After a pair of 1000-yard seasons at Notre Dame, Kyren Williams enters the 2022 NFL Draft. He looks to become the first Irish running back selected since 2019. Williams also holds an outside shot at being a day 2 pick. The last Notre Dame running back to go in the first two days was C.J. Prosise, in 2016. Here’s what to know about Williams entering the draft, his best NFL team fit, and a prediction for where he goes.
Kyren Williams Strengths
If and when Williams finds a home in the NFL, there are some major non-statistical measures that will help him. One such strength is blitz pickup. Throughout his career, Williams displayed a fantastic ability to pick up extra blitzes and protect his quarterback. He couples that with impressive versatility as a receiving back. Down the stretch, this is going to make Williams a desirable and potent third-down back. He can stay in as extra protection, or be used in the slot or screen pass game, giving an offense multiple looks.
Physically, Williams runs hard and quick, breaking tackles and displaying quick lateral movement to get to the edge and hit gaps. Despite not jaw-dropping physical numbers, Williams never seems to get caught in the open field, breaking off a host of long runs.
Kyren Williams Weaknesses
The concerns are largely physical with Williams. His Combine testing did not impress. Interestingly, Williams didn’t do any of the shuttle testing, which may have been where his lateral quickness thrived. However, Williams’ film does display a few concerns. He’s good at getting into space, but his running is based around cuts that leave defenders grasping at air. Against stronger, more talented tacklers, Williams must improve his burst and explosiveness out of these cuts.
NFL teams will also want to see improved ball security. Although he only lost two, Williams fumbled the ball eight times over the past two seasons. That’s a bit of a concerning development that could affect his draft stock.
Best 2022 Game Film: North Carolina
This decision came down to the UNC and USC. That two-game stretch was Williams’ best of the year. He carried 47 times for 337 yards. Against UNC, Williams toted the rock 22 times for 199 yards. This game got the nod not only for the tough running that Williams displayed but also for his highlight-reel 91-yard touchdown run. That play displays why maybe the concerns about Williams’ speed and power are overstated. Williams delivers a violent stiff-arm in the backfield, beats his defender to the edge, and then outraces the UNC defense to the end zone. Williams runs with grit that seemingly outweighs his quantitative measurables.
Worst 2022 Game Film: Wisconsin
There were certainly some lowlights in 2021 for Williams. If it was based on pure rushing ability, the nod may have gone to Florida State. Williams struggled immensely to find gaps in that game, averaging 2.3 yards per carry. However, he impacted the game heavily as a receiver, which is why the focus here is on Wisconsin.
At Soldier Field, Williams averaged 1.8 yards per carry and didn’t notch a single reception. It was the only time in the past two years that Williams didn’t catch a pass. Wisconsin boasts an elite-run defense, and that certainly showed some of Williams’ weaknesses. Much can be attributed to the offensive line. However, against a great tackling defense, Williams couldn’t find a second gear to break off any big gains. His longest run was seven yards. Williams also fumbled in the contest, so this game is definitely a microcosm of the overall concerns scouts have entering the draft.
Best Fit: New England Patriots
This fit feels logical. Bill Belichick loves his versatile backs, and the Patriots have already met with Williams. Williams also feels like a pass-protection upgrade over current New England options. The Pats have a few running backs in the fold, but only one under contract through 2022, so a day 3 pick on Williams makes some decent sense. Learning from one of the best coaches in history on a playoff-caliber roster with quality running backs is a good set-up for Kyren Williams and his long-term success.
Prediction: New York Jets, Round 5, Pick 3 (146th overall)
The Jets have a lot of needs and nine draft picks in the first five rounds. Running back won’t be an early priority, but they don’t necessarily have a long-term answer for the position. That early fifth-round slot feels about right for Williams’ value. Williams would be a nice young talent to give Zach Wilson some versatile options on the offense, and a solid pickup for New York.
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