Gil Brandt says Javonte Williams will have an immediate impact with Broncos
Hall of Fame NFL executive Gil Brandt recently said Javonte Williams is one of 11 non first-round rookies that could have an immediate impact in the 2021 season.
Williams was a part of a lethal rushing tandem in his junior season at North Carolina, as he combined with Michael Carter to rush for over 2,300 yards last season. A native of Wallace, North Carolina, he was ranked a three-star prospect by most recruiting outlets and appeared in all 11 games as a Tar Heels freshman, albeit mostly in a special teams role. Williams grew into his 5-foot-10 frame his sophomore year, bulking up from a 205-pound freshman to a 215-pound sophomore, and the results were evident: he took the increased role in stride and posted 1,109 all-purpose yards, and ranked seventh in the ACC with 71.8 rushing yards per game.
His junior season, however, was by far his best: despite the fact that he was still only named the official starter once, Williams was named the Tar Heels offensive Most Valuable Player. He led the nation by avoiding 75 tackles, and posted 1,245 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns.
Williams ultimately declared for the 2021 NFL Draft after his junior year, and he was selected in the second round with the 35th overall pick by the Denver Broncos. Head coach Vic Fangio was as impressed by his debut as Brandt.
“[I] was anxious to see him because you can look at running backs all you want in practice and they can do good and get better,” Fangio said. “But ultimately the number one job of a running back is to be able to make people miss or break tackles. And [Williams’ was able to do that. And you could only find that in a game. So I was really anxious to see him, and obviously he didn’t disappoint.”
Brant believes Williams has the ability to be an all-purpose, three-down running back at the pro level. Despite the fact that he will have to split carries with Broncos running back Melvin Gordon to start the season, Williams should still have plenty of opportunities to turn heads. Plus, he’s worked in a running back by committee before.
“It looks like Denver’s aggressive move to snake Williams out of the Dolphins’ grasp in the draft is about to bear fruit,” Brandt wrote. “Williams shows the earmarks of being a difference-making three-down back, further evidenced by his positive showing in the Broncos’ preseason opener (five carries, 29 rushing yards, 5.8 yards per carry). Williams is in line to split carries with Melvin Gordon this season, but I think he’ll impress to the point that Denver will confidently pencil him in as Gordon’s full-time replacement when the veteran’s contract expires after this season.