This is The Game Day’s Javonte Williams NFL Draft 2021 Prospect Profile. After you read our Javonte Williams Scouting Report, head over to Marcus Mosher’s first 2021 NFL Mock Draft for Round 1.
Javonte Williams NFL Draft Prospect Profile
Javonte Williams NFL Draft Prospect: Bio & Measurables
- School: North Carolina
- Class in Final Season: Junior
- Age on NFL Draft Day: 21
- Height: 5-foot-10
- Weight: 220 lbs.
Javonte Williams Scouting Report
Strengths
- Ideal size for the running back position
- Incredible balance. Can absorb contact and still keep his footing.
- Not a huge college workload with only 416 career touches
- Very elusive in the open field. Tough to bring down.
- A physical running back who loves to take on and absorb contact.
Needs Improvement
- Doesn’t have elite speed or acceleration — not a home-run hitter
- Struggled with drops some during his career at North Carolina
- Physical style could lead to a shorter NFL career
- Doesn’t have a ton of experience being “the guy"; might be a better committee back.
Javonte Williams NFL Outlook
Williams is coming off a monster 2020 season with the Tar Heels. He scored 22 touchdowns on just 182 touches. He averaged an absurd 7.3 yards per carry as the team’s lead back.
In the NFL, he projects as a three-down back that never has to come off the field due to his experience as a pass-blocker and improved hands in the receiving game.
Early on in his pro career, he could be the lead back in a committee with a faster, more explosive back to complement his power work. But he should be productive and valuable right away in the NFL.
Javonte Williams NFL Comparison
Josh Jacobs: Much like the Las Vegas Raiders running back, Williams doesn’t have elite quickness or speed (although it’s not a weakness) but more than makes up for it with his physical running style.
He’s a between-the-tackles banger who can make plays in space frequently. What makes him a highly valued prospect is his ability to work in the passing game as well as a blocker or as a receiver.
Like Jacobs, Williams should be a Day 1 starter for his new NFL team and could be quite productive right away. In the right scheme, he could be a 1,400-yard, double-digit-touchdown player by Year 2.
Javonte Williams NFL Team Fits
- Miami Dolphins
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- New York Jets
- Washington Football Team
- New Orleans Saints
- Atlanta Falcons
- Seattle Seahawks
Any team looking for a three-down, physical presence at running back would love to add Javonte Williams.
That is why the Atlanta Falcons (in the second round) would make so much sense. He could be the Derrick Henry of Arthur Smith’s offense in Atlanta.
Williams can wear down defenses while Matt Ryan and company carve opponents up through the air. Of the top running backs in this class, Williams might have the broadest appeal given his size, play style and passing game prowess.
Javonte Williams NFL Draft Prediction
Round 2: Williams will likely be the third running back drafted behind Travis Etienne and Najee Harris in the 2021 NFL Draft.
However, the UNC alum is certainly in the same tier as those players and might be the most well-rounded back.
Look for Williams to go potentially at the end of Round 1, but more than likely be selected early in the second round as teams like the Falcons, Jets, Dolphins and Cardinals could all be interested in his services. Williams could be a highly sought-after player; there is a significant drop-off after the top three running backs.
Now that you’ve read our Javonte Williams 2021 Draft Prospect scouting report, stay tuned for more NFL Draft analysis. Then, after the 2021 NFL Draft, we’ll cover Javonte Williams’ impact on betting lines, odds and tips for his NFL team.
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