2021 NFL Draft: Javonte Williams surging up draft boards

Where Williams has room for growth and 2021 NFL Draft projection

Williams recognizes blitzers pretty well and does a good job in protection but needs some work. Needs to see cut back lanes earlier when his blocks aren’t there. Acceleration isn’t great. Takes some space to get going. Williams will make the occasional guy miss in space but isn’t elusive. I would like to see him be more explosive through the hole.

Williams has really exploded for the Tar Heels in 2020. His size and power will make him a special running back in the NFL. I love his leg drive and consistently fights for extra yards. NFL teams will fall in love with his effort. I was concerned with his ability to see cut back lanes in 2019, but it seems as though he has improved. Many of his big runs in 2020 are from getting linebackers to bite with his eyes and then cutting back. His patience helps create a lot of yards and will help him do well in the NFL.

Jack Borowsky of The Dynasty Draft Room has some thoughts on Williams as well:

"“Williams formed a fantastic one-two punch with Michael Carter in the UNC backfield this past season. He is more of the thumper back, but Carter was strong in a number of areas. His explosion was an essential aspect of his game. Javonte’s size and acceleration allowed him to break tackles, while also picking up big yardage. His play strength was that of an NFL veteran, as he was great in pass protection. It was extremely hard for ACC defenders to bring him down. They would almost bounce off of him when Williams made contact with them. He doesn’t have all-world speed, but in the open field, he has a second gear.”"

Williams can be a top-50 pick come April and be one of the first running backs off the board. Look out for both he and Carter to continue to make a splash on the field for the Tar Heels. He compares well to David Johnson of the Houston Texans when he came out of Northern Iowa, and has the makings of a day-two pick.