Kyren Williams | Notre Dame 5’9” 199 lbs. | 08/26/2000 (Age 21)
Kyren Williams was drafted 164th overall by the Los Angeles Rams, becoming the 15th running back and 164th overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Attempts | Yards | Yards/Attempt | TDs |
| 2019 (FR) | 2 | 4 | 26 | 6.5 | 0 |
| 2020 (SO) | 12 | 211 | 1,125 | 5.3 | 13 |
| 2021 (JR) | 12 | 204 | 1,002 | 4.9 | 14 |
Williams is a former Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year in the state of Missouri (high school). He then went on to play for the Fighting Irish, although he didn’t see much time on the field during the 2019 season. In 2020, he blossomed into one of the best offensive players on his team. He carried that momentum into the 2021 season, and he accumulated a combined 2,127 rushing yards on 415 attempts (5.1 yards/attempts) and 27 touchdowns during those two seasons. He was also a factor in the receiving game, as he hauled in 77 receptions for 672 yards and four touchdowns during his sophomore and junior seasons. He’s a versatile back who also excels in pass-blocking.
STRENGTHS
Talented third-down back who shows off great route-running skills. Can line up in the slot, and shows a ton of experience as a receiver. Runs with consistency, and finds ways to avoid tackles with his elusiveness. Above-average pass-blocker who is willing to take on contact. Willing to do the dirty things, and shows a ton of leadership skills.
WEAKNESSES
Fumbles way too often. Not great in yards after the catch, and lacks the strength to shed defenders. Isn’t explosive despite his decent quickness. Slow at shifting directions, and lacks great acceleration at the second level.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Williams measured in at 5’9” and 199 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 28.6. He ran a disappointing 4.65 40-yard dash, equating to an 83.0-speed score. His 40-time landed him in the 30th percentile, but his speed score is in the ninth percentile. Williams also displayed a 112.4 burst score (21st percentile), an agility score of 11.4 (51st percentile), and a college dominator score of 30.6 percent (70th percentile).
Williams shows elite effort and willingness to pass-block, but he doesn’t display any elite measurables. His 4.65 40-time is rather disappointing, and he lacks strength and burst. You won’t find any workhorse-type of measurables, but his grit and determination should serve him well in the long run.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Fair
Williams was selected with the 164th-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
The reigning Super Bowl champs welcome Williams to a backfield loaded with young talent. A backfield that features Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson Jr., Jake Funk, and now Williams should cause havoc to defenses around the league.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Williams should serve as the RB3/4 for his new team. With injuries haunting Akers and Henderson Jr. early on in their careers, Williams may find himself on the field early in his Rams tenure. He’s worth a late-round selection in dynasty start-up leagues, and he may be worth snagging late in your rookie drafts. Nonetheless, he’s a depth selection with high upside.
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