The Detroit Lions have signed undrafted rookie running back James Williams to take the final spot on the 90-man roster after releasing Zach Zenner yesterday.
Williams, who played at Washington State, spent time with the Indianapolis Colts this preseason. He is a full QIB qualifier. I had a fifth-round grade on him this past draft, calling him “a faster and more decisive runner than Theo Riddick” and comparing his developmental ceiling to that of New England Patriots running back James White.
“Undersized change-of-pace back with above-average elusiveness who has the potential to handle some third-down duties,” Lance Zierlein wrote of Williams in his draft profile at NFL.com. “Williams is a cagey open-field runner who is better at responding to tacklers than recognizing where the proper paths are. His pass-catching production belies the simplicity of what he was asked to do on most targets, but he does have the athleticism to handle more complex routes. He may need to find a more wide-open scheme to operate in, but there is enough talent there to challenge for the 53.”
Williams caught 83 passes in 2018 and 202 over the last three seasons for a 7.1-yard average — and per PFF’s Scott Barrett led the NCAA in career missed tackles forced per touch.
The road to the 53-man roster will be difficult — if not near impossible given the competition and the timing — but Williams is a high-upside player who has a legitimate shot at the practice squad.
