Name: RB Ryan Williams
School: Virginia Tech
Size: 5'9, 212 lbs
Expected Round: 2nd
40 Time: 4.45s
Career Stats: Click Here.
Player Previews: CBS; Walter Football; NFL Combine [If you would like your website included, please e-mail me!]
Strengths: Great size and speed for a running back, with the athleticism to make all of the moves required. Has enough bulk to develop into a solid pass blocker. Able receiver and will pick up extra yards after the catch. Hits the hole hard and doesn't look back. While he may not have elite breakaway speed, he has enough speed to leave most players behind him. Able to get to the outside, still able to pound the rock up the middle.
Weaknesses: Not careful with the football. Doesn't seem to let plays develop and instead just heads for the first sign of daylight, regardless of whether it's a good idea or not. He's not a dancer, but I'm not sure how well he sets up and waits for his blocks. Catches the ball with his body, not his hands. Young player with little experience. Could be a partial product of the triple option threat with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback since he always got the ball in space on shovel passes. Injured last season.
Why and Why Not the Patriots after the jump, and my final verdict!
Why the Patriots?: The Patriots need the dash to BenJarvus Green-Ellis' smash, and Williams has a lot of dash to go around. He's a versatile player with a lot of upside since he is able to pass block, catch the ball and run hard. If he improves his technique in all three, he could be one of the better running backs in the league.
Why Not the Patriots?: He lost me with "poor ball safety." There's no room for turnovers on the offense and Williams is too dangerous to the offense to give him the ball consistently- and you want to give a second round player a lot of field time. There are players who possess his skills and physicals who could be available later in the draft. I think he's overpriced with a second round price tag. However, if you like Ingram, I can see why you'd like Williams since they play a similar story- Ingram just did the same exact thing as Williams, except he did it on a National Championship team.
Verdict: No. Williams needs to work on his ball skills before the Patriots even consider him as a prospect.