Javonte Williams Draft Projection: 5 landing spots for the UNC RB

Though a slightly underwhelming running back class, UNC’s Javonte Williams has solidified himself amongst the top three prospects heading into the 2021 NFL Draft. While his draft projection can fluctuate, Williams should hear his name called and know his landing spot before the end of Round 2.

Javonte Williams’ 2021 NFL Draft projection

Outside of Saquon Barkley in 2018, the NFL as a whole devalues the RB position during the draft. Unless you are coming off a Super Bowl win, most of the time, the pick is scrutinized by every pundit with a mic within arms reach. Players like Mike Davis continue to help push the narrative that running backs don’t matter. A mindset which I will never be able to get behind. 

With that said, several teams are in the running back market as the NFL Draft approaches. Teams that come to mind are the Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Falcons, Jets, and Dolphins all have early picks in the draft, which would be far too early for UNC’s Javonte Williams. The most likely scenario is that he will be the third running back selected after Najee Harris and Travis Etienne.

The likeliest draft projection for Williams will be either the Steelers at pick No. 24 or one of the previously mentioned teams in Round 2. With the Tar Heels, Williams showed the skill set and size to be a three-down back in the NFL. The biggest knock against him is a lack of homerun speed. On the contrary, 40-yard dash times are overblown, and he has more than enough speed to breakoff longer runs, even if they do not turn into house calls at the next level.

Best landing spots for Javonte Williams

Who should target Williams in the 2021 NFL Draft and where are his best fits?

Pittsburgh Steelers

The best back in the class is Harris, and it really isn’t close. However, there is a strong case for Williams to be the second RB off the board. If Williams is still available when the Steelers are on the clock, he will be difficult to pass up. Yes, they need to revamp the entire left side of the offensive line, but the Steelers seem hellbent on getting an RB during the draft. 

Williams would be a fantastic fit in Pittsburgh as his bruising style of play would quickly endear himself in the hearts of Steelers Nation. Rather than get hit, Williams delivers punishment on every rush, making defenders feel every single tackle. Pittsburgh abandoned the run in 2020, which is something they can’t afford to do this season.

Williams could step into an uncontested backfield and see 220 carries and 35 targets in Year 1 and never look back. Also, as the team attempts to find a replacement at LT, Williams is a very capable back in pass protection which is invaluable for the statue that is Ben Roethlisberger.

Atlanta Falcons

The hiring of head coach Arthur Smith signified a shift in the offensive philosophy moving forward. Smith was integral in the Tennessee Titans’ rushing attack, though it helps when you have a sledgehammer named Derrick Henry.

Williams fits what Smith covets in a running back. A physical, downhill runner who runs with a low center of gravity and exudes contact balance on every play. There is an underrated shiftiness to his game should he choose to plant his foot in the ground and make a defender miss. On an offense undergoing a transformation, Williams could be the best value when all is said and done.

Los Angeles Chargers

But what about Austin Ekeler? No, I have not forgotten about him. And by no means am I saying the Los Angeles Chargers have either. However, the idea of Williams being the “thunder” to Ekeler’s “lightning” is a tantalizing thought. We have also seen this work very well when he shared the backfield with Melvin Gordon.

The Chargers exited free agency as one of the most improved teams and did a great job upgrading the offensive line. Justin Herbert is a superstar, and throwing Williams into the mix makes them a threat to not only compete in the AFC West but also the playoffs. The Chargers are not typically a team you see in draft projections going RB early, but Williams may be the exception.

New York Jets

As previously mentioned, the Jets are in the market for a running back. Following Sam Darnold’s trade, they are locked in on selecting a QB with the No. 2 overall pick. With most draft predictions saying that it will be Zach Wilson, pairing him with Williams would reinvigorate the backfield.

If you bring in a rookie QB, they need a running game to fall back on to aid their development. Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur are going to run the Shanahan-style offense, and a critical component of it is the rushing game. Williams has the skillset to work very well in this offense and find success early in his career. 

Miami Dolphins

It’s hard to find a team in a better position for the future than the Dolphins. Armed with multiple first-round picks and a talented depth chart, they can address “luxury” positions. Perhaps taking Harris at pick No. 18 is too rich for their liking. No problem, as Williams at pick No. 36 might be a far better value. 

They deployed several backs last season and found their most success with Myles Gaskin, who rushed for 584 yards and 3 touchdowns. Although they brought in Malcolm Brown in free agency, that is not significant enough of a signing to steer them away from a player of Williams’ caliber. There is also already a connection as Brian Flores spoke highly of Williams while coaching at the Senior Bowl.

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Tommy Garrett is a writer for Pro Football Network covering the NFL and fantasy football. You can read more of his work here and follow him at @TommygarrettPFN on Twitter.