NFL Draft 2014 Prospect Profile: Andre Williams, Running Back, Boston College

Nov 23, 2013; College Park, MD, USA; Boston College Eagles running back Andre Williams (44) runs with the ball for a touchdown during the second half od the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Boston College Eagles defeated Maryland Terrapins 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Williams – Running Back – Boston College
Ht: 6’0’’
Wt: 227 lbs

Rushing through 12 games (National Ranks)
329 Attempts (1)
2,102 Rushing Yards (1)
17 Touchdowns (T7)
6.4 AVG (30)

Projected Round: 3

Heisman Trophy Award finalist, Andre Williams, is the definition of power football. He is a workhorse back with a classic downhill running style. He knows that he is bigger and stronger than the defenders, so he is not afraid of contact. Williams was the entire offense this year for Boston College. He touched the ball more than any other running back in college football and also amassed the most yardage. He will be most valuable to a team that is looking for a guy who can move the chains in short yardage situations and muscle the football on the goal line

Positives:

Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest thing Andre Williams has going for him is that he knows what kind of runner he is. He knows that he is a powerful running back. He doesn’t get cute and try to make the defender miss with moves. He squares up his shoulders and goes through the guy.

This is a guy who can carry the ball the entire game and not get overworked. Williams led all running backs in carries and proved he can take the load. His durability will not be questioned at the next level.

Williams doesn’t have great speed but he has enough burst to hit the line quickly. Where he lacks in speed he picks up with his tough first step and ability to find the hole. He can read the blocks very well and can determine where he can find space. Once he hits the hole and gets to the second and third levels of the defense it’s all over. He is bigger than most safeties and does not have trouble getting through them.

Negatives:

The speed he does have is very average at best. He will not outrun defenders down the field. This limits him in big yardage situations. He will top out at 15-20 yards bursts unless he has a clear field around him.

His pass catching ability is nearly non-existent. He has only caught a handful of passes over his entire college career. This could scare some teams away from him due to the lack of tape and experience on him as a receiver. He will need to show this ability at the combine and his Pro Day in order to prove that he can be an all around threat on the offense.

Fumbling has been a little issue for Williams over his time at BC. Due to his running style, he fights for extra yardage on every play. This can result in defenders having more time to get a hand on the ball and rip it out of his arms. His carrying skills are common with other power runners, and also something that can be improved with more concentration.

Conclusion

Williams is obviously a good fit for a running back needy team, but can also be a good fit for a team that needs a power runner for short yardage and goal line situations. He would not fit in an offense like New Orleans or San Diego that rely heavily on catches out of the backfield. I see him as a guy who can come into a game and move the sticks consistently. He doesn’t rip off big runs, but he rarely ever gets stuffed in the backfield. He can wear down defenses throughout the game and can close out a game in the fourth quarter.