The Denver Broncos waited all day, but they couldn’t wait any longer for North Carolina running back Javonte Williams. General manager George Paton struck a trade with the Atlanta Falcons to move up five spots in the second round, and the Broncos got their guy.
With the 35th pick, the Denver Broncos selected North Carolina running back Javonte Williams.
After letting Phillip Lindsay walk in free agency, this pick was an absolute necessity for the Broncos and there are some who feel like Williams was the best running back in the class, even over first-round picks Najee Harris and Travis Etienne (Steelers, Jaguars respectively).
The Broncos traded up from No. 40 to No. 35 because they didn't think RB Javonte Williams would get past No. 36 Miami, per source.
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) April 30, 2021
Dolphins used No. 36 pick on Oregon safety Jevon Holland. #9sports
Javonte Williams is an absolute stud who could be the Denver Broncos’ primary running back as soon as 2022. Melvin Gordon is under contract for the 2021 season, but he’s a free agent in 2022.
We’ll see if George Paton decides to move on from Gordon after the season, but for the time being, the Denver Broncos have a very potent 1-2 punch at the running back position. Williams is a wrecking ball.
This past season at North Carolina, Williams rushed for over 1,100 yards, 19 touchdowns, over seven yards per carry, and three receiving touchdowns in the 2020 season.
And that was working in tandem with fellow likely day two draft selection Michael Carter.
Williams is a powerful back who can do a little bit of everything. He doesn’t have blazing 4.4 speed, but he makes people miss in his own unique way, typically by running straight through them.
This is a guy with serious burst, explosiveness, and tackle-breaking abilities.
He’s going to be a big-time asset to a Denver Broncos offense that already includes a ton of talent at the skill positions, but now you add a second running back who gives you three-down abilities and is a legitimate receiver out of the backfield.
That was a huge point of contention with Phillip Lindsay. Although Lindsay thought he didn’t get enough opportunities, over the course of three seasons, teams learned to stack the box when he was in the game because the threat of throwing to him simply wasn’t there.
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With Javonte Williams, this is not a guy you want your defensive backs having to tackle in space. He’s going to knock people out.