While Alabama’s Najee Harris and Clemson’s Travis Etienne have continually been mentioned as potential first-round picks, another running back could hear his name called during the first day of the draft. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero writes that North Carolina’s Javonte Williams could end up sneaking into the first round of the upcoming draft.
“I love Javonte Williams,” an AFC executive told Pelissero. “I think he’s the best back in the draft.”
In an era where teams seem to reset their running back depth chart every few years, it’d be a bit of a surprise if three running backs end up getting selected in the first round; we’ve only seen two first-round running backs over the past two years (Josh Jacobs (No. 24, 2019) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (No. 32, 2020)). Still, Williams has the talent to warrant that lofty draft stock.
As Pelissero notes, Williams’ strength should be an asset in the NFL (with the reporter citing this giant run against Miami). The running back is more than a bruiser, however; his pro day numbers (including a 4.55-second 40 and a 36-inch vertical jump) showcase his athleticism. Williams also showed improved pass-catching ability throughout his collegiate career, culminating in a 2020 campaign where he hauled in 25 receptions.
So where could the running back land? Pelissero points to the Steelers are a potential landing spot. Pittsburgh has continually been mentioned as a suitor for Harris, but it’s uncertain if the running back will fall all the way to No. 24. If the top running back is off the board, the team could end up favoring Williams over someone like Etienne.
Lots of guys “could be”
Cards, Phins, Bears, Jets, Steelers, Bills, and maybe Bucs could all be in the market for a RB. Although it’s unlikely, there’s definitely a possibility that he could sneak into the tail end of the first round if there’s a run (Harris and Etinne) on RBs
Boy, that’s an ugly Hurricanes uniform.
I liked those. I prefer the traditional, but it was a good change of pace
Different strokes.
Well if Williams is anything like Josh Jacobs he will be a solid pick
I have been saying this for a while. Javonte Williams could be the best RB in this draft. He had Carter taking time and carries from him. I don’t think he will be the first taken. Williams has all the tools. Love this kid.
I firmly believe the Steelers will use pick 24 on Najee Harris.
In 3 years you’ll regret taking that running back in the first round.
The same could be said about any position player who is a bust or isn’t as good as somebody drafted after them.
Difference is a RB will burn out so much faster than other positions. Take a QB or a RB and when the QB is just coming into his own and clicking in that offense the RB is 1/2 shot and you’re already looking for 5he next good RB and you can get that value later.
Hopefully not Buffalo. I don’t see him offering anything different to Zach Moss. Similar 40 times outside the combine, same play style, Moss proved he can catch… I don’t see the value for the Bills.
Any front office dumb enough to choose a RB in round 1 deserves to be fired on the spot.
So the Chiefs for taking Clyde?
Yes. that is exactly my point. Great RB’s can be taking in 3rd round & perhaps Clyde “rebounds” and has a decent year #2. As a result, how is that OL coming along? KC just bent over and took it in the shorts to trade for Brown bc they are desperate. Why were they desperate?
Because both starting Tackles were injured, another starting G was injured, and another 2 possible G/T opted out. None of which was known going into the draft.
All that said, I agree with you. I wasn’t a big fan of taking a RB in round 1.
Yea the 1st OL taken after that pick was No. 58. Ezra Cleveland, and he plays guard. So the value wasnt there for them.
ah Coach We…Unless they are generational type players…see Franko Harris, Emmitt Smith..etc taken in the first round and THE key member of the offense for both the Steelers and Cowboys.
Don’t think this kid nor any of the back mentioned, maybe with the exception of possibly Harris because of Steeler need at RB….
D
Well, after the top fifteen, the first round this year starts looking like the second in another year. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t good players, it’s just less of a sure thing (or we should say “seemingly” sure thing) than before. That’s one reason I’m more of the opinion that moving back helps more this year than most, especially if you’re outside the top five. Williams looks intriguing, and in another year he may have been a lower pick, but if you need a running back and other players are off the board, you have to go with who’s available. It doesn’t matter what round you picked who in ultimately, it really matters more who you end up with-and who you left to do so. If Williams is the best guy available for you in this odd year of drafting, you take him, first round or no. Or you move down. This year is a bit different.
Jets could use a quality RB and one of the top 3 will be there at 34
I’m hoping the dolphins get him at 36.