RUNNING BACK, NOTRE DAME, NFL DRAFT ELIGIBLE IN 2022
Kyren Williams is a 5’9” 195 lbs. running back that was a former four-star recruit. He was 247’s 24th ranked running back in the 2019 class and the sixth-ranked player from Missouri. Williams was an all-purpose stand-out in high school, helping lead his team to a state championship in 2018 with a state-championship game record of 289 rushing yards and 354 total yards.
PAST PRODUCTION (COLLEGE STATS)
Kyren Williams was another sophomore sensation, much like Kevin Harris. In his true freshman season, he only appeared in four games and garnered just five total touches, as well as two kick-off returns. Senior RB Tony Jones Jr. led the Notre Dame backfield that 2019 season, and subsequently went undrafted but signed as a UDFA with the New Orleans Saints. However, in 2020, Williams unexpectedly broke out in a big way.
Williams churned out 1,125 rushing yards and 13 rushing TDs behind the Fighting Irish’s top-ranked offensive line. He also showed his all-purpose skillset, producing 35 receptions for another 313 yards and a TD through the air. Williams was another player your author featured in his weekly Draft Stock Watch article early in the season.
When Williams arrived at Notre Dame he was just 177 lbs. Understandably, he seldom saw action as a true freshman. However, he also arrived in South Bend with a diverse skill-set. Some schools even viewed Williams as a receiver during the recruiting process. Williams was also a competent and willing blocker, despite his stature. These are abilities that Williams continued to build upon and improve during and after his freshman year.
For a player of his size, Williams runs decisively and quickly finds the hole. He has also shown the ability to muscle the ball to move the chains when things get bottled up. Williams is a dangerous open-field runner but does not waste time or energy getting north and south. He has a nice set of moves that he can use in space.
The Notre Dame sophomore possesses all of the attributes NFL scouts want to see. Although, it is important to note that most RBs can look good behind an effective offensive line. Notre Dame boasted exactly that in 2020.
2021 OUTLOOK/PERFORMANCE
Expect Kyren Williams to again headline a run-first Notre Dame offensive attack in 2021. However, next season will go a long way toward determining his NFL Draft stock. Notre Dame will only return starting center Jarrett Patterson next season upfront. Both tackles and guards for the Irish have declared for the 2021 NFL Draft in two months. While Notre Dame is notorious for strong offensive line play, they would be hard-pressed to duplicate last year’s success. Additionally, a QB competition begins this offseason to see who is the new signal-caller in 2021. Incumbent fifth-year senior starter Ian Book has graduated and declared for the draft as well.
With all the departures in talent and veteran leadership on the offense, it is reasonable to expect the focus of opposing defenses to be on stopping Williams and last season’s true-freshman stand-out TE Michael Mayer. Notre Dame desperately needs to find production at WR, and specifically, a reliable deep threat would help open up the offense. They also have to prepare a new starting QB this offseason. For these reasons, Williams will face even more loaded fronts in 2021 and your author anticipates his 5.3 YPC average could dissipate.
With a competent signal-caller though, we may see Williams used even more in the passing game and split out in the slot. He certainly is capable of performing as a receiver in that role. It will be interesting to monitor Williams and Notre Dame’s progress throughout 2021, as they welcome some BIG10 opponents, as well as a talented Cincinnati team, in addition to their ACC foes on the schedule.
DEVY ANALYSIS
What’s the outlook for the next 3-5 years?
Your author has Kyren Williams ranked in his top-five RBs from the 2022 class. The 2021 college football season will go a long way towards determining Williams’ draft stock for the aforementioned reasons. Additionally, Williams could benefit from adding strength and weight this offseason to get above that 200 lbs. threshold. Williams will still be the focal point of his team’s offense next season, and while he may garner more touches his efficiency will probably decline.
Williams would be best served to declare for the NFL draft after next season, as the 2023 RB draft class already looks very impressive. This means owners in devy leagues will want to act this offseason if they believe in Williams and want him on their roster. He will win some pre-season awards and gain some hype and momentum entering the season. However, William’s performance next season under offensive circumstances less ideal than in 2020 will ultimately determine his NFL Draft fate. His abilities as a natural receiver and in pass protection should get him drafted regardless, but if he can post another season like his last then he’ll be drafted in round two of the NFL Draft.
BONUS!
What are the player’s strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths
- Optimal open field suddenness and moves to get past defenders
- Good vision and decisiveness; does not dance behind the line of scrimmage
- An outstanding receiver that can be lined up in the slot or outside
- Already solid in pass protection, a feat that’s difficult for many backs to master
Weaknesses
- Ran behind arguably the best offensive line in college football last season
- Needs to add strength and weight to carry a featured-role at the next level
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