2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ryan Williams
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Strengths:
Patient runner with vision
Hard for tacklers to get hands on
Runs north with power
Evades defenders to gain extra yardage
Has not been overused in college
Good character
Weaknesses: Undersized for feature role
Durability and ball security concerns
Missing breakaway speed
Only played 1 1/2 years
Pass protection needs work
Limited as receiving option
Summary: Ryan Williams took full advantage of teammate Darren Evans getting hurt in 2009, exploding as a redshirt freshman for 1,655 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. However, he was the one who broke down the following year with a balky hamstring limiting him to just 110 carries over 10 games. Because he declared early for the draft, teams are forced to guess whether they are getting the potential star form he displayed in his productive season or risking a premium pick on a player who might not return to that level of play.
Williams can get through traffic and work for extra yardage even if he lacks an elite gear. Teams are going to worry about him being loose with the football because NFL defenders will turn that recklessness into turnovers in a hurry. He also has a lot to learn in the passing game if he wants to stay on the field for multiple downs.
Player Comparison: Cadillac Williams. First of all, I'm not buying any Clinton Portis comparison. Ryan Williams has not shown he can pass protect anywhere close to Portis' level. I get the zone-blocking fit although that system is not used much in the current NFL. A slightly shorter Cadillac Williams is a much better comparison. Coming out of college, both needed work in pass protection and used their leg drive to churn out yards which made up for not having top-end speed.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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Weaknesses:
Summary: Ryan Williams took full advantage of teammate Darren Evans getting hurt in 2009, exploding as a redshirt freshman for 1,655 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. However, he was the one who broke down the following year with a balky hamstring limiting him to just 110 carries over 10 games. Because he declared early for the draft, teams are forced to guess whether they are getting the potential star form he displayed in his productive season or risking a premium pick on a player who might not return to that level of play.
Williams can get through traffic and work for extra yardage even if he lacks an elite gear. Teams are going to worry about him being loose with the football because NFL defenders will turn that recklessness into turnovers in a hurry. He also has a lot to learn in the passing game if he wants to stay on the field for multiple downs.
Player Comparison: Cadillac Williams. First of all, I'm not buying any Clinton Portis comparison. Ryan Williams has not shown he can pass protect anywhere close to Portis' level. I get the zone-blocking fit although that system is not used much in the current NFL. A slightly shorter Cadillac Williams is a much better comparison. Coming out of college, both needed work in pass protection and used their leg drive to churn out yards which made up for not having top-end speed.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports