"Unpacking Javonte Williams: Analyzing the Rising Star Running Back's Impact on and off the Field"

Our perspective on rookie Javonte Williams from 2021.

Javonte Williams, 5’10” 220lbs, comes out of UNC after a great final season for the Tarheels, where he averaged 7.3 Yards Per Carry, had a College Dominator score of 30.4%, an 8.4% target share, and scored 22 touchdowns in just 11 games. We see on tape that Williams is a powerful, downhill runner with good acceleration, vision, and great contact balance to bounce off defenders. That balance helps him get plenty of YAC (yards after contact). Javonte is also an excellent route runner and has displayed soft hands catching out of the backfield. He utilizes one of the most effective stiff arms you’ll see (think Derrick Henry).

"...one of the most effective stiff arms you’ll see"

Now the lukewarm to negative on Williams: He doesn’t have elite speed to turn the corner in the NFL consistently. His decision-making at the line is questionable when his preferred running lane closes. Pass protection needs work, but we’ve said that about almost every college RB we’ve profiled. Lastly, it is a bit worrisome that he has never been asked to be a full-time starter, as he shared the backfield with Michael Carter at UNC.

Scouting Report

Javonte has a lot of room to grow. He converted from linebacker to running back his senior year of high school, so hopefully, we’re just seeing the career launch of a developing superstar RB. Decision-making aside, this kid’s balance and strength force defenders to have excellent to perfect technique to bring him down.