2021 NFL Draft: Javonte Williams Scouting Report
Running Back, North Carolina
Cover photo by Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images
After ascending the 2021 NFL Draft rankings with an outstanding 2020 campaign for the Tar Heels, how does North Carolina halfback Javonte Williams measure up to the elite ball carriers of the class?
Summary
In a game that has continued to become smaller and faster, a taste of the old is brought to the forefront to combat the wave of new-age linebackers roaming from sideline to sideline. At five-foot-eleven, 220 pounds, Williams is a sturdily built running back who utilizes his high school background at linebacker to carry a uniquely physical approach to his running style. Often requiring multiple defenders to take down, Williams collects yards after contact with his size and superior balance.
Most often operating out of shotgun-zone handoffs in the Tarheel’s offense, Williams showcases unexpected agility for his size, shifting from rushing lane to rushing lane with sharp jump-cuts that appear NFL-ready. Working his way inside-out, Williams has proven his ability to read the offensive line in a zone scheme but will potentially see challenges transitioning to a more conventional man-blocking rushing attack from singleback or I-form. This zone scheme has also incited Williams to become a more east-west runner than the north-south runner he is more fitted to operate as considering his ability to put the shoulder down.
Finally, Williams showed during his time at Carolina the ability to contribute as a reliable checkdown option with the occasional designed swing-screen to get him into open space against smaller secondary defenders. As a pass-blocker, Williams has shown issues in his technique with overcommitments and slow identification of pass-rushers, but having shown his power with the ball in his hands can no doubt apply the same aggression to his blocking to become a more effective pass-protector.
Player Comparison: Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
Comparably sized at six-foot, 225 pounds, Ezekiel Elliott shows a similar combination of power and agility encompassing William’s game. Having been a franchise halfback for the Dallas Cowboys in an era of football in which running backs are shuffled through in an effort to save cap space, Elliott arguably revived the position and showed that even in a modern game so focused on passing, keeping the ball on the ground is still a viable approach. Although Elliott was the fourth overall selection of his draft class and Williams will likely be an early day two selection, Elliott displays many of the same strengths and shows the potential for such a gifted prospect.
Team Fit: New York Jets
Round 2, Pick 34
After being led by the ageless wonder Frank Gore throughout the course of the 2020 season, the New York Jets will inevitably expend one of their numerous early 2021 NFL Draft selections on a potential franchise running back. Supported by La’Mical Perine, Williams would become the defacto lead back in an offense which will inevitably require a presence on the ground in order to elevate their starting quarterback. Gore operated efficiently between the tackles during his time at the Meadowlands, meaning Williams could likely replicate or improve on his 653 yards on 3.5 yards per carry. Finally, Williams would add a needed element of pass-catching to a backfield that saw no single member rake in more than 16 throughout the course of the season. If the New York Jets are willing to step out of line and spend a high value selection on a running back, then Javonte Williams would provide the potential to revitalize a formerly stale offensive unit.
Scouting Notes
Measurables
5’ 11”, 220 pounds
~ 4.5 forty
2020 Statistics (11 games)
157 carries for 1,140 yards & 19 TDs
Zero fumbles on 323 carries through ‘19 & ‘20
25 receptions for 305 yards and 3 TDs
Best Game: at Miami (23 carries for 236 yds, 3 TD)
Worst Game: vs Notre Dame (11 carries for 28 yds)
Positives
Physical
Stout build, well-packed 220 lbs
former linebacker, runs with same aggression
Balance, requires multiple defenders to tackle
Agility, explosive first cut
able to bounce runs outside for chunk gains
NFL-grade jump-cut
Speed to extend to the boundary
challenges secondary defenders on chasedowns
Mental
Vision (shotgun-zone handoffs)
eyes work from inside-out, identifies open lanes
Versatility
viable checkdown target, post-catch threat
high-ceiling pass-blocker
need to translate aggression
Negatives
Physical
sometimes discards his strength and gets ‘too cute’
not enough open-field agility to be a mismatch receiving threat
Mental
not exceptionally patient
has primarily functioned within zone scheme
Moving east-west instead of north-south
Versatility
capped receiving ability
day one pass-blocking
physical build to succeed, currently lacks polish