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With the 52nd pick in the NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected running back Cam Akers out of Florida State. Find Akers' 2020 Fantasy outlook below:
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 217
Age: 20.9
Dynasty Ranking: 1.10 (RB3)
Redraft Ranking: RB31
Rushing: 141 carries for 609 yards and 4 touchdowns
Receiving: 29 catches for 223 yards and 1 touchdowns
Akers wasn't as productive as most of the backs drafted today, but that could have been due to a much worse offensive system and blocking. Per PFF, over 76% of his career rushing yards have come after contact, which is the highest among all draft-eligible running backs with at least 300 carries since 2017.
Drops were a problem in college, but Akers still managed to pile up 486 yards and seven touchdowns on 69 catches across three collegiate seasons. He has the ability to potentially operate as a three-down back, but is probably best suited as a change of pace option early in his career.
Akers is one of the more natural runners in the draft and showcased excellent elusiveness in his time in college. Akers' strong tape and combine numbers suggest that he could excel for the Rams. I tend to trust college production over the eye test, but L.A.'s second-round investment implies that they have big plans for the rookie.
I project Akers taking on a relatively large role as a rookie, but the situation is one you'll need to monitor closely all the way through training camp and the preseason. Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson both have shown flashes, so it's anyone's guess who gets first crack at regular starting reps.
I have Akers ahead of Jonathan Taylor and D'Andre Swift at the moment, but that could easily change as we get news out of each team's camp over the ensuing months. He's a high-upside pick for those in need of RB help at the end of the first round of rookie drafts.
So which players are poised for breakouts, which sleepers do you need to jump on, and which busts should you avoid at all costs in your Fantasy football league? Join SportsLine now to get early 2020 Fantasy football rankings, plus see which WR is going to come out of nowhere to crack the top 10, all from the model that out-performed experts big time last season.
