Rookie Scouting Profile: RB Kyren Williams

Kyren Williams (RB) Notre Dame

Height	Weight	40-Time	DOB	NFL Draft	Dynasty ADP	NFL Comp
5-9	199	4.65	08/26/2000	3-4	2.09-3.03	James White

College Production

Williams distinguished himself as one of the best backs in the country over the past two seasons. He has posted consecutive seasons with over 1,000 yards rushing, 300 yards receiving, and double-digit touchdowns. After displaying three-down back ability with obvious talent as a pass-catcher posting 1,125 yards on the ground, 313 yards through the air, and 13 TDs the previous season. In 2021, he rushed for 1,002 yards with 14 touchdowns and tacked on 359 yards through the air.

Strengths

Special in the passing game. Well rounded, with solid hands and profiles as a great route runner.
Very shifty and excellent twitch.
Team leader both on and off the field.
Three-down ability despite lack of size.
Willing to accept any role as an offensive weapon. Can run between the tackles or line up in the slot.
Manages to find his way out of trouble and make something out of nothing.

Weaknesses

Lacks outstanding acceleration out of cuts and is much more quick than explosive.
Despite willingness, lacks the size to break tackles and push piles.
Has dealt with fumbling issues.
More burst on the inside than when getting to the corner.

Fantasy Outlook

Williams displays a lot of the traits NFL teams are looking for especially as a pass-catcher. Because of this despite me projecting him as a third-rounder, he could sneak into the end of Round 2. I would be surprised if he’s still on the board Day 3, though. His player comp is Austin Ekeler and if lands in the right spot, there is no reason he can’t do everything he has done and more.

Initially, he will be viewed primarily as a PPR asset. Nevertheless, he may surprise fantasy owners as he has the ability to be much more. With that said, his pass-catching ability is special. He is much further ahead than most college running backs with his route running abilities and has the hands to finish off the run.

BONUS

From what I could tell, nobody in the industry was higher on the potential of Kyren Williams than scout Ray Garvin (@RayGQue on Twitter). Here’s what he had to say after the miserable 4.65-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine.

The tape doesn’t lie Kyren can play. He showed that he can be effective not only on the ground but in the receiving game, but unfortunately his size and lack of athleticism was on full-display at the NFL combine. At this point if a team take a shot on him at some point in the draft I’ll be back in as a mid-round rookie dart throw…but if not I won’t have any Kyren on my dynasty rosters.