Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Joe Williams (Utah) - 2017 NFL Draft Pick #121 by SF

---

Pre-Draft Analysis: Joe Williams - RB - Utah

Overview:

Joe Williams emerged as a dynamic running back during his time at the University of Utah. Known for his speed and agility, he displayed the ability to break tackles and make explosive plays. His breakout season in 2016, where he rushed for over 1,400 yards, caught the attention of NFL scouts and analysts.

Strengths:

• Speed: Williams possesses excellent straight-line speed, allowing him to outrun defenders in the open field.
• Vision: He demonstrates good field vision, enabling him to find running lanes and make quick decisions.
• Elusiveness: His agility and quick cuts make him difficult to tackle, often allowing him to evade defenders.
• Pass Catching: Williams has shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, adding versatility to his skill set.

Weaknesses:

• Injury History: Williams had a history of injuries in college, which raised concerns about his durability at the professional level.
• Blocking Skills: His pass protection skills were considered a work in progress, which could limit his playing time on passing downs.
• Consistency: While he had standout performances, there were games where he struggled to find his rhythm.

Overall Assessment:

Joe Williams was viewed as an intriguing prospect with the potential to be a productive NFL running back. His combination of speed, agility, and ability to catch passes made him a valuable asset for teams looking for a versatile back. However, concerns regarding his injury history and blocking skills led to a more cautious evaluation from some teams. He was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the draft, depending on how teams assessed his potential versus his injury concerns.