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Arizona still has a hole to potentially fill in alongside Chase Edmonds at running back – here are some ways they can do that.
The Arizona Cardinals still have a few glaring holes on the roster, though Steve Keim has said they will not panic in terms of filling out the roster. One of those holes is at running back.
There are many ways they can “not panic” to fill their need at running back, even with them saying that they think that Chase Edmonds can handle the load.
Here are a few ways that they can do that:
Do running backs still matter? They do in the draft, and here are the 11 best in the 2021 NFL draft class.
When we say that “Running backs don’t matter” in today’s NFL, I would opine that the more accurate slogan would be, “Running backs don’t matter if they don’t give an offense clear and definable traits and attributes.” It’s a bit clunkier, and you’re not going to see it on a T-shirt, but the running backs who come into the NFL with skill sets to help their professional offenses hit a different level will always be valuable, no matter how fungible backs may been seen at any given time.
Look at the running backs selected in the first round since 2016. That gives us a five-year view, and in that five years, the majority of NFL offenses have moved further and further away from the running back as the force multiplier of an offense. Eight backs have been taken in the first round in that time, and outside of Ezekiel Elliott, Christian McCaffrey, and Saquon Barkley, they haven’t been bellwether guys. Moreover, McCaffrey and Barkley have seen their overall value diminished due to injuries, and before Dak Prescott got hurt last season, the Cowboys were doing everything possible to put the offense in Prescott’s hands.
So, maybe it’s smarter to target the backs in later rounds who you think can accentuate what you want to accomplish schematically and philosophically. Few backs have been more valuable to their teams — in very different ways — than Derrick Henry and Alvin Kamara. Well, the Titans, who took Henry in the second round of the 2016 draft, want to beat you up and take your lunch money. Henry is the perfect back for that. Conversely, Sean Payton prefers his backs to be multi-positional tone-setters, and Kamara has proven to be the logical extension of Reggie Bush in Payton’s playbook. Which made him a ridiculous bargain in the third round of the 2017 draft.
The Seahawks got Chris Carson, their zone power back, in the seventh round of the 2017 draft, and the Packers took Aaron Jones in the fifth round that same year — which was before we understood what a perfect fit he’d be as a more versatile player in Matt LaFleur’s offense. Former head coach and offensive shot-caller Mike McCarthy didn’t understand Jones’ value, but LaFleur saw it right away.
Moving to the 2021 draft class of running backs, there’s a lot of specific talent here, and let’s not diminish any of these guys just because they’re not 300-carry dominators. Look closer and see just how they can help specific offenses.
How they can, in effect, matter.
Note: The percentiles in parentheses listed next to pro day data are compared to all historical athletic testing (combine and pro day) at the respective position of the player. Kudos to Pro Football Focus, and their Pro Day Schedule and Results Tracker, for this. As there was no scouting combine in 2021, and pro day schedules vary, we may not have all testing information for all prospects at publication time.
North Carolina’s Javonte Williams should blossom in the right setting.
North Carolina running back Javonte Williams‘ violent rushing style will earn him a place on NFL and fantasy football rosters in no time. He thrashes through defenders and brings an all-around game that is arguably the most versatile of any incoming rookie prospect.
A prep linebacker turned running back, the high school valedictorian isn’t all brawn. Williams’ heady ways will attract plenty of suitors at the next level. The Tar Heels utilized him as a true freshman, and Williams would go on to earn AP second-team All-American and second-team All-ACC honors as a junior in 2020 while sharing the backfield with Michael Carter.
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 220 pounds
40 time: 4.58 seconds
Williams may not be the fastest back, but neither was Frank Gore (also ran 4.58-second 40), and he turned out okay. Even though Williams may not be drafted as the highest running back taken in 2021’s NFL Draft, he certainly could prove to be the most effective out of the gates for fantasy football purposes.
Table: Javonte Williams NCAA stats (2018-20)
|
Year
|
School
|
Class
|
Gm*
|
Rushing
|
Receiving
|
||||||
|
Att
|
Yds
|
Avg
|
TD
|
Rec
|
Yds
|
Avg
|
TD
|
||||
|
2018
|
North Carolina |
FR
|
10
|
43
|
224
|
5.2
|
5
|
8
|
58
|
7.3
|
0
|
|
2019
|
North Carolina |
SO
|
13
|
166
|
933
|
5.6
|
5
|
17
|
176
|
10.4
|
1
|
|
2020
|
North Carolina |
JR
|
11
|
157
|
1,140
|
7.3
|
19
|
25
|
305
|
12.2
|
3
|
|
Career
|
366
|
2,297
|
6.3
|
29
|
50
|
539
|
10.8
|
4
|
|||
*includes postseason/bowl games
Williams led all NCAA rushers in missed tackles and finished fourth in yards after contact in 2020, per Pro Football Focus. He was second in attempts of 15 or more yards gained.
