The Los Angeles Chargers might have a need at running back this offseason and if that turns out to be the case, the team should look at Florida State back Cam Akers in the fourth round. Austin Ekeler is a restricted free agent this offseason, but all signs point towards him being back with the Chargers. Melvin Gordon is set to be an unrestricted free agent and with everything that went on with his holdout, it's hard to imagine the team will bring him back, or that he will even want to come back.
With Gordon probably out of the picture, it makes sense for the Chargers to draft someone in the middle rounds that could become part of a one-two punch. There are a lot of different backs that would make sense, but Akers would make a whole lot of sense.
There haven't been a whole lot of bright spots for the Florida State Seminoles the last few years, but Akers has proven to be one. During the 2019 season, Akers rushed 231 times for 1,114 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also was a bigger weapon out of the backfield, catching 30 passes for 225 yards and four touchdowns.
Thedraftnetwork.com gave the following review of Akers:
“Downhill runner that displays good proactive athleticism for the position. In the passing game, he is good due to his ability to affect the passing game in a couple different ways. Shows the ability to be a face up protector and the instincts to identify the most dangerous man against a blitz. Runs sufficient routes out of the backfield and sufficient hands as a pass catcher on check downs. As a runner, he displays a strong lower body and base. Does a good job running behind his pads and will finish runs. Tough runner between the tackles who shows the ability to stick his foot in the ground and get upfield on zone reads. Displays good long speed to take it the distance and beat angles by defenders in the secondary.”
The only real knock on Akers has been his inconsistency, but it's hard to know if that is because of his skills or because of how bad the Seminoles are. Even if he is inconsistent at times, this is a later round pick and is worth the risk for the Chargers.
Who knows, maybe if he is good enough, Chargers fans will forget that Gordon even left the team and they will be praising Akers.
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