Don’t let size fool you, Pooka Williams is an electric RB in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The first thing you think of when you hear the words “University of Kansas” is generally basketball related. The Jayhawks have one of the more prolific college basketball teams in the nation and are consistently in the running for the national championship. Today, however, it’s not the basketball team that will be garnering our attention — it’s the football team; that starts with running back Pooka Williams, who will make waves in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Kansas isn’t known for producing talent on the football field. Since the year 2000, the Jayhawks have had two alumni make the Pro Bowl, Aqib Talib, and Darrell Stuckey. Talib has made the Pro Bowl multiple years (2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016) and Stuckey only making one in 2014. Kansas has only had one player drafted in the first round during the 21st Century and that player was Talib and only 10 players in total drafted in the first round, including Talib.
The player we’ll be talking about isn’t likely to go in the first round, but he could certainly carve himself out a decent career in the NFL. That player being the previously mentioned Williams. If you saw Pooka on the street, there’s a good chance you wouldn’t suspect him to be a running back at a power-five school.
Chris Spooner at Pro Football Network sees Williams’ explosiveness as well and has identified him as a sleeper in the 2021 NFL Draft:
"“With his speed, explosiveness, and agility, Williams is the kind of player you need to get out in space. The Kansas offense did this in many ways last season, and it leads us to our last point: Williams’ versatility. In today’s NFL, coaches are always looking for those players who cause match-up nightmares for their opponents (Spooner via PFN).”"
He is undersized for the running back position and football in general; Williams is listed at 5-foot-10,170 pounds. The height isn’t the big concern, but the weight is. In the 2020 NFL Draft, there wasn’t a running back selected who weighed less than 185-pounds. There is clearly a size threshold for the NFL at the running back position, but Williams is going to make it tough to pass on him, despite his size.
Scouting Report
Games Watched: ‘19 Oklahoma, Texas, and Baylor
Vision: Trying to get downhill so fast that he runs himself into his own blockers and the defenders, practice more patience. When he is patient and allows his blocks to develop is when he’s most dangerous because of his one-cut and go ability. When he’s got a blocker in front he’s able to use him to his advantage, manipulating the defender. Diagnoses well, he just moves too fast at times. (9/15)
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Burst/Acceleration: If it weren’t for his classmate, Travis Etienne, Williams may be getting the credit for the most explosive running back. Takes two-three strides and he’s at his top speed. Can stop on a dime then turn on the jets and break-off a ten yard. (14/15)
Elusiveness: Consistently makes the first guy miss, he’s got the shake-n-bake! Has buttery smooth footwork, sustains a wide base that not only allows him to shake the defender but blows by those on the next level. His lateral mobility is a sweet thing to watch, super smooth, and effective. (13/15)
Contact Balance: Despite his small size he has an uncanny ability to slip tackles. He does a good job running behind his pads and keeping his feet underneath him. You can’t tackle him high, he’ll just bounce right off tackle attempt. Powerful legs, he can carry/drag defenders. Great feel for leverage and momentum, permitting him to shed tackles he probably shouldn’t. (11/15)
Scouting Report Part II
Motor/Toughness: Don’t let his size fool you, he’s not afraid to lower his head and get the tough yards. You’ll see him run into a pile and a second later he’s out the other side for a five-yard gain, keeps his feet working. (9/10)
Receiving Ability: He is only 5’7” so the catch radius isn’t very large but he utilizes every inch of it. This may be where he is best but doesn’t get enough opportunities within the offense to showcase his talent. Absolute killer in space on screens and swing passes; can do somethings from the slot position. Ball tracking skills are there. (7/10)
Pooka Williams is one of my favorite prospects to watch in this class. He runs with a good pace. He is patient here following his OL and does a good job pressing the LOS. His feet are so quick too. Then he turns on the burners. pic.twitter.com/v6pXUYWEwU
— Ryder McConville (@RyderM25) June 29, 2020
Speed: The young man is a blazer if you give him the corner, he’s going to take it. Has the ability to hit the home-runs and makes defenses pay. Long speed is good, but wouldn’t call it great. Controls his speed well, knows when to turn it off and on. (7.5/10)
Blocking: If you’re asking him to pass-block you’re using him wrong, nonetheless, he’s shown the ability to identify the blitzer/rusher quickly and get to his spot. His only option is the cut block, otherwise, he’ll get bull rushed, but he does it with success. (6/10)
2019 Season Statistics: 203 rushing attempts, 1,061 rushing yards, 5.2 yards-per-carry, 3 rushing touchdowns, 27 receptions, 214 receiving yards, 7.9 yards-per-reception, and 2 receiving touchdowns
Overall Grade: 7.75
Preliminary Round Grade: Mid Second Round