Kyren Williams

Late-round running backs have a poor track record in the NFL. Kyren Williams is an exception. He is seen as a product of a system. But what a system it is. He has 31 touchdowns over the last two years and can handle an excessive workload of 300 carries. In the final year of his rookie contract, the Rams have prepared for the future by drafting Blake Corum in the third round in 2024 and Jarquez Hunter in the fourth round this year. With the expectation that Los Angeles move on after this season, Williams will get worked for every day of his final year. The situation reminds me of Alfred Morris, a sixth-round pick for Washington in 2012. He won the starting job unexpectedly under the master of using late-round running backs Mike Shanahan. When Shanahan was sacked in Morris’s third year his numbers tanked. Sean McVay is going nowhere in 2025 and Williams is the rock the Rams offense will run through.

He is the Rams best weapon in the backfield, and Sean McVay knows it. He has a nose for the end zone and can also be a threat as a receiver. Easily a top-producing fantasy back. 

He’ll probably be fine, but without big plays or receiving production, he needs another massive workload and perfect health. That’s a risky bet in the top 30.

If things unfold as the news predicts, Williams will earn a contract extension/new deal in L.A. Barring injury, this will effectively shut the door on any hope for Blake Corum and/or Jarquez Hunter earning significant fantasy value during the next 2-3 seasons. 

Williams has earned a new deal with his performance. He has proven that he's a smart zone runner who can win in the short passing game and protect his quarterback. 

Williams lacks breakaway speed, but he's quick enough to flip the field on well-blocked plays. If Matt Stafford and his receivers can stay healthy, the Rams could be among the leading offenses in the NFL with Williams as a focal point for volume and production. 

He's a solid player who has been a fantasy force the past two seasons. I'm bearish on him compared to ADP because the Rams now have two talented draft picks behind him in Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter. That's scary when most of Williams' value is tied to volume. He's not a very good athlete.

We keep finding reasons to knock Williams, but he maintains his role year after year, and there’s no reason to expect that not to continue.

He might not get the RB1 respect he deserves. That hasn't stopped him yet, though. Sean McVay has leaned on him, and that's translated to two RB1 seasons. The metrics aren't exceptional. His volume and touchdowns have been the key to his production.