And here’s the running back we were all promised. The Green Bay Packers selected BYU’s Jamaal Williams with their second fourth-round pick.
Williams was productive when he was on the field for Cougars throughout his college career. In 2016, he turned in 1,375 yards (5.9 per carry) and 12 TDs in 10 games. Over his four-year career, Williams averaged 5.4 per carry.
A four-year starter, Williams has also shown the ability to contribute in the passing game. Although there wasn’t much production there afterward, Williams caught 27 balls for 315 yards as a freshman.
All of those numbers look real nice. However, Williams has had off-the-field issues and hasn’t always been able to stay healthy. In terms of the former, he decided to sit out 2015 for personal reasons. In 2014, he was suspended for violating team rules on multiple occasions. In terms of the latter, Williams has missed games with ankle and knee injuries.
The knock on the guy — other than what we just mentioned — is he can’t create yards for himself. That said, he should be a good fit for the Packers’ zone blocking scheme — he’s a make-a-move-and-go-type runner.
And, we’ll again point out that you don’t need to draft a back in the first round to find a good back.
NFL.com says: His NFL size (6’0″, 212) and physical nature give him a shot to make the back-end of the running back depth chart, but his inability to create for himself with broken tackles and elusiveness puts a ceiling on his draft value.
It is easy to have off field issues at BYU. That shouldn’t be a big concern. He looks like he doesn’t fumble and he is willing to pass protect. Not overly speedy or a lot of wiggle but is decisive in planting his foot and getting as many yards as possible without bouncing to the outside and losing yards.
Non Mormon, had to sign an honor code to get into BYU. As you stated doesnt take much to get suspended… i think it was for drinking and “having sex”….
Q: How did Dandy Jim McMahon ever make it through thst program..?
Found this Interesting story….
I think the kid’s legit, if he stays healthy
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865678865/Former-BYU-running-back-Jamaal-Williams-selected-by-Green-Bay-Packers-in-fourth-round-of-2017-NFL.html
Thanks for sharing the article. They looked the other way with McMahon. How did BYU ever win a national championship? I have a hard time watching there games because of that travesty, but do see some. The Taysom kid who GB signed as a free agent is a very good QB but probably has the knees of a seventy year old retired NFL player.
Yeah, it’s a violation to have a girl in your dorm room at BYU. Unless you are married to them. Then you can have six of them.
James Starks V2.0
Hoping more like Ahman Green..
40 yard dash times:
Jamaal Williams 4.59 sec
James Starks 4.50 sec
Ahman Green 4.17 sec (before electronic timer)
I think the comparison to James Starks might be a good one. Or maybe Ryan Grant, if he’s faster than his 40 time indicates. Remember Starks ran for more than 1200 yards in two seasons, more than Eddie Lacy ever ran.
I like this pick, I think he’ll be starting by mid season.
Correction Grant ran for more than 1200 yards in two seasons.
He runs tough. I liked watching him play but always root against goddam BYU