State

Fuller was the surprise of the draft class. With returning safety Taylor Rapp sidelined for part of training camp because of an injury, Fuller took full advantage and earned the starting job in Week 1, when he made an outstanding play in the red zone to preserve a 20-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys. On Monday Night Football in Week 11, Fuller intercepted Tom Brady -- twice -- in a 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 12 games (he missed time due to a shoulder injury), Fuller had three interceptions, five pass deflections and 60 tackles.

Round 7 (No. 234) Clay Johnston, ILB, Baylor

Johnston, remembered for talking too much during training camp on "Hard Knocks: Los Angeles", did not make the 53-man roster out of training camp. He was invited to sign with the practice squad but opted to join the practice squad with the Carolina Panthers, where his father was the Panthers' director of wellness.

Round 7 (No. 248) Sam Sloman, K, Miami (Ohio)

2020 was a kicking odyssey for the Rams, starting with Sloman, who earned the starting job out of training camp but was waived after Week 7 because of inconsistency. He was 8-of-11 on field goal attempts, 18-of-21 on extra points and unable to consistently deliver on kickoffs. Veteran Kai Forbath replaced Sloman, but only for two games after he fared no better and went to injured reserve because of an ankle injury. The Rams signed Matt Gay off the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad. He settled in after a bumpy start to connect on 14-of-16 field goal attempts, all 16 of his extra points and will be the kicker going forward.

Round 7 (No. 250) Tremayne Anchrum Jr., OG, Clemson

Anchrum made the 53-man roster out of training camp and played in 12 games on special teams. Center Austin Blythe is the only pending free agent, so it's unlikely Anchrum will play a role on offense in 2021.

NJRamsFan said:

Did I mention he went to Rutgers ?

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Yeah, that small school in Delaware. Hard to believe, ain't it?

~ArkyRamsFan~

dieterbrock said:

So Part II, (and I know you know this already) who was Hugh Millen's backup in college? Had some High's and lows in the NFL...

Click to expand...

I loved watching him march ATL to the game-tying TD in the 1998 NFC title game at the Metrodome, with the Dirty Birds going on to deny the minute scrotum bi-queens a Super Bowl berth by converting a FG in OT. And that reminds me of a couple things from the 1998 season as it developed. Even though I live in Georgia, and have since 1964, I became a RAMS fan when I first started watching NFL football in December of 1967. And the Falcons, as a division rival, got no love from me unless they were playing the queens. As that season was playing out, I remember telling a couple coworkers that if it came down to it, I'd be pulling for ATL if they were to meet minnesota in a postseason confrontation. In fact, another fellow whom worked under the same contract was a Minnesota native and I made a general statement to him that I didn't think the queens had a championship caliber defense while also inquiring if Randall Cunningham had as big a windup as Hideo Nomo. Then, after the season had concluded and the playoffs were on the horizon, I was at a friend's residence and he was reading a print newspaper (it was 1998) and he came to a passage in an article about the queens and he exclaimed, regarding placekicker Gary Anderson. that "he hasn't missed a kick all year"! At that very moment, my solar plexus (where our 2nd brain is located) was TRIGGERED and I IMMEDIATELY responded, "he's GOING to miss one and it's going to BITE THEM IN THE ASS"!
Well, when you take into account Chris Chandler, playing on an injured wheel, was able to march ATL to the tying score in the waning moments of regulation against that defense, that Cunningham had the ball stripped from him as he was winding up to throw downfield in the latter stages of the 1st half, leading to an ATL TD and that (I'm going to enjoy watching you DIE) Mr. Anderson missed what could have been a game-clinching field goal, I'd say that my predictions (born of my heartfelt belief that every bad thing that happens to the queens is KARMA for all the BS the RAMS had to endure associated with the years 1969-1977), were accurate or, you could say it was one two three strikes and the queens were OUT!

Merlin said:

Yeah as Rams fans should be well aware the owner is absolutely crucial. Here's their current owner:

View attachment 43742

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Thank you! She runs things like a business, first and foremost. We shall see where this goes, but, I think the Seachickens are going to become more concerned about the bottom line and not players or coaches. The writing is on the wall.

Should Rams be worried about Falcons’ blown leads under Raheem Morris?
Cameron DaSilva/Mon, February 15, 2021, 2:59 PM

Should Rams be worried about Falcons’ blown leads under Raheem Morris? (yahoo.com)

When it comes to second-half football, the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons were on opposite ends of the spectrum in 2020. The Rams allowed the second-fewest points after halftime, surrendering an average of just 7.2 points per game. The Falcons were third-worst, giving up 15.4 points per game in the second half.

