SmashMouth

According to his draft profile

A 5th round pick in 2016

5'11 220lbs
4.59 40
4.29 short shuttle
6.97 3 cone

Strengths

Loose hips and quick feet are his calling card. Crafty with outstanding lateral movement to side*step tacklers in the backfield, in the hole and on the second level. Light feet allow for immediate actions and reactions when needed. Forced 44 missed tackles in 2014. Has excellent instincts. Great feel through the hole maintaining distance from tacklers and finds the best running lane possible most of the time. Limited tread *wear with just 406 carries at Arkansas. Sets up his blocks well and runs with good balance through contact and an ability to run through arm tackles. Played in physical running game and will finish runs stronger than most slashing backs. Dependable in short yardage with the fortitude for short yardage situations. Three-down running back with soft hands out of the backfield. Willing to do his part in pass protection.

Weaknesses

Needs to play with consistent burst and decisiveness. Spoiled between massive Arkansas offensive line that blew open gaping lanes that he won't see in the pros. Against Georgia (2014), made bad decisions to break inside runs outside because lanes were tighter than usual. At times, got too cute in the hole rather than planting and bursting upfield. Thin calves. Could use a little more thickness in his legs. Missed entire 2015 season after surgery to repair a left foot injury in August. Must get better at protecting football at point of impact. Lost five fumbles in 2014.

NFL Comparison
T.J. Yeldon

Bottom Line

Has enough size, heart and talent to be a three-down running back, but was a proven commodity as a fresh runner in a committee approach at Arkansas. Williams is one of the more creative runners in tight quarters that you will find in this draft, but teams won't have to sacrifice too much toughness in order to take advantage of his slashing style. Williams' physicals at the combine will be huge since teams are justifiably concerned when the long term health of running backs who sustain foot injuries.