DeAngelo Williams (09/2005)

Position:

RB

[official bio]

School:

Univ. of Memphis

Height:

5' 10"

Weight:

218 lbs.

General Variables:

33 out of 40

Size:

7

Strength:

8

Speed:

9

Athleticism:

9

Position Variables:

58 out of 70

Rushing (inside):

9

Rushing (outside):

9

Breakaway speed:

8

Elusiveness:

9

Hands (receiving):

8

Hands (fumbles):

8

Blocking:

7

Positives:

The more I watch Williams, the more I am convinced he's the most complete running back in the nation.  Where a guy like Reggie Bush is more explosive and a guy like Adrian Peterson is more of a pure workhorse, Williams is all those things and more.  He's as comfortable running a dive as he is a pitch, or going out and running pass routes and making tough catches.  His explosive first step is what makes him such an enticing NFL prospect.  He's decisive and rarely is caught on carries for no gain.  It's always positive yards for Williams, and his yards-per-carry is very good.  Everyone loves a back who can get a lot of touches over the course of a season, and with Williams going over 330 last year, he has shown he can be the focus of an offense.  

Negatives:

Williams broke his leg late last season, in the GMAC bowl, and that has limited him in the off-season.  He may need to shake some rust off, before he starts rolling, but an injury like this heals stronger than before, so there should be no risk of re-injury.  Some folks have knocked Williams for being a little undersized, but I think that's a load.  He has had the good fortune of racking up insane numbers against the teams of Conference USA, but I remember when a kid named Ladanian Tomlinson was putting up big stats against the Mountain West and he seems to be doing OK now.

Overall:

If Williams doesn't break his leg in the GMAC Bowl last year, I have no doubt he's a millionaire right now.  There's nothing Williams can't do.  I mentioned Tomlinson earlier, and to be honest, I see a lot of LT in Williams.  This kid has thrown Memphis on his back, and just carries them year after year.  Whether or not this team needs one yard, straight up the gut on 3rd and short, or a big catch, to take it down field, he's there.  He's relentless around the end zone, and plays with explosion and power. He's a prototypical NFL feature back.  He can handle the work of 25+ touches per game, make plays as a receiver, and can do enough to never need to come off the field.

Final Word:

BONUS — As in, the fat signing bonus Williams is going to get next year, when he's a top 5 pick.  If he comes out last year, he's right in the mix with the Big 3, and depending on which underclassmen declare for 2006, he could very well end up the best RB prospect in the nation and on every draft board. 

Curtis Popejoy