Sharing time during his three years at North Carolina prepared him for the modern NFL’s penchant for splitting workloads and compartmentalizing backfield chores. His versatility will allow for scheme flexibility, but any team serious about drafting Williams must predominantly value his smashmouth nature.
Williams could be a victim of a de-emphasis on his position and an extremely deep class at quarterback and wide receiver, pushing his draft stock below where it should be based on his merits. A likely draft placement is the early second round is still more than respectable, although Williams is deserving of spot among the top 32 players, regardless of position.
There’s a small chance Williams could make his way into the late first round. Either way, there will be a host of teams interested in his services atop the second round. Miami jumps out as a likely landing spot, provided it doesn’t invest a first-rounder in Travis Etienne or Najee Harris. The same can be said for the New York Jets.
The Jets (34th overall), Atlanta Falcons (35th), Miami Dolphins (36th), Denver Broncos (40th) and the New York Giants (42nd) are the most viable landing spots, if he escapes the first round.
In 2021’s fantasy season, Williams has a range of high-end backup all the way up to Rookie of the Year contender. Any of the aforementioned teams present more than enough touches to make him a No. 2 option with the right matchups.
Based on touch potential alone, the Jets and Falcons offer the most volume opportunity to become a bell cow. In Miami or Denver, he’d have more offensive stability but a pronounced role share. Over the long haul, Williams should be among the most coveted backs in upcoming dynasty/keeper drafts.
New Orleans Saints position coaches were sent to scout 2021 NFL draft prospects like UNC RB Javonte Williams and Miami DE Jaelan Phillips.
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The pro day circuit for 2021 NFL draft prospects is in full swing, with coaches and scouts from around the country visiting college campuses to get a close look at this year’s upcoming rookie class. That’s true of the New Orleans Saints, too; college scouting director Jeff Ireland was recently seen at Notre Dame, while head coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis were in Alabama.
But it’s not just the big names living on the road this time of year. Position coaches and regional scouts are out and about, too. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported that Saints running backs coach Joel Thomas was in North Carolina, where prospects Javonte Williams and Michael Carter tore up the turf. Williams measured respectable explosion and agility times, though his long speed in the 40 yard dash was unremarkable. Carter didn’t move the needle until he hit the agility drills, where he really shined. Either of them could be in play in the second or third rounds.
Meanwhile, the Athletic’s Manny Navarro reported that New Orleans defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen was sent to Miami’s pro day to survey a crowded field including Jaelan Phillips, Gregory Rousseau, Quincy Roche, and 2019 prospect Chigozie Nnoruka (who wasn’t drafted after his pro day was canceled in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic).
Phillips was maybe the best Hurricanes prospect for Nielsen to scout, measuring as one of the best athletes at the position since 1987. Phillips started his college career at UCLA, where he was injured in a car crash and later suffered a concussion, temporarily hanging up his cleats before transferring cross-country to Miami. He bagged 9 sacks, 4 hits, and 29 hurries (plus 3 pass deflections) on just 286 pass-rush snaps per Pro Football Focus last year. He’s a first-round prospect if his medicals check out.
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While considered a bigger more physical back, Williams and Edmonds are very similarly built and had similar testing numbers for the NFL draft.
Many Arizona Cardinals fans would like to see the team add a running back to complement Chase Edmonds, who is currently slated to be the starter in 2021. Many feel a bigger, potentially more physical runner would be a good fit.
Some look at North Carolina running back Javonte Williams as that guy.
After all look at this stat — no other running back in college football forced more missed tackles than the 76 he forced last season.
Most missed tackles forced on runs last season
💥 Javonte Williams – 76
pic.twitter.com/9c9C5BVEui— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) March 27, 2021
Seems like a good fit.
However, Williams’ and Edmonds’ physical traits and athletic are much more similar than you might think.
Here are the numbers from Williams’ pro day and Edmonds’ from the combine in 2018.
