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Will Cam Akers continue to shine? Who is the Rams' backup running back? Read cases for Kyren Williams, Zach Evans, and Royce Freeman and see who expert Nick Rodriguez picks.
Los Angeles Rams' fourth-year running back Cam Akers looked poised to be a breakout candidate in 2021 after flashing in the final six games of the 2020 season.
That explosive potential was abruptly stopped following a torn Achilles in July 2021. During an uphill battle in the recovery phase, Akers and Rams Head Coach Sean McVay took a few weeks to "work through things" due to "philosophical differences." Akers, who appeared to be in McVay's doghouse until Week 13, demonstrated glimpses of his potential in the latter part of last season, finishing as RB4 in total fantasy points through Week 18.
This offseason, Coach Sean McVay has high praise for Cam Akers, stating, "He's had a great offseason... Cam is going to be a central figure in this offense. I think he's priming himself to have a great year." Behind him, the Rams running back room is there for the taking between Kyren Williams, Zach Evans, and newly acquired Royce Freeman. Which one of these players will seize the RB2 role behind Cam Akers this year?
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The Case for Kyren Williams
Williams was drafted by the LA Rams in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Listed at 5'9" and 194 pounds, Williams profiles as a change-of-pace satellite back in the NFL. However, his season may have been over before it began.
Once activated to the 53-man roster in Week 10, Kyren Williams earned a 30.5% snap share, 4.4 carries, and 1 target per game. Posting a 12.5% college target share, many believe he can be a useful third-down back at this level but that he lacks the requisite size and athleticism to take on a larger role.
The Case for Zach Evans
Zach Evans is a guy that, for being a sixth-round draft pick, has received plenty of hype from the Twitter and Fantasy Football communities. Heralded as the Cam Akers backup (or potential replacement), he has received high praise from a number of members in and around the Rams organization, including coach Sean McVay, about his running style and ability.
Despite this, Evans has a few glaring red flags from his time in college and while preparing for the Draft. He fell in the draft due to subpar testing numbers, transferred out of TCU after battling with Kendre Miller, and was productive at Ole Miss but outgained by over 600 rushing yards by freshman Quinshon Judkins.
Evans should earn the backup role and become a handcuff to Cam Akers, but I'm treading lightly given his history.
The Case for Royce Freeman
After the retirement of Sony Michel, the LA Rams quickly signed Royce Freeman to join the aforementioned running backs in this backfield. Freeman actually reminds me of an older Zach Evans. A player who’s touted as an NFL-level talent with the requisite size, but is never able to put it all together and win a starting job.
Over the past few years, he spent time with the Texans, Panthers, and Broncos while never eclipsing 150 rush attempts or 525 yards in a single season. He’s been a committee backup most of his career and at 27 years old, I don’t see that changing in L.A.
Which Rams Running Back Should I Draft?
For Redraft and Best Ball leagues in 2023, the answer is simple. Draft Cam Akers at cost and hope he remains the player we saw to end the 2022-23 season. The remaining RB snaps from the Rams backfield are likely to be split between two or three of the depth pieces on this roster.
If something were to happen to Akers, this looks like a hodge-podge backfield that would end up in a committee. Given Zach Evans' rushing upside, he is the late-round "handcuff" target in all formats. It remains to be seen whether he will emerge from camp as the clear backup, so you have to continue treading lightly with his draft stock.
Kyren Williams could emerge as a pass-catching third-down back, but isn’t someone you want to actively target due to his size/speed numbers.
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