Kyren Williams continues to be underestimated, and Rams fans can only ask why

Despite averaging a fifth-place ranking over the past three seasons in rushing yards, Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams continues to be grossly underestimated, overlooked, and perhaps even disrespected. That much was proven true in PFF's recent running back rankings.

In a list 32 names long, Williams just cracked the top 10. Part of the reason could be that he is not as much of a receiver as three players ranked in the top four, namely Bijan Robinson (first), Jahmyr Gibbs (second), and Christian McCaffrey (fourth). The thing is, though, running backs catching passes are not protecting their quarterbacks.

Because Williams is so adept at picking up blitzers, he is simply not tasked as a pass-catcher all that often. Still, last season he contributed a solid 36 catches for 281 yards and three scores. He boasts a 74 percent career catch rate. Over the past three seasons, he has eight receiving touchdowns to go with 36 rushing.

But in PFF's eyes, Williams isn't worthy of more than tenth place. Hmm.

Kyren Williams remains ground zero of opportunistic Rams offense

The Rams selected Williams out of Notre Dame in Round 5 of the 2022 NFL Draft. Of the dozens of backs taken in the past four draft classes, fans would be hard-pressed to find many who are more deserving of recognition than Williams, much less a fellow Day 3 prospect.

Since 2023, Williams has averaged over 1,200 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns per year. And that's merely 10th-best? Who's kidding whom?

Williams is not the biggest running back. He is hardly the fastest. And yet, he has been one of LA's most prolific playmakers. And he does so without drama, protest, or spotlight-hogging. Williams is the epitome of an NFL professional. Perhaps his lower draft position is why his worth seems to be perennially underestimated.

Fans understand that rankings drive emotional stakes through their hearts. They know not to take the myriad comparisons too seriously. But even after Los Angeles rerouted a significant portion of carries to backup Blake Corum, Williams remained solidly entrenched among the NFL's best volume producers.

And therein lies the rub. Despite the Rams' ever-transforming offense, Williams remains a main cog of the machinery. In this day and age, few running backs are that important to their teams. Williams is among the few, and he warrants recognition as such.

As always, thanks for reading.

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