LA Rams fans are going to love that power running of Kyren Williams

Drafting for tomorrow, today?

The LA Rams may not need another body in their running back room. But this team needs someone to push the entire group for playing time. Williams, despite the fact that he is a rookie, will certainly deliver on that point, perhaps even pushing feature RB Cam Akers for the top rusher spot.

Williams is the exact opposite of Jacob Harris. He is not tall, not particularly swift, and yet he is so meticulously prepared to perform on that football field when the pads go on. In just three seasons with Notre Dame, and in just 26 games, he has carried the football 419 times for 2,153 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground. But he is nearly as effective as a receiver, catching 78 passes for 675 yards and four touchdowns.

And yes, he was even involved in special teams, as both a punt returner and a kick returner. So have we landed our backup to ST specialist Brandon Powell? Perhaps.

Reading draft profiles on RB Kyren Williams show absolutely no consensus. On claims poor pass blocking but great running and receiver. Another says great pass blocker but no threat to run outside and a tendency to fumble.

From what I’ve witnessed so far is a smaller running back who is built like a fireplug and is almost impossible to bring down. Either he simply outclassed opposing defenses consistently, or he truly has a special drive and fire that makes him a far better player than his measurements might lead you to believe. I tend to think it’s more of the latter.

After 2021, I know better than to look for Williams to contribute early in the season. But I do think between special teams and all that he offers on offense, he will push some of his teammates hard for playing time, and perhaps even for a roster spot. If Williams can stay healthy, show steady development, and demonstrate an improving understanding of the offense, he will make things uncomfortable for his teammates. That is particularly true if any running backs are injured during training camp.