Neither team was great offensively in the second half of games last season, but when the Rams had a lead going into halftime, they never lost it. In fact, the Rams have never blown a lead at halftime in four years under McVay.

The same can’t be said about the Falcons under Raheem Morris, who’s now the Rams’ defensive coordinator.

Last season, no team in the NFL blew more halftime leads than the Falcons, who lost five games in which they led by at least one point after the first two quarters. That was tied with the Bengals and Chargers for the most in the league.

The same can be said about third-quarter leads. The Falcons blew four games where they led going into the fourth quarter, also tied for most in the NFL with the Chargers. There’s a reason so many fans and analysts compared the 7-9 Chargers to the 4-12 Falcons last season.

The Falcons lost games in which they led by 19 points at halftime against the Cowboys and 17 over the Buccaneers. Against Dallas, Morris was the defensive coordinator. Against the Bucs, he was the interim coach.

Morris can’t be blamed for all of the Falcons’ blown leads, but is it reason for concern in Los Angeles?

For fans, it was one of the first questions they had after Morris was hired by McVay. ‘Didn’t the Falcons blow a bunch of second-half leads?’ It’s a warranted question, but it’s not a reason to panic.

Sure, play calling plays a big role in holding leads. Get to conservative and the offense is bound to stall. Become too aggressive on defense and the opponent can score quickly if mistakes are made. But in the end, it comes down to the players.

In the second half of games last season, Matt Ryan threw 12 touchdown passes and eight interceptions compared to 14 touchdowns and three picks in the first half. All of his numbers were worse after halftime, which Morris can’t necessarily control.

He didn’t throw any picks in the disasters against Tampa Bay and Dallas, but the Falcons also only scored a total of two second-half touchdowns in those games. Is that Morris’ fault? Hardly, especially considering he was only the defensive coordinator against the Cowboys, which the Falcons only lost because they failed to recover an onside kick.

Morris’ arrival won’t suddenly put McVay’s perfect halftime-lead record in danger. Brandon Staley was excellent at making halftime adjustments on defense and it’s a big reason the Rams never blew a halftime lead. But with McVay remaining in place, he and Morris will ensure those second-half collapses in Atlanta last season won’t carry over to Los Angeles in 2021.

JYB said:

Actually, I'm pretty sure Pats won on a Hail Mary on the last play. I believe it was Irving Fryar, but that might be wrong. Put a little bit of a damper on Everett's debut, but I think Ram fans were so excited by what they saw in Everett that it made the loss much less painful. At least that's how I felt at the time.

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Yes. My seats were in the opposite end zone, and I couldn't see the play well. Hell of a lucky catch on a tipped ball.

I found this clip of the play.
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Cam Akers' second-half surge highlights Los Angeles Rams' promising 2020 rookie class


Lindsey ThiryESPN

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- It was Week 13 when rookie running back Cam Akers found a rhythm, scoring a touchdown for a third consecutive game and helping deliver the Los Angeles Rams a key 38-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Stuck playing a role in a running back committee, Akers emerged that afternoon as a feature back with some sage advice: Running backs tend to find a better flow with more touches.

Rams coach Sean McVay must have been listening because moving forward it was Akers, a second-round pick from Florida State, who the offense relied on for some big backfield performances.

Akers wasn't the only rookie to emerge for the 10-6 Rams. Safety Jordan Fuller played a starring role in the secondary and receiver Van Jefferson stepped up in the postseason.

But it was the emergence of Akers, drafted to replace Todd Gurley II, that provides the most promise for an offense that must be more consistent in 2021 behind new quarterback Matthew Stafford.

"Probably about midseason, that's when I started to get a good grasp on the run concepts, what the coaches wanted," Akers said after the season. "I just kind of settled in, played football and it showed."

In a 24-3 win over the New England Patriots in Week 14, Akers rushed for 171 yards on 29 carries. He bested that in a 30-20 wild-card playoff win over the Seattle Seahawks, as he accumulated 176 all-purpose yards and scored a touchdown.

McVay said Akers emerged as a "big-time guy" over the last few weeks and that there are high expectations for him moving forward.

In 13 games, Akers rushed for 625 yards and two touchdowns on 145 carries and caught 11 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.

Here's a review of the rest of the Rams' 2020 draft class:

Round 2 (No. 57 overall) Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
Jefferson appeared on track to play a significant role in the offense after an outstanding training camp, but the rookie's opportunities were limited through 16 regular-season games, as he caught 19 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown.

