Cam Akers

Akers is talented enough to suffice as a lead runner, and at times he has been exactly that. The Rams intended to make a starter out of him when they took him in the second round of the 2020 draft, and the team appeared committed to him when he rushed back from a summer Achilles tear in 2021 to suit up for the playoffs. It was bizarre to see that change at the beginning of 2022, when the Rams started Darrell Henderson the first five weeks. This understandably upset Akers, who demanded a trade and even looked like he might be released while sitting out the next three games. The Rams continued to waste time with Henderson and even the likes of Malcolm Brown, Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers even after Akers returned to the team Week 9, but Sean McVay finally came to his senses and went back to Akers as the main back from Week 13 onward. To the coach's credit, the Rams fed Akers well those final six weeks, a span in which he ran for 549 yards (5.3 YPC) and six touchdowns. The 24-year-old should be the lead runner again in 2023 after the Rams settled for sixth-round pick Zach Evans as their offseason addition, but potential complications include the history of conflict with McVay and the quality of players surrounding him after a rough offseason for the Rams.