2017 Raiders Draft Profile: RB Jamaal Williams
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Name: Jamaal Williams
Position: RB
School: BYU
Height: 6ft
Weight: 220 pounds
Stats: 726 carries, 3901 yards (5.4 ypa), 35 TD, 60 receptions, 597 yards (9.5 ypc), 1 TD
Running Style: Williams runs to his size. While some 220-pound backs will try to dance away from tacklers, he will stick his foot north and south and bolt downfield. As a result, there is significant contact made with defenders. Williams’ legs constantly chop forward to break tackles. At the same time, his stiff arm wards away tacklers. There are no fancy spin moves. Granted, there’s nothing visually pleasing about his style. However, Williams is effective and generates big plays and touchdowns.
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Agility: Although he runs with the lean of a power back, Williams gets the corner in a heartbeat. He’s not a burner, but fast enough to get to the second level. On the other hand, he’ll rarely leave defenders in his wake. When he makes interior cutbacks, they are quick adjustments rather than pronounced moves. That is to say, he’s not excessively nimble or fluid.
Hands: While not used often in the BYU passing game, Williams will learn to function as a decent receiver. In addition, he size and burst will challenge linebackers in the open field. Right now, he needs reps and work with a solid route tree.
Aggression: Williams smells the end zone. Sixteen of his thirty-five career touchdowns occurred within five yards. Coupled with his attacking style, teams could see him as a potential bruiser to pick up those tough yards. Scoring near the goal line is the ultimate test of will.
Raiders Fit: In reality, Williams is a mid-round selection that fits into a rotation. With Richard, Washington and flashes of Olawale capable of the majority of the carries, a bruiser is needed. In particular, the Raiders need a pounder to convert short yardage. Williams could live exclusively within that framework and thrive in that role. For one thing, every drafted back doesn’t need to have lead back characteristics. Oakland needs a guy to do the dirty work.
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