A few thoughts. First, let's not compare Akers to Gurley. Totally different talents. TG30 was the top RB taken in his class at 1-10. He would've been a top 5 pick but was injured. He was Offensive Player if the Year. He had rare speed. He could hurdle tacklers. He could catch passes and block. He was smart.
Next, he flashed and then tore his Achilles. He had the most amazing comeback.
He was the second choice to Hendu. Our OL was in shambles and nobody looked good. At the end we got healthier and the guys we picked up could run block. The last few games with no decent QBs we gave Akers the chance to run and he did well. The last 3 games he looked very good. But, it was against horrid run defenses.
So now, he lifted weights and has bigger muscles. McVay claims to be happy with him. It is his contract year. He is now fully recovered from the Achilles. His OL is indeed bigger and stronger. There should be a potent passing game to keep a balanced offense together. He should do well.
But, we shall see if he's really a Pro Bowl talent. From what I've read Kyren Williams has really emerged especially as a receiver. Rivers has looked good. Evans isn't really getting the opportunities yet.
Akers being at least average makes a huge difference to the Rams. They need to be able to control the ball and burn clock. We need to keep our offense on the field so our bend but don't break defense doesn't get overwhelmed.
I'm extremely skeptical about Akers. I preferred Hendu and thought they screwed them both up by splitting their carries. I kept reading about Akers being bigger, stronger and faster when all measurements were nearly identical.
I very very much hope I'm wrong and Akers is the next Dickerson or Faulk this season. If he looked half as good as Stephen Jackson I would be thrilled.
But, I have no reason to believe that's what we'll get. I don't play FF, but wouldn't draft him. Too likely to get injured, or get into a fight with his HC. Almost every team has a better halfback. Some have two.
Hopefully the big guys up front pancake the defense so any back can run through the gaping holes and Akers runs free for his contract. I can see it happening. It's possible. But, if I had to bet I'd go the other way.
