With The First Pick
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2021 NFL Draft: Javonte Williams surging up draft boards

By Brandon Coyle

Oct 31, 2020; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Javonte Williams (25) carries the ball as Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Nick Jackson (6) makes the tackle in the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Javonte Williams (25) carries the ball as Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Nick Jackson (6) makes the tackle in the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft prospect Javonte Williams. Mandatory Credit: Adam Richins-USA TODAY Sports /

UNC running back on the rise

Personally, I am a fan of this 2021NFL Draft running back class. There may not be a true blue-chip prospect or any real bell-cows besides Najee, but in today’s NFL, most teams are not looking for that. Only a select few backs will get 310+ touches a year, and it can be argued that’s not sustainable. When looking for running back prospects, I like to evaluate them on how they will do with 200-250 touches in an offense.

In this class, there are a lot of guys that can make an impact on that workload. When looking at the top guys, Javonte Williams can play with the best. Clemson running back Travis Etienne has been the crown jewel of running backs for two seasons now and will be a good player. But, there can be some concerns with his ball security, as he’s had some costly fumbles this year and was virtually shut down against Notre Dame. Alabama running back Najee Harris looks all the parts of a bell-cow guy at the next level.

He will wear down defenses and use his athleticism to find end zones consistently. After them, there are a lot of guys in this class that will stand out in NFL running back rooms. Williams can be that next guy in this class.

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