JAVONTE WILLIAMS | UNC 5’9” 212 lbs. 4/25/2000 (Age 21)
Javonte Williams was drafted Round 2 Pick 3 by the Denver Broncos, becoming the 3rd running back and 35th overall player in the 2021 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE TAPE
Running: Williams showed very quick feet and a good burst through tight spaces up to the next level where lighter defenders had a very difficult time tackling him. One thing that bothered me throughout his film was that there would be lulls in his performance where I thought he was just another guy out there. Then he would turn it around and look really special. I’m not sure if this has something to do with why he split time with Michael Carter. When Williams is on though, he looks really good. Great in tight spaces, and not easily knocked off balance when he’s at his top speed. His ceiling as a runner reminds me of Nick Chubb.
Receiving: He caught 25 passes his senior year, but he uses his body and it showed on film as he dropped several passes. He needs to get better at catching the ball otherwise his upside will be severely limited. He didn’t run routes from the outside and was mainly used out of the backfield.
Pass Blocking: Very inconsistent as a pass blocker on tape. He was beaten badly with speed off the edge by a corner who then strip-sacked his QB in the Boston College game, but tightened up his protection afterward. He’s a tough runner and that can translate to hitting players up the middle, but they’re going to be faster and he’ll need to work on his footwork.
Overall Notes: Williams just turned 21 on April 25th… which’s a whole two years younger than Najee Harris. That definitely helps his case as a prospect. However, I think there’s a considerable drop in potential from a fantasy perspective between him and my top two running backs, Najee Harris and Travis Etienne. Williams has a lot to work on if he wants to be a dominant three-down back in the NFL. With the right situation, he can thrive as the 1A in a backfield, but will most likely rely on touchdowns to boost his upside given his current receiving ability. I’m not one to bet on a player hitting a projected ceiling, but as far as running style goes, Nick Chubb is still a great comp. Chubb is always thought of as one of the best runners in the game, but he’s always available in the second round of startups due to a more prolific pass-catching running back playing Robin to his Batman. Only time will tell if Williams can replicate what Chubb has done.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Great
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Poor
FANTASY INSIGHTS
My third-ranked running back in the class, Javonte Williams finds himself packing his bags and heading to…Denver…Yikes! Denver traded up to get ahead of Miami, but Atlanta trading out of this spot is even more confusing! Melvin Gordon has only one year left on his contract and it seems like Williams will look to follow in the steps of Nick Chubb, who spent a portion of his rookie season behind Carlos Hyde before Hyde was traded. Williams will be contending with Gordon all year which makes his immediate fantasy impact unlikely. The bright side is that the Broncos offense is surrounded by talented players and the defense should keep games close. The downside is that Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater is going to be his quarterback until they can figure that out. Gordon takes a slight hit, but he won’t be completely replaced this year. Gordon is still someone I’m looking to trade for on the cheap end, while Williams will fall in my rookie rankings due to the long-term situation in Denver.
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