Javonte Williams RB North Carolina

I just finished watching a few games. Dude reminds me a lot of Kareem Hunt coming out of Toledo. I love RBs with high contact balance. Williams has it in spades.

But IMO, he's not the type of runner Shanny is looking for. Shanny wants the next Jamaal Charles, an OZ-running savant with the ability to take it to the crib on every touch. That's what he thought he had in Joe Williams and why they love Raheem, who is like a poor man's version. Watching Jamaal Charles run outside zone was poetry in motion. My fav RB of all time!

Originally posted by Heroism:

I just finished watching a few games. Dude reminds me a lot of Kareem Hunt coming out of Toledo. I love RBs with high contact balance. Williams has it in spades.

But IMO, he's not the type of runner Shanny is looking for. Shanny wants the next Jamaal Charles, an OZ-running savant with the ability to take it to the crib on every touch. That's what he thought he had in Joe Williams and why they love Raheem, who is like a poor man's version. Watching Jamaal Charles run outside zone was poetry in motion. My fav RB of all time!

Agreeeed. If we're spending a mid-high pick on a RB it better be of that Jamal Charles, Alvin Kamara type with top end speed.

Hero gets it.

Originally posted by Heroism:

I just finished watching a few games. Dude reminds me a lot of Kareem Hunt coming out of Toledo. I love RBs with high contact balance. Williams has it in spades.

But IMO, he's not the type of runner Shanny is looking for. Shanny wants the next Jamaal Charles, an OZ-running savant with the ability to take it to the crib on every touch. That's what he thought he had in Joe Williams and why they love Raheem, who is like a poor man's version. Watching Jamaal Charles run outside zone was poetry in motion. My fav RB of all time!

You're right on the Jamaal Charles and Kamara type of RBs are best fits in KS's system. But I believe the top 3 RBs in this year's draft are plug and play and be successful on any type of running scheme. Although Harris and Williams are more of power type of RBs like Derrick Henry but their vision and one step cutbacks are perfect for the outside zone. Henry is also excelling with the Titans outside zone running scheme. Only difference is Henry has a little more speed than both Harris and Williams. I would still consider drafting one of those guys late day 2 early day 3 if they're still on the board. Mostert is still a good back but he's the Jimmy G of RBs healthwise.

Originally posted by 808niner4lyphe:
You're right on the Jamaal Charles and Kamara type of RBs are best fits in KS's system. But I believe the top 3 RBs in this year's draft are plug and play and be successful on any type of running scheme. Although Harris and Williams are more of power type of RBs like Derrick Henry but their vision and one step cutbacks are perfect for the outside zone. Henry is also excelling with the Titans outside zone running scheme. Only difference is Henry has a little more speed than both Harris and Williams. I would still consider drafting one of those guys late day 2 early day 3 if they're still on the board. Mostert is still a good back but he's the Jimmy G of RBs healthwise.

Well said. But we've got to remember: Are we evaluating players for us or for Kyle Shanahan's 49ers? I used to just do general evaluations, but now I try to evaluate players through a Kyle Shanahan lens ie Find the guys that I think they'll like that I like as well. The perfect example of this was Fred Warner for me. He was a guy I really liked that I also knew checked all of the team's boxes for stack LB.

From the TDN full breakdown

PROSPECT SUMMARY - JAVONTE WILLIAMS
North Carolina running back Javonte Williams enters the NFL as an ascending prospect that increased his production every year in college and became one of the most dynamic runners in the nation in 2020. A big, physical, and powerful runner, Williams complements his bruising style with compact elusiveness which leads to frequent broken tackles and production after contact. An every-down threat, Williams is very good in pass protection and as a receiver out of the backfield. Williams is capable of ripping off big chunks of yardage with his ability to see the field cleanly, string together moves, take smart angles, and accelerate. The biggest question mark for Williams as he takes his game to the professional ranks is how he will fare without the benefit of the scheme and playmakers in place around him at North Carolina. His traits suggest he will do just fine with the transition but it's something to monitor. Williams has the upside to become a highly productive starting running back in the NFL that is the focal point of a rushing attack.

Ideal Role: Featured running back.

Scheme Fit: Williams is a fit for any scheme, but his skill set translates wonderfully to one-cut opportunities.

FILM EVALUATION
Written by Joe Marino

Games watched: Virginia Tech (2020), NC State (2020), Notre Dame (2020), Miami (2020)

Best Game Studied: Miami (2020)

Worst Game Studied: Notre Dame (2020)

Vision: Whether it's between the tackles or threatening the perimeter, Williams sees the field cleanly and does well to set up his next move. He knows how to effectively press holes and help make his blockers right. He has some one-cut-and-go tendencies, but that doesn't mean he isn't terrific in the open field. Overall, Williams sees the field well and makes great decisions.

Footwork: Williams is a stocky and powerful back, but he also has quick and efficient feet. He does well to cut off his blocks with well-timed and compact cuts. Williams does a terrific job keeping his pads square and angling himself correctly through creases to maximize his carries. His feet are always active and engaged.

