Javonte Williams 2021 (Broncos RB)

 Javonte Williams, just turned 21 (April 25), RB for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Javonte played 11 games in 2020, and got 1445 yards total and 22 TDs (mostly rushing). Not too shabby; however he split the field with Michael Carter (Senior) who in fact had MORE yards (1512) in 2020 (although most of that difference was racked up in a meaningless game against Western Carolina). Carter (#8 in the clips) has also declared for the draft; he is a year older but also still an interesting prospect, even if Williams steals the limelight, so let's take a look at both.

First play is him going deep in a pass play, but the CB getting no separation; but by drawing the CB with him, the TE gets space in the slant.

Another aggressive attempt to include Williams in the passing game, but one that blows up in their face as the Virginia D makes a smart play (Charles Snowden, a guy who made a very good impression as an edge rusher this game). You can see however throughout the play that QB Howell has only one thought, and that is to get the ball to Williams.

Now this is the kind of play we want to see from our guys: Williams again takes it outside, gets stuck behind the line of scrimmage, then breaks a tackle, breaks another tackle, then drags the 3rd tackler for 3 more yards and turns a sure negative play into 8 positive yards.

In the meantime, Michael Carter (#8) ran a couple times perfectly between the tackles, while Williams took it more to the outside. This may be a consideration for NFL teams, especially a team like Seattle who like old fashioned bangers.

Williams tries the same but fails; that's not entirely his fault as the Virginia LB #6 bursts through and tackles him from behind.

...and makes up for it by crashing through a pile of meat for the first down.

Pass protection time. Although the play results in a batted pass and a fumble, that's not on Williams, who plugs the gap with maximum energy. I approve. It may look as if he made the wrong choice as the guard (#68) gets overpowered and let's his man go, but the Center (#63) was dealing with 2 men, so that's where he went to help. Good move, can't fault it. Later in the game there's several more good pass pro. I likes it.

Here's another play I like; It may not make any highlight reels, but here he runs a decent route, gets good separation, then turns to his QB to be ready.

This however is one for the highlight reels: good athletic catch and a first down. Excellent.

I like Williams a lot, and I think he's clearly a better prospect than Travis Etienne. However, don't forget about Michael Carter (on the Jets) as a cheap late-round option.