Height
Williams: 5-foot-9 5/8
Edmonds: 5-foot-9 1/8
Weight
Williams: 212 pounds
Edmonds: 205 pounds
Williams was listed at North Carolina at 220 pounds and Edmonds is now listed at 210.
40-yard dash
Williams: 4.55 seconds
Edmonds: 4.55 seconds
3-cone drill
Williams: 6.93 seconds
Edmonds: 6.79 seconds
20-yard short shuttle
Williams: 4.09 seconds
Edmonds: 4.07 seconds
Vertical leap
Williams: 36 inches
Edmonds: 34 inches
Broad jump
Williams: 10-3
Edmonds: 10-2
Bench press
Williams: 22 reps at 225 lbs.
Edmonds: 19 reps at 225 lbs.
While the tape might show two different types of runners, both backs are built similarly and are very similar athletically.
It is something to consider as we project who might be the best fit with Edmonds in the backfield.
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Eagles sent RB coach to UNC pro day to scout Javonte Williams and Michael Carter
Teams who sent their RBs coach to UNC for Javonte Williams and Michael Carter's pro day: Cardinals, Panthers, Bears, Jaguars, Cowboys, Broncos, Lions, Dolphins, Saints, Eagles and Steelers
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 29, 2021
The Eagles have 11 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft and could have another 11 more when the 2022 selections process rolls around.
The Eagles have needs on their roster and young explosive players from the ACC could help the rebuild move quicker.
Miles Sanders needs a running mate and the Eagles like to run the ball with a committee approach to the position.
So it shouldn’t be surprising that Philadelphia was amongst the team in Chapel Hill for North Carolina’s pro day.
There, running backs coach, Jemal Singleton had a first-hand look at the duo of Javonte Williams and Michael Carter.
Williams gets most of the attention, but he and Carter both helped solidify UNC’s vaunted one-two punch in the backfield.
The Tarheels averaged 236 rushing yards (11th-highest average in FBS) and 2.9 rushing touchdowns per game (fifth-highest).
Carter finished the season with 1,5112 total scrimmage yards to Williams’s 1,445.
Williams led all Tarheels in scoring, logging 22 touchdowns from scrimmage — the fourth-most in the FBS for the 2020 season.
Williams ranks as the No. 32 ranked prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s latest top-50 rankings, while Carter failed to crack the top-50.
Carter could be an option for the Eagles, who’ll eventually have to address Mile Sanders’ looming contract situation.
Sanders needs some help in the backfield and the former second-round pick only has two-years left on his deal and the Eagles will need to address his future at some point.
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North Carolina running back Javonte Williams is a tackle-breaking machine, making him one of the best runners in the 2021 NFL draft
Most missed tackles forced on runs last season
💥 Javonte Williams – 76
pic.twitter.com/9c9C5BVEui— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) March 27, 2021
If you’re an opposing defender with hopes of tackling a running back, you’d better hope that running back isn’t North Carolina’s Javonte Williams.
One of the top prospects at the position in this year’s class, Williams was a nightmare for would-be tacklers last season, leading the nation in making defenders miss on running plays (per Pro Football Focus).
Williams is a dark-horse candidate to come off the board in the first round, but if any team is lucky enough to land him on Day 2, they’ll quickly fall in love with his physical running style and three-down skill set.
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In this NFL mock draft, the Arizona Cardinals’ priorities are trade back and address CB, RB and TE.
We have another week of free agency in the books and the Arizona Cardinals have nailed down a No. 1 cornerback, having agreed to a one-year deal with Malcolm Butler. How will this move affect the Cardinals’ strategy in the NFL draft next month?
We have a new mock draft simulation that goes a full seven rounds.
As with each simulation I have done in the last few weeks, it is to try and play out different scenarios with different priorities.
In this one, the goal is to trade back and address cornerback, running back and tight end. There are two trades to move back and the Cardinals go from having six picks to 10 overall.
Let’s go through the trades and the picks.
This simulation prioritizes cornerback, running back and tight end for the Cardinals since they have made no moves at those positions.
The Arizona Cardinals have made a few moves in free agency, setting themselves up with different needs in the NFL draft than before. They have also traded away their third-round pick as part of the deal to acquire center Rodney Hudson.
With that in mind, it is time to have another seven-round mock draft simulator.
In this one, we target the cornerback and running back positions in the first two rounds. There is a trade down in the second round to pick up a fourth-round pick as well.
