RB, North Carolina

Update: Javonte Williams Broncos. The Denver Broncos got a quality running back in Javonte Williams early in the second round.

The position of running back is one that continues to be devalued in the NFL. Teams seem to find solid players in the later rounds year after year, but there are usually one or two players who have their name called earlier then the rest. This year many scouts and analysts are speaking about Najee Harris and Travis Etienne, but we are going to focus on the running back from North Carolina who should be the first back to hear his name in the draft.

Javonte, known as “Pookie” to those closest to him, is more than just a football player. This young man has a brilliant mind. Before joining the Tar Heels, he was Valedictorian at Wallace-Rose Hill High where he graduated with a GPA of 4.6. Along with his offer from North Carolina came offers from Ivy-League schools such as Yale and Harvard, but Williams was mature beyond his years. He took advantage of starting classes early so he could start his college career as a sophomore in the classroom. The coaching staff praised him for his maturity when he arrived on campus and he has only continued to grow into the body of a man as well.

Strengths

That body we mentioned has grown into one that stands 5-10 and 225lbs. “Pookie” uses his size and strength to absolutely maul would-be-tacklers and move them to the wayside as he struts down field. Size and strength are in no way a concern for him. During his junior year he racked up a stat line of 1,140 yards and 19 touchdowns on only 157 carries. He added to that with solid receiving numbers, catching 25 passes for 305 yards and another 3 touchdowns.

He has balance and power in his running that is unmatched in this class. When I see him play he looks like a hybrid of Kamara’s balance and Chubb’s power! I mean he led the nation by forcing 75 missed tackles on only 182 touches. He is patient behind the line and waits for his blockers, reminiscent of a young Le’Veon Bell. He uses his intelligence to read the defense before the snap, and make the correct cut as well as pick up rushers when pass blocking. I see few if any holes in his game.

Against Miami he routed the Canes defense for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 carries. He racked up all of these stats and he was in a time share with backfield counter part Michael Carter. This should be viewed as yet another positive when scouting Williams. His wear and tear has been minimized by playing in the Tar Heels dual back system. In 2020 alone Najee Harris touched the ball 122 times more than Williams. That’s 122 less hits at least.

Weaknesses

My only concern for Javonte is how he will play out of different sets. North Carolina runs a shotgun set 100% of the time. However, I don’t think Williams will struggle to adjust and his talent is extraordinary, so it should translate. His top end speed may not be as fast as some other players. He is quick enough to get the first cut and hit the edge, but defenders can track him down in the open field. I guess rather than a 60 yard carry he will give you two 30 yard runs. This last season he showed he has ability out of the backfield as a receiver, but I question how good his hands are. The Tar Heels preferred Carter on receiving plays but that doesn’t mean Williams can’t handle it.

It is scary to think of how good Williams’ numbers would have looked if he was a single back workhorse like Harris and Etienne. Lets take a quick look at how good and wrap this up. Had Williams carried the ball as Much as Harris he would have finished with 1832 yards, 30 touch downs along with 42 catches for 500 yards and 5 touchdowns in the air. Can you say hypothetical Heisman? This young man is a bona fide beast at the position, and in my opinion he is no doubt the best back in the class.

Projection

Teams will value Harris and Etienne more and allow Williams to go on day 2 of the draft. If he goes after both of them, I believe whomever does take him gets the steal of the position. He can start from day one and play all three downs. Williams will provide one lucky team with a true workhorse back in a league that continues to see those types diminishing. He can handle the workload and play in any scheme, but he would fit incredibly well in a one cut running scheme. The Falcons could plug and play him immediately.