However, in a divisional-round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, Jefferson stepped up in Cooper Kupp's absence and caught six passes for 46 yards and a touchdown, providing a resounding reminder of his ability to be a playmaker going forward. "Van showed why the game's not too big for him," McVay said after the season. Watch for Jefferson to earn a starting role in 2021 with Josh Reynolds scheduled for free agency.

Round 3 (No. 84) Terrell Lewis, OLB, Alabama
Lewis has all the physical tools -- during training camp teammates marveled at his physical traits. However, Lewis' rookie season was plagued by injuries. First it was his knee, which many teams flagged ahead of the NFL draft, causing him to drop to the third round despite having first-round talent. Then, he had ankle issues. In all, Lewis appeared in eight games and recorded two sacks and eight tackles. If Lewis is able to remain healthy in 2021 -- a big question considering his injury history dating to college -- he has the opportunity to play a big role on the edge with outside linebackers Leonard Floyd and Samson Ebukam pending free agents.

Round 3 (No. 104) Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
Burgess earned a role on special teams at the outset of the season and his contributions on defense began to grow in Week 6. However, his season ended abruptly when he was carted off the field with a broken ankle in a 24-10 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 7. Watch for Burgess to play an increased role on defense next season, especially if safety John Johnson III leaves in free agency.



Round 4 (No. 136) Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
After the 2020 draft, Rams general manager Les Snead said Hopkins could carve an early role, but also pointed out the strength of a tight end group that included Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett and Johnny Mundt, leaving open the expectation that Hopkins' biggest contributions could come in the seasons ahead. Hopkins appeared in five games on special teams but was otherwise inactive this season. With Everett scheduled for free agency in March, expect Hopkins to play an increased role in 2021.

Round 6 (No. 199) Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State
Fuller was the surprise of the draft class. With returning safety Taylor Rapp sidelined for part of training camp because of an injury, Fuller took full advantage and earned the starting job in Week 1, when he made an outstanding play in the red zone to preserve a 20-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys. On Monday Night Football in Week 11, Fuller intercepted Tom Brady -- twice -- in a 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 12 games (he missed time due to a shoulder injury), Fuller had three interceptions, five pass deflections and 60 tackles.

Round 7 (No. 234) Clay Johnston, ILB, Baylor
Johnston, remembered for talking too much during training camp on "Hard Knocks: Los Angeles", did not make the 53-man roster out of training camp. He was invited to sign with the practice squad but opted to join the practice squad with the Carolina Panthers, where his father was the Panthers' director of wellness.

Round 7 (No. 248) Sam Sloman, K, Miami (Ohio)

2020 was a kicking odyssey for the Rams, starting with Sloman, who earned the starting job out of training camp but was waived after Week 7 because of inconsistency. He was 8-of-11 on field goal attempts, 18-of-21 on extra points and unable to consistently deliver on kickoffs. Veteran Kai Forbath replaced Sloman, but only for two games after he fared no better and went to injured reserve because of an ankle injury. The Rams signed Matt Gay off the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad. He settled in after a bumpy start to connect on 14-of-16 field goal attempts, all 16 of his extra points and will be the kicker going forward.

Round 7 (No. 250) Tremayne Anchrum Jr., OG, Clemson
Anchrum made the 53-man roster out of training camp and played in 12 games on special teams. Center Austin Blythe is the only pending free agent, so it's unlikely Anchrum will play a role on offense in 2021.

Joe DeCamillis rated as one of the finest Special Team coaches in the NFL, I rank John Fassel a tad higher, but DeCamillis is right up there and I'm glad that McVay moved on from John Bonamego. DeCamillis should be able to improve the unit overall and IMO, having Matt Gay in toe, will make things much easier.

I have some concerns at deep snapper because I don't believe the Rams are planning on bringing back Jake McQuaide, now maybe with some mass restructurings and extending Stafford, that will create enough cap room to bring back one of the finest long snappers in the NFL, but currently the Rams have signed two others in Colin Holba & Steven Wirtel and how often does a team carry two long snappers let alone three?

Anyway DeCamillis is a great hire and I for one am glad he became available and the Rams wasted little time in hiring the veteran assistant coach.

Yes - the 2022 combine & draft has not even started. Just real excited to see more of The Offensive Lineman & Wolford right now.

kurtfaulk said:

where's the money coming from?

the players get a percentage of the money coming in. the owners aren't gonna give up a cent more.

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Same pot. Shrink the overall pool to compensate, but if a team has a QB on a Max contract, it’s a bit more than it is now. The point is to remove the rookie QB cap meta game.