Draft Analysis: Javonte Williams

April 21, 2021 /
  • Height: 5’10”
  • Weight: 212
  • College: North Carolina
  • Tape watched: Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Miami
  • NFL Comparison: Dalvin Cook

Pros

Javonte Williams glides for a 210+ pound running back. His running style is smooth and quick, as he does not waste movement. He is the perfect one cut running back for outside zone schemes and RPO heavy offenses. He is a great route runner from the backfield, and should be a matchup nightmare for linebackers. He has great hands for a running back as well, catching high, low, and one hands passes with ease. Second and third level defenders bounce off of him due to his exceptional contact balance. His best trait is his burst through seams in defenses however.

Good luck finding a linebacker to cover Williams out of the backfield.

Cons

While he is considered a bigger back, Williams lacked some finishing power you like to see from a back with his size and speed blend. He struggled at times to move piles at the line of scrimmage, and does not look like more than an average goal line option. His pass protection had both good and bad tape. When he sets up his base and anchors in, he is effective at blocking any defenders through the pocket. However, he tends to throw his body into defenders and opts to cut edge threats often. He does lack the finishing speed on runs where he breaks into open space. Not a knock on his game, more so something that will be accepted with his archetype.

This is an example of one of Williams’ good reps in pass-pro.
Williams was much more effective when UNC ran him outside of the tackles at the goal line. Two plays in a row he was stuffed at the line here. 3rd down they opted for a trick play to score.

Overview

Javonte Williams is the textbook running back standard of the NFL right now. He has enough size, speed, contact balance, receiving prowess, and one-cut burst that teams want from their backs. He can be a true three-down back that a team can get two productive and consistent contracts from. He very well may be the first running back off the board next Thursday, and could be a first rounder regardless.