4. Javonte Williams, running back
The Denver Broncos will lean heavily on the running game in 2023 and a healthy Javonte Williams is imperative for success. Despite adding Samaje Perine to the mix who should help shoulder the load, Williams is also expected to play a good role in the rushing game. After tearing his ACL, PCL, and LCL it seemed impossible Williams would be a contributor for the beginning of the season or play in preseason.
He has defied all odds and looks absolutely incredible. In an interview with Patrick Chiotti and Chris Harris Jr., Terell Davis talks about Williams' recovery.
Hall of Famer @Terrell_Davis shares his advice to Javonte Williams on ‘Let’s Ride’ and what it feels like coming back from an injury as a running back.#denverbroncos pic.twitter.com/r5TXRgD2RE
— Bleav (@BleavNetwork) August 27, 2023
Sean Payton is “pleased” with where Javonte Williams is at now. Said next Monday he hopes to have an idea of what his play count will be for Week 1.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 30, 2023
Williams injured his leg in October but looks driven and determined to make the impossible become possible. He is one of the league’s best running backs in breaking tackles and making people miss. He’s a versatile weapon in the passing game as well. In preseason, Williams' play where he was split out wide and performed scramble drill to help Wilson is quite impressive to make that play with everything that happened in October.
It is certainly not out of the question Williams will be a 1,000-yard rusher, but with how Denver will commit to running with two or three running backs, Williams may not get there. He will be close though. The final area of improvement in adding Javonte back to the room is pass-blocking. One thing that made Williams such a viable draft sensation is because of his success in taking on a free rusher and winning his rep. If there is an underrated takeaway about how his knee holds up, blocking a safety blitz or pass rusher will certainly open eyes.