BYU football: Jamaal Williams drafted by Green Bay Packers
BYU football’s all-time leading rusher Jamaal Williams had his name called on the third and final day of the NFL Draft.
After a long journey, former BYU football running back Jamaal Williams’ dream came true today.
The school’s all-time leading rusher was selected No. 134 overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Williams was the 13th running back selected.
NFL Network’s Mike Mayock had mentioned Williams when the Green Bay Packers were on the clock to start the fourth round, but the Packers went in another direction. Still, Mayock praised the former Cougars’ talent.
Then, 26 picks later, Green Bay finally got the former BYU football standout.
Williams has seen more media attention in recent weeks, with Bleacher Report doing an extensive profile and Media Mangy doing a documentary, but he was still a not-so-sexy pick.
That makes sense. BYU football doesn’t grab many headlines, and Williams isn’t a flashy player. But, there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, his lack of flash makes his game unique and NFL-ready.
Williams won’t run by anyone, so he doesn’t dance in the backfield. Instead he makes his read, makes one cut and goes. He’s a talented north-south runner who can break a tackle.
Next: Underrated BYU football recruits
He might not be a workhouse runner, but there are only five or six of those players left in the NFL. Williams can still make an impact because he does the little things well. He’s a quality pass blocker and a decent receiver, which improves his value.
Williams’ competition in the Packers’ backfield is Christine Michael and Ty Montgomery. Montgomery is better suited for a part-time role, and Michael hasn’t ever had sustained production.
In short, the J-Swag Daddy might be able to make an immediate impact.
It’s unreasonable to expect Williams to come in and take command of the backfield, but he’s a player that a lot of scouts were high on in terms of coachability and potential career longevity.
BYU football fans worldwide will miss him in Provo, but will have to go get customized Packers jerseys.