7 Rams players who could break out in 2021

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Rams players who could break out in 2021
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Cameron DaSilva
June 8, 2021 5:01 am PT
Darious Williams, Jordan Fuller and Austin Corbett broke out in a big way for the Los Angeles Rams last season, playing critical roles as starters. Looking ahead, there are several other players who could be in for a similar emergence in 2021.

Here are seven Rams players who could break out this season, either as starters or key contributors in a backup-type role.

1
RB Cam Akers

(AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

Akers is poised to be the Rams’ No. 1 running back this season, ahead of Darrell Henderson. Akers had an up-and-down rookie year due to injury, but he closed out the season with two strong performances in the playoffs despite not being 100% healthy.

If Akers can avoid injury and stay on the field for all 17 games, he should absolutely top 1,000 yards rushing. His volume may not be as high as some other backs in the NFL due to Henderson’s presence and Matthew Stafford’s arrival, but Akers could establish himself as a top-10 back in 2021.


2
WR Van Jefferson

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jefferson’s role isn’t all that clear heading into Year 2. Before the Rams signed DeSean Jackson, he was projected to be WR3. But now with Jackson in the mix, as well as Tutu Atwell, Jefferson will be battling for playing time.

However, he’s the most well-rounded receiver of the three and could be in for a big jump from his rookie year to his second season. Josh Reynolds caught 52 passes for 618 yards as the No. 3 receiver last season, and those are reasonable expectations for Jefferson.


3
NT Sebastian Joseph-Day

(AP Photo/Scott Eklund)

Some would argue that Joseph-Day has already broken out after his terrific 2020 season, but he’s still not well-known nationally and has even more room to grow. As the projected starting nose tackle, Joseph-Day will play a ton of snaps for the Rams this season.

He also has the ability to play defensive end in certain situations thanks to his movement skills and length. Don’t expect Joseph-Day to put up seven-plus sacks or a ton of tackles for loss, but there’s a good chance he’ll have more than one sack and tackle for loss, as he did in 2020.


4
DB Terrell Burgess

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Burgess had his rookie season cut short due to an ankle injury but he’s already on the field at OTAs and poised for a bounce-back year. With John Johnson gone, there’s an opening next to Jordan Fuller at safety and Burgess could be the man for the job.

Additionally, he can play the nickel corner role, which also needs filling after Troy Hill’s departure. Regardless of where he lines up, Burgess has a golden opportunity to earn significant playing time on defense in his second season, and that could lead to a breakout.

5
LB Travin Howard

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Howard was in line to start last season before tearing his meniscus at the end of camp, so it’s reasonable to think he could get another shot to start this year. He’ll first have to earn a roster spot, but once he does, the rangy safety-turned-linebacker could be poised for a strong year.

Howard might be the Rams’ best coverage linebacker, which should get him on the field fairly often. They utilize a lot of nickel packages where only one inside linebacker is out there, and Howard could very well be that guy on third down when the opponent is in an obvious passing situation.

6
OL Bobby Evans

(AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

If Austin Corbett moves to center, which seems likely at this point, Evans will get the first crack at the right guard spot. He’s been running with the first-team offensive line at right guard and has received high praise from McVay in the early portion of the offseason program.

Evans has the quickness to succeed at guard, as well as the strength to take on bigger interior rushers. He’s certainly someone to watch this season as he attempts to make the move from tackle to guard full-time for the first time.

7
OLB Terrell Lewis

(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

You can almost take your pick among the Rams’ outside linebackers when it comes to finding a potential breakout candidate because it’s not evident who will start opposite Leonard Floyd. Rather than going with Ogbonnia Okoronkwo or Justin Hollins here, I’m taking Lewis as my breakout player to watch.

It all comes down to health for Lewis after he suffered several injuries in college and then a couple last year as a rookie. He has to stay on the field in Year 2 and if he does, he could be in for a season where he has six or seven sacks and a bunch of tackles for a loss.