The Detroit Lions have struggled to find consistent production from their running backs since Barry Sanders retired after the 1998 season, which is why they selected Georgia back D’Andre Swift with the 35th overall pick in the 2020 draft. Swift had a valuable rookie season as a runner and as a receiver, scoring 10 touchdowns and amassing 878 total yards. But Adrian Peterson led the team with 156 carries and 604 rushing yards, which clearly points to the need for a younger “thunder” back to Swift’s “lightning.”
The Lions did just that when they agreed to terms with former Packers running back Jamaal Williams, who gained 1.985 yards on the ground and scored 10 rushing touchdowns on 500 carries over four seasons as Aaron Jones’ primary rotational buddy. He also caught 35 passes on 39 targets for 258 yards and two touchdowns.
Williams will be in another backfield with a similarly versatile option in Swift; the question is whether Williams can be the bellwether back the Lions need in crucial power situations. Detroit is taking a lowball risk on just that, as Williams will sign a two-year, $7.5 million deal when the new league year turns over on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Last season, on just 138 total attempts, Williams gained 593 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. But when you peel it back past the basic stats, a more interesting picture emerges. Per Pro Football Focus, Williams had 13 runs of 10 or more yards, four runs of 15 or more yards, was responsible for 36 first downs, gained 375 yards after contact, and forced 16 missed tackles.
This 13-yard touchdown run against the Bears in Week 13 shows Williams’ overall style. Green Bay is up 34-10, and Chicago is in Cover-0 (no deep safeties) because they know the run is coming. Williams blasts through the open gap and makes things very difficult for the Bears’ second-level defenders.
Williams isn’t a superstar, but he’s proven to be a valuable cog in a multi-dimensional run game, and he’ll do so in Detroit as a fairly major bargain.