This running back had impressive statistics, averaging 7.3 yards per carry in his junior year and 6.3 for his entire college career. However, despite his standout performance, Payton and the Denver Broncos chose not to select him in the draft. It turns out they already had this talent on their roster for the past three years.
That player is Javonte Williams, who now appears to be entering the most promising phase of his career. Earlier this spring, in a notable turn of events, Williams visited Payton while the coach was reviewing footage of the North Carolina running back.
“It was surreal to see myself in those old clips,” Williams recalled. “But I respect Coach Payton’s vision, so I was all ears.”
Following their meeting, Payton’s directive was clear: Williams needed to get leaner and rediscover his peak form. Consequently, Williams dedicated his summer to shedding excess weight, dropping 12 pounds to reach a lean 221. He arrived at training camp feeling revitalized and strong.
Payton expressed his satisfaction with Williams’ transformation, stating, “This is the type of runner I envisioned—versatile, capable of excelling both inside and outside. His progress in camp has been encouraging, and he appears to be in top shape.”
Williams is entering a pivotal season, as the longevity of NFL running backs is notoriously brief, and he is also approaching the final year of his rookie contract. Additionally, he is recovering from a severe knee injury sustained against Las Vegas on October 4, 2022. This injury not only cut his second season short but also affected his entire third year. Last offseason was largely consumed by rehabilitation and regaining strength, making this year’s focus on pure football and drills a significant advantage.
“This offseason was all about refining my game,” Williams said. “I was able to fully concentrate on football rather than just recovery, which has been incredibly beneficial.”
With a seasoned offensive line and the potential for rookie quarterback Bo Nix to add mobility, the Broncos’ running game is poised to be more dynamic than in the past. Williams, now more explosive and agile, could significantly enhance the passing game.
In 2023, Williams set a career high with 47 receptions, though he accumulated only 228 yards, averaging 4.9 per catch. This was partly because many of his catches were short, either behind the line of scrimmage or within the numbers. With his improved speed and tackle-breaking ability, Williams could turn those modest receiving stats into impressive ones.
The Broncos led the NFL with a 31.9% target share to running backs last year. Even with quarterback Russell Wilson no longer in the picture, it’s expected that running backs will remain central to the passing game. Payton, known for his prolific use of running backs in the passing game during his tenure in New Orleans, has set a high bar. Over 14 seasons, excluding an injury-riddled 2010, the second-most targeted back on Payton’s Saints teams averaged 155 touches per year. In nine seasons, a back had over 70 catches.
Although the Broncos may not have an Alvin Kamara, they possess a well-rounded backfield with Williams, Samaje Perine, and Jaleel McLaughlin—all of whom ranked among the top 39 NFL running backs in targets last season. With this balance and the strides Williams has made, the Broncos’ running game is poised to make a substantial impact this fall.
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