Rams RB Cam Akers Primed For First Pro Bowl?

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers is seeking his first Pro Bowl appearance after a career-best stretch to finish last season

The Los Angeles Rams may have one of the NFL's most top-heavy rosters heading into the new season.

The Rams have three bonafide superstars in quarterback Matthew Stafford, receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Aside from them, though, the bulk of L.A.'s roster consists of young players who are getting their first taste of starting experience. That approach to roster-building has not been particularly popular among media members, with many predicting the Rams to finish near the bottom of the league.

On the other hand, that means that the Rams have plenty of players who could become household names this season. 

One player who could fit that bill is fourth-year running back Cam Akers, who was playing the best football of his career to close last year. According to NFL.com, Akers could parlay that strong finish into his first Pro Bowl appearance this season.

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"Akers is likely to play a key role in such a swift turnaround," NFL.com writes. "After a tumultuous start to the 2022 season, which included a bevy of trade rumors, Akers caught stride down the stretch. The back generated three consecutive 100-plus-yard games to close the season with 786 rushing yards and seven TDs on 188 carries. It's easy to imagine an exponentially better season without all the drama."

A 2020 second-round pick out of Florida State, Akers has had an up-and-down career in his first three seasons. He had a strong rookie season in 2020, but missed almost all of the 2021 season after suffering a torn Achilles before he season. 

Last season alone could qualify as a roller coaster for Akers. He unexpectedly lost the starting job to Darrell Henderson and reportedly requested a trade by Week 5, although he later denied doing so. After returning to the team a few weeks later, Akers gradually improved and had an outstanding performance in the final three games of the season, racking up 345 yards and three touchdowns.

If that late-season run is a sign of things to come this season, then Akers could very well earn his first Pro Bowl nod.