Contact Balance: Williams features exceptional contact balance and defenders frequently fall off his frame while he's seemingly unfazed. He has a low center of gravity, which helps him remain balanced through contact to pick up additional yardage. Williams is outstanding at breaking tackles and making defenders miss.

Durability: Williams enters the NFL after 416 touches across his three seasons at North Carolina and still has plenty of tread on his tires. With that said, he's never been asked to be "the guy" in the backfield, as he was surrounded by multiple NFL-caliber backs during his time at UNC. Williams avoided any significant injuries in college.

Explosiveness: Williams has excellent burst for a back of his size which he maximizes with strong vision and good angles, especially when attacking the perimeter. He averaged 7.3 yards per carry in 2020, which is a testament to his ability to accelerate. He breaks an impressive amount of pursuit angles as he works into the second and third levels of the defense.

Versatility: Williams brings value in any role and every facet of the position. He's a strong inside and outside runner from either zone or gap concepts. He's an effective pass blocker and a receiving threat. He can make an impact regardless of the scheme or responsibility.

Elusiveness: Make no mistake about it, Williams wins with vision, power, contact balance, burst, and decision making as a runner. With that said, he offers a modest amount of wiggle and twitch to complement those strengths but it's not a major reason why he's such a dynamic weapon. He makes plenty of cuts outside his frame and he's springy, but it's important to remember what makes him effective.

Ball Security: Williams had just three fumbles in 416 touches in college. He is deliberate about protecting and valuing the football. I appreciate that he isn't overly eager to switch the football to his outside hand when it puts the ball in a compromising position.

Passing Downs Skills: Williams brings value on passing downs in the form of both a receiver and blocker. In pass protection, Williams has natural leverage, a firm base, active hands, and plenty of enthusiasm which leads to consistent execution. As a receiver, Williams is a sufficient route-runner with reliable hands.

Discipline: Williams does a great job of playing within himself but also producing big plays. While he does work to the sideline a fair amount, he isn't overly eager and sticks with the play concept. I did not find myself disappointed in him seeking side doors while ignoring the correct track in my exposures to his game.

Prospect Comparison: Nick Chubb (2018 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns)

Originally posted by Waterbear:

Originally posted by Heroism:
I just finished watching a few games. Dude reminds me a lot of Kareem Hunt coming out of Toledo. I love RBs with high contact balance. Williams has it in spades.

But IMO, he's not the type of runner Shanny is looking for. Shanny wants the next Jamaal Charles, an OZ-running savant with the ability to take it to the crib on every touch. That's what he thought he had in Joe Williams and why they love Raheem, who is like a poor man's version. Watching Jamaal Charles run outside zone was poetry in motion. My fav RB of all time!

Agreeeed. If we're spending a mid-high pick on a RB it better be of that Jamal Charles, Alvin Kamara type with top end speed.

Hero gets it.

That would be more Travis Etienne

Originally posted by NYniner85:
That would be more Travis Etienne

Yep, but he'll go too early for us.

Originally posted by Heroism:

Originally posted by NYniner85:
That would be more Travis Etienne

Yep, but he'll go too early for us.

What about Williams teammate Michael Carter? He's seems more of a fit.

If Reid and the Chiefs have taught anyone anything is that SPEED KILLS.

Want!

I know Shanahan doesn't use high draft picks on RB but man this Javonte looks like an absolute stud. Between Harris Etiene and Williams I can't figure out which one I like best,

Originally posted by 808niner4lyphe:

Originally posted by Heroism:
I just finished watching a few games. Dude reminds me a lot of Kareem Hunt coming out of Toledo. I love RBs with high contact balance. Williams has it in spades.

But IMO, he's not the type of runner Shanny is looking for. Shanny wants the next Jamaal Charles, an OZ-running savant with the ability to take it to the crib on every touch. That's what he thought he had in Joe Williams and why they love Raheem, who is like a poor man's version. Watching Jamaal Charles run outside zone was poetry in motion. My fav RB of all time!

You're right on the Jamaal Charles and Kamara type of RBs are best fits in KS's system. But I believe the top 3 RBs in this year's draft are plug and play and be successful on any type of running scheme. Although Harris and Williams are more of power type of RBs like Derrick Henry but their vision and one step cutbacks are perfect for the outside zone. Henry is also excelling with the Titans outside zone running scheme. Only difference is Henry has a little more speed than both Harris and Williams. I would still consider drafting one of those guys late day 2 early day 3 if they're still on the board. Mostert is still a good back but he's the Jimmy G of RBs healthwise.

If we could hit on the picks for this draft (like 60%) as well as getting some surprises, like Hurd putting together a solid season, McGlinchey maintaining his dominant run blocking and being average at pass protection, Rosen looking good in camp, practice, Moore showing he can be starting FS, etc, I think drafting a RB could be in play in 2022. Mostert I believe is in the last year of his deal and if he makes it 16 games this year, that will be one season in his career where he has done it as the lead back.

I'd love a Jamaal Charles or Kamara for this offense.

Originally posted by Cisco0623:
If Reid and the Chiefs have taught anyone anything is that SPEED KILLS.

If it was that easy everyone on this forum would be eligible for an NFL job. Lol it's not that simple.