During the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos were slated to select 40th overall. First-year GM George Paton knew if he was going to get his guy, he had to be aggressive. With the Miami Dolphins possibly staring down Javonte Willams with the 36th pick, Paton made a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Paton swapped picks 40 & 114 in favor of 35 and 219 to select running back, Javonte Williams, North Carolina.
Some Denver Broncos fans question this pick, but I get it. Bringing in a strong, physical, and well-balanced back like Williams will certainly make the Broncos’ offense better. I like the pick and love the player.
Who wouldn’t like this pick?
Royce Freeman shouldn’t like this pick.
Current RB1 Melvin Gordon should be here to stay, as he is in the final year of his $16 million contract. Mike Boone was also brought into the Broncos’ running back room via free agency, and was hand-selected by Paton.
Gordon and Boone are safe; is Freeman? With this selection, I think the Broncos should look to move Freeman for a late day 3 selection if possible.
If unable to move Freeman, Paton should keep him around as possible in case of injury to one of the top three backs. Having four running backs on the active 53 isn’t ideal, and he certainly would be claimed if demoted to the practice squad.
For whatever reason, if a team inquired I would not hesitate to try to move Gordon to a running back needy team.
As far as Williams, he will thrive in a Pat Shurmur schemed offense. His rushing attack is predicated on a big, tackling bouncing back. He is just as good at catching the ball out of the backfield and pass blocking as he is running.
Many actually have Williams as RB1 in this class, and I actually mocked Williams to the Broncos at the 40th overall in my official mock draft. Williams will start as 1B in the running back room, but I can certainly see a scenario where he even pushed Melvin Gordon.
Denver Broncos trade up for Javonte Williams in second round
The Denver Broncos traded up five spots in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft for North Carolina running back Javonte Williams.
Welcome to Broncos Country Javonte Williams!