BYU football’s all-time leading rusher was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He may be a rookie, but Jamaal Williams is going to make a big impact.
Jamaal Williams was selected with the 134th pick of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. After the draft, the Packers would add former BYU football quarterback Taysom Hill.
But while Hill will have to wait to see the field, Williams is on a fast track to not only contributing for the Packers, but starting for them.
It’s the first time we’ve been able to say that about a BYU football skill position alum since Austin Collie in 2009 (or maybe Dennis Pitta in 2010). It just seems like J-Swag Daddy has found the right fit at the right time.
And that’s very, very exciting.
I’ve been pretty vocal about my love for Williams, but I just find him to be an easy kid to root for. He’s mature and humble, wants to stay out of trouble, and really loves BYU football.
Now that’s moving on to the next chapter in his life, let’s take a look at the impact he’ll have in Lambeau.
Here are three reasons why Jamaal Williams won’t be starting, but will be the workhorse for the Packers.
Green Bay Already Cut Two RBs
On Monday, May 1, the Packers severed ties with Christine Michael and Don Jackson. Green Bay had brought Michael in part way through last season, after he played in nine games with the Seattle Seahawks.
Jackson was signed as an undrafted free agent a year ago, but made the Packers roster after spending most of the season on the practice squad.
This opens things up for Williams in a big way.
Michael was expected to be the thunder to Ty Montgomery‘s lightening, but it never worked out that way.
Speaking of Montgomery, Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy has already named him the starter.
However, most around the league don’t expect Montgomery to get a lion’s share of the carries. He’s a smaller back, and his value is more in pass catching.
Williams Doesn’t Turn The Ball Over
Jamaal Williams just doesn’t put the ball on the ground.
Over the entirety of his BYU football career, Williams carried the ball 726 times. He also caught 60 passes. So in total, he accumulated 786 total touches.
How many times did the Rialto, California, native fumble?
Five times. Five.
How many of those fumbles were lost? Just two.
In the NFL, ball security is king. There are plenty of talented runners, with great speed and agility, that never get trusted with the ball, because they cough it up. It’s ruined many a career in pro football.
It certainly won’t be the demise of Williams.
Williams Is The Best Option For Green Bay
Green Bay came into the NFL Draft with three running backs on the roster. Two of them are now cut.
Of the three backs the Packers drafted, Williams is the best option. While Aaron Jones (UTEP) is a good receiver out of the backfield and Devante Mays (Utah State) is a bruiser.
But Williams is the best all-around runner. He’s a good pass blocker, he’s got a mix of speed and strength, and he’s a decent receiver out of the backfield.
If there is one area Williams could improve in, it’s receiving. He wasn’t a prolific pass catcher for BYU football, but that was partly the scheme. No Cougar running back was targeted too often.
But the Packers, like most teams in the NFL, want their running backs to be a threat with or without the ball.
Still, Williams will have to prove himself throughout camp. But don’t be surprised to see Williams taking 12-18 carries a game this season for the Packers.
It just makes sense.