Kyren Williams explains what he will bring to the Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams fifth round draft pick Kyren Williams out of Notre Dame discussed what sets him apart from the other running backs in the Super Bowl Champions’ locker room and what he brings to the running back room as a whole.
“First of all I bring in a type of leadership that everybody can account to and accept that I’m bringing leadership that motivates people to push themselves to be better that day but also bring on the field,” Williams said. “The versatility as the running backs to be a complete running back out of the backfield, catch passes, run inside and outside of the tackles and also line up in the slot.”
At just 5-foot-9 and 194 pounds, Williams finished his collegiate career doing exactly that. He had 419 carries for 2,153 yards and 27 touchdowns over 26 games. He also added 78 receptions for 675 yards and four touchdowns, adding to his versatility and the possibility of becoming somewhat of an all-purpose back at the next level.
“I just pride myself on being a complete back,” Williams said during the pre draft process. “I don’t shy away from contact. I’m not really worried if a back is trying to run me over. I’m just trying to stick my nose in there because that’s the kind of football player that I am. …But I’ve also got a whole lot more that I can do besides that.”
Williams joined Logan Bruss (OG) and Cobie Durant (CB) as the third selection in the Rams draft class. Other than Bruss and Williams, the Rams decided to focus the rest of the draft on defense, aside from their final selection in the seventh round on offensive lineman A.J. Arcuri.
ESPN’s Todd McShay called Williams a day three sleeper pick with sneaky value, even going so far as to say the former Irish running back could be the best selection the Rams acquired through this year’s draft when it’s all said and done.
“I like what he brings to the Rams’ offense,” McShay said. “Suddenness. Contact balance. Underrated pass-catching ability. Those are all valuable traits in the NFL. But ball security has been a bit of an issue, and the speed isn’t all that exciting; Williams ran a 4.65 at the combine. Still, a trio of Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson Jr. (who is a free agent in 2023) and Williams could do some damage.”