In the 2nd round of the 2021 NFL draft the Denver Broncos select Javonte Williams from the University of North Carolina. Those words changed the young running backs life forever. Those words also gave me a feeling of joy because you know my mind always is on the Fantasy Football grind.
“Pookie” dominated the college football level with his many traits, most notably as a physical runner. He led the country in broken tackles and made defenders look foolish on nearly half of there first attempts at him. There is so much more to his game then just knocking dudes socks off. His vision is beyond his years and seemingly knows how to find the right whole. He is smooth in between his blockers which translated to 7.3 YPC last season. He was dynamic last season as a ball carrier as well as a a receiver and run blocker.Half of the battle is being a skillful player in the NFL but where players often take it to the next level is team fit/need and going to Bronco Country is what really has sold me.
Broncos rushing attack between Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay was mediocre at best. Gordon who was once one of the top backs drafted in Fantasy has now faded far from that role, but still is productive. Just south of 1,000 yards last season and 9 scores placed Gordon as a RB2. Gordon had his highest workload in nearly 3 years and now will be closing in at the daunting age of 28 (get that dude a wheelchair).
This 1-2 punch scenario of Gordon and Williams makes all the sense in the world. Gordon will not have to be used so heavily which should mitigate possible injuries or tiring down the stretch. Broncos could push the young man heavy as he has fresh treads on those Michelin’s.
I have Williams projected as a fantastic RB3 this season with RB2 potential but where he really gets me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside is in Dynasty/keeper leagues. Down the road we might be speaking of the best RB and Fantasy RB in the 2021 draft. Melvin Gordon’s contract expires after this season and the reigns to the chariot will be Williams to handle. The Broncos certainly will have the QB situation figured out by the latest next year one way or another.
The rookie has minimal weaknesses and is set up in a great system. The Broncos clearly have struggles on the offensive line but the playmaking talent around him will have defenses worrying about multiple problems. Now let us all pray that discount double check makes his arrival to Denver sooner rather then later.