For Green Bay Packers' 2019 sixth-round pick, Dexter Williams, his rookie season came with a lot of lumps during training camp and the preseason, followed by little playing time - [URL=https://www.pff.com/" target="_blank]10 offensive snaps[/URL] to be exact - in the regular-season.
In one practice, we saw Matt LaFleur remove Williams from a drill because of his lack of execution. Then in preseason games, we saw a runner who was indecisive at times, struggled as a pass-catcher, and someone who couldn't hold his own as a run-blocker.
However, in Williams' defense, as a sixth-round pick that we all knew had a raw skill-set, to some extent, this should have been expected. But what can't be denied is the big-play ability that he displayed during his career at Notre Dame, [URL=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/dexter-williams-1.html" target="_blank]averaging 6.3 yards per carry[/URL] during his final season, and his natural fit for the LaFleur offense.
The LaFleur run game is built around the outside zone run scheme, and while Williams certainly isn't the fastest back by any means, he's an explosive runner that can get north and south very quickly, which allows him to burst through any hole that the offensive line opens for him. Although initially, I pointed out what went wrong last summer for Williams, he also displayed that one-cut burst that is essential to this offense and racked up 128 rushing yards and one touchdown on 37 attempts last preseason.
This is what we saw at Notre Dame from Dexter Williams: one cut and get downhill with explosiveness. Such a perfect fit for Matt LaFleur. pic.twitter.com/Dr2tmUfiuP
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) August 9, 2019
Even with a loaded running back room, in a recent Zoom call with reporters,[URL=https://www.packers.com/" target="_blank] LaFleur mentioned[/URL] how excited he was to see Williams in training camp:
“The guy that I’m excited to see more too, is Dexter Williams. He’s a guy that’s really been working really really hard in all the video I’ve seen of him in the conditioning phases.”
With his rookie year now behind him, and all of our attention turned to the 2020 season, when it comes to the Green Bay Packers' running back room, Williams remains a bit of an afterthought, and it's easy to understand why.
Aaron Jones is coming off a breakout season where he posted nearly 1,100 rushing yards, nearly 500 more through the air, along with 19 total touchdowns. Jamaal Williams is about as reliable as they come in all three phases, and the Packers did just spend the 62nd pick on running back A.J. Dillon from Boston College.
So, naturally, when many are putting together their roster predictions - including myself - the common theme is to keep four running backs. The three mentioned above, along with Tyler Ervin, given his special teams prowess and his ability as a gadget player within the offense. I'd certainly consider this a reasonable projection.
But as Lee Corso says, "not so fast!"
With training camp underway this past week, we've learned a few things. One being that Ervin was working out with the receivers and not the running backs. Now, this shouldn't come as a total shock to anyone. With Jones, J. Williams, and Dillon, Ervin was unlikely to see many snaps out of the backfield, although I'm sure there will be a few. Even in his short time with Green Bay last season, 35 of his 46 total offensive snaps came either out wide or in the slot. So as I said, Ervin going through practice with the receivers isn't breaking news.
What this means for Dexter Williams, however, is that there appears to be a much more clearer path to the final roster, which even just a week ago seemed bleak. At the receiver position, I would consider Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling as locks. But with Devin Funchess opting-out, that leaves a spot or two open that LaFleur could give to Ervin depending on how players like Jake Kumerow, Reggie Begelton, Darrius Shepherd, and Malik Turner perform.
With Ervin's skill-set and ability as a return man, he is going to be on the final roster, but what's important is what position he is listed at. And if it is, in fact, as a receiver, then Williams could very well be the Packers fourth running back in 2020.
Now, having said all of that, there is still plenty that has to play out before these decisions are made, and ultimately, it's up to Williams to show that he's deserving of a roster spot. Last season he just squeaked on the team, but it was evident that he didn't have LaFleur's trust. I mean, Tra Carson saw more action than him before he was eventually cut.
Dexter Williams is in Year 2 of the offense, he's a great fit for it, and he's on LaFleur's radar. Now it's time to perform and capitalize on this opportunity.
Filed Under:[URL=/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="]Featured[/URL][URL=/blog/category/paul-bretl" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="]Paul Bretl[/URL][URL=/blog/category/columns-and-features" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="]Columns and Features[/URL]---------------------
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl .
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