2022 NFL Draft: Get to Know Notre Dame RB Kyren Williams
By J.P. Scott
Notre Dame RB Kyren Williams is the perfect fit for any team looking for an identity in their run game.
Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams is not the biggest, fastest, or most elusive running back prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft class. He may however, be the most complete back available — to include desired personality.
During his time at Notre Dame, the stats Williams put up against top flight competition speak for themselves. In his two years as a starter, he logged 415 carries for 2127 yards and 27 scores on the ground. He also proved to be a capable pass catcher, hauling in 77 receptions for 672 yards and four touchdowns during that time.
He was also one of the best pass blocking backs in the country.
Quite simply, Kyren Williams is the total package. The only negative on any scouting report that you’re going to find is the fact that he’s about sandwich short of 200 pounds. That is going to be cause for concern in some NFL front offices — until the scouts and execs turn on the game film. At that point, they’ll see a guy who plays much larger than his size, uses his vision at a high level to create and navigate running lanes, and finishes runs with violence when necessary.
Kyren Williams is fully capable of handling the punishment running between the tackles in the NFL. Nowadays, however, many teams are moving away from the “bell cow” model in their backfields, opting for a split-carried system featuring two or more backs — usually with different running styles. Williams can handle a full NFL load, but would thrive in a committee system.
And that’s the bonus with Williams — he can play any style you need him to. He excels in short yardage, can turn on the burners in the open field, and can line up at receiver — all without being a liability to his offense.
When he’s in the game, he becomes the offensive identity.
With Kyren Williams on the field, you never felt like Notre Dame was out of a game. As cliche as it sounds, he’s one of those guys who is a legitimate threat to score every time he touches the ball. There were times where his attitude and effort seemed to will the entire Fighting Irish offense to success.
Those who followed him at Notre Dame would agree. Those who haven’t seen much of him should do themselves a favor and check out his highlights. I promise you’ll like what you’ll see, and you’ll probably walk away wanting Kyren Williams playing for your team.