Greg Cosell’s Draft Preview: A sleeper at running back (Podcast)
I think more people would be talking about my No. 2 running back in this draft if he had actually played in 2015.
Jonathan Williams of Arkansas was out all last season with a foot injury. And that medical history is a concern, and I don’t know what the team doctors are saying about him now; all I know is what I see from him on tape during the 2014 season. And it’s impressive.
I see a back who is quicker laterally than Ezekiel Elliott, and may be more naturally powerful. He is a classic I-formation back with the overall skill set to thrive in an NFL run game. He has foundation back traits. Williams is an excellent prospect with all the skills demanded to function well in an NFL environment.
Williams has good size, at 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, and is very effective running inside. He showed the ability to get through small cracks at the point of attack with decisiveness and short area burst, and that is critical for an NFL back. There won’t be large holes for NFL backs most times, they have to create them.
I have Elliott as the top back in the draft, like everyone else. Derrick Henry is an interesting back, but I think he needs to find the right scheme fit. I don’t have that issue with WIlliams. I think he can fit in any scheme he’s drafted to. As long as he can stay healthy, I like his NFL future.
On the second episode of “The Shutdown” podcast, I discussed in depth many of the running backs in this class, and the wide receivers and tight ends as well. There’s much more on Williams, Elliott, Henry and that entire group, as well as much more on my top two receivers in this class, Laquon Traadwell and Josh Doctson. (If you missed the first episode, with a breakdown of the quarterback class of this draft, you’ll find it in this post.)
PREVIOUS NFL DRAFT PREVIEWS FROM GREG COSELL
Comparing Carson Wentz to Andrew Luck is valid
Jared Goff’s strengths and flaws
Laquon Treadwell’s NFL WR comparisons
The case for Josh Doctson as draft’s No. 1 receiver
Ezekiel Elliott’s NFL transition
Derrick Henry needs the right scheme fit
Joey Bosa can do it all
Carson Wentz fitz Rams best (Podcast)
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NFL analyst and NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell watches as much NFL game film as anyone. Throughout the season, Cosell will join Shutdown Corner to share his observations on the teams, schemes and personnel from around the league.