Cornerback, running back and tight end become the priorities, although based on the available players, it doesn’t make sense to address tight end until the end of the draft.
Here is how this mock draft plays out.
While there are several great running backs in the 2021 class, the underrated Javonte Williams from North Carolina might just be the best.
Certain running backs don’t just know how to gain yards after contact; they’re actually emboldened in their playing style by the first attempted tackle. Walter Payton would go out of his way to initiate first contact with defenders — to beat the opponent to the punch. Jim Brown made those tackling attempts look comical more often than enemy defenses would prefer. Marshawn Lynch appeared to gain speed and power with every attempted stop.
It’s a valuable skill, and in the 2021 draft class, North Carolina’s Javonte Williams is unquestionably the most gifted in this area. In the 2020 season, Williams gained 1,140 yards and scored 19 touchdowns on just 157 carries as part of a loaded backfield that also included Michael Carter and his 156 carries for 1,245 yards and nine touchdowns. But Williams was the king of the splash play in that offense, and his ability to work his way out of contact was the primary reason.
Per Pro Football Focus, Williams forced 85 missed tackles in 2020 — 76 as a runner (the highest total in the country), and nine more as a receiver. And of all NCAA running backs in 2020, only Michael Carter — Williams’ backfield partner — had more rushing attempts of 15 or more yards than Williams’ 27 for 660 yards. There are other great backs in this class without question, but there may not be one who has combined Williams’ power, contact balance, and second-level explosiveness. And that makes him a highly attractive prospect. Mix in his development as a receiver (25 catches for 305 yards and three touchdowns), and you have an every-down back who seems poised to embarrass NFL defenses as he did to his collegiate rivals.
Perhaps the only universal concern expressed about Williams is that he “disappeared” in the Tar Heels’ game against Notre Dame on November 27, gaining just 28 yards on 11 carries. It’s a valid concern in the abstract, but the tape shows that the Fighting Irish were out for Williams whenever it looked as if he was going to get the ball — Notre Dame had a defense that allowed just 2.6 yards after contact per carry and just 30 broken tackles on the season, and set run blitzes in which the extra defenders were on Williams very quickly against an overmatched offensive line. When Notre Dame’s defense backed off, and Williams had any free space to run, he was still able to create positive plays.
North Carolina’s offensive line is a related matter to consider. Pro Football Focus graded that line 80th in the nation in run-blocking, and there are more than enough examples on tape in which Williams either creates on his own, or he gets very little.
Williams’ next marquee game — and his last as a college player — came on December 12, when North Carolina faced Miami. The Hurricanes did not come into that game with a great run defense, and both Carter and Williams exploited that for all it was worth. Carter gained 308 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns on 24 carries, and Williams gained 236 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns on 23 carries. Williams was able to go off in all possible ways.
Javonte Williams' contact balance, low center of gravity, agility, and overall fantastic athleticism is one of the many reasons why I love his RB draft class so much. pic.twitter.com/ObNSQRjr3j
— Sam (@samcrnic) January 31, 2021
#Tarheels running back Javonte Williams forced 84 missed tackles on 181 snaps. Want some wiggle? Go get him. pic.twitter.com/pt3KbXkNU3
— Brennan Sokowoski (@SokoNFL) January 29, 2021
As for his blocking? You could say that Williams gets fired up to lay the wood.
Javonte Williams doesn't even have the ball and he's still out there flattening people. pic.twitter.com/erIhU1SPvT
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) January 30, 2021
Williams will invariably be compared to Alabama’s Najee Harris, the other top-flight power back in this class. Harris also brings great short-area elusiveness to his game, and he may be a bit more well-rounded in the passing game, but he doesn’t present the same kind of home-run threat with deep speed — he’s more of a sustainer than that. Harris had 18 carries of 15 yards or more on 252 carries last season.
Where Harris reigned supreme was as an overall tackle-breaker — he forced 71 tackles as a runner and 22 tackles as a receiver. No other back in the nation came anywhere near Harris’ total in the passing game; Hawaii’s Calvin Turner and Toledo’s Bryant Koback tied for second with 13. But Harris also had far more open gaps to run through behind Alabama’s offensive line than Williams or Carter did behind their front five. PFF ranked Alabama 15th in run-blocking grade to North Carolina’s 80th.
That’s not to denigrate Harris, or any other back in this class. But when you merge the stats and the tape, you might just come away with the conclusion that there’s no running back in the 2021 draft class with more explosive potential than Javonte Williams.
