The Denver Broncos were a team that many expected to look at a running back at some point in the draft, but few saw them taking one in the second round.
After the first few picks of the second round were made, the Broncos chose to trade up with the Atlanta Falcons to select North Carolina running back Javonte Williams. Broncos fans are going to love this pick.
Broncos traded away their fourth round pick (No. 114) to Atlanta move up 5 spots in 2nd round. They also get 6th round pick back from Atlanta. So Broncos traded away 4th (Javonte Williams) and 6th round (Bridgewater) in last 48 hours. Get a 6th round back. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) April 30, 2021
Willams is a decisive runner that gives maximum effort on every run. He can be a bowling ball of sorts, running right through defenders and carrying them for extra yardage.
In terms of how he fits with the Broncos, he will get his chances early and often as Melvin Gordon is listed as the starter but in all likelihood, his best days as a pro are likely behind him. With Williams now on the roster, Gordon could become a placeholder.
Williams will be the team’s starting running back to begin his second year in the league, at absolute worst. After losing Phillip Lindsay this offseason, Williams is a great replacement in that area and should be a guy that gets his chances early and often this coming season.
The selection of Williams is one that could mean the days of Royce Freeman in Denver could be numbered.
Grading the pick
It would be easy to dislike this pick, as the running back position as a whole has been devalued greatly over the years. As a result, many fans will see using a second-round pick on a running back, particularly one in which you had to trade up for, as too early.
Personally, I love the move. Clearly, Williams was a guy who George Paton coveted and the team didn’t give up a ton to make the move happen.
There will also be those who feel a linebacker should have been the pick (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was still on the board) and that is a legitimate argument. That said, the Broncos needed to focus on the offensive side of the ball at some point and this addition is a solid one.
Grade: B+