Kyren Williams, RB Pick #164 - 5th Round

[MachS]

I just don't get how people can watch him play the game and be worried about his ability to make plays and contribute to the team.

Measurables vs game film. He's plenty athletic when you watch his game film. Same thing happened with Kupp. Oh no he ran a 4.6, he's just not athletic enough to be great in the NFL. When have you watched Kupp in the NFL and thought 'man he's slow'? Also we dont know what his GPS data says. That might tell a different story speed wise so I'm not too worried. I think we can all be fairly confident he's going to be a good player for us.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I’m going to point out a clear, consistent point… IF the other guys are healthy, Kyren is #4.

That's a reasonable opinion but it's far from a foregone conclusion.

Funk was the 233rd pick in 2021. Williams was the 164th pick in 2022.

Funk had around 1,100 yards rushing and receiving in five, injured-plagued, college seasons.

Williams had more than 2,800 yards rushing and receiving in the past two years in a bigger program.

In my opinion, Williams could easily be the Rams #3 RB; and their #2 third-down-back.

 

[Kupped]

In your opinion which is just as valid as mine which says if they're all healthy Kyren has every chance to be the #2 back. Hendo we know misses time he's done it multiple times each year of his career. This is not disputable he does it.

The next time Hendo breaks a tackle will likely be the first.

Kyren is just as good in pass catching and better at pass blocking.

We know very little about Funk as he had 2 carries for 5 yards in his rookie year though he was pretty average in his 4 kick returns.

I'm not anti Funk at all again I hope for tons of production from everybody. But acting like Funk's 2021 campaign secures him the #3 RB in rotation is laughable he barely did anything. I'm glad what he is able to do without pads on and nobody tackling him impresses you but fortunately for the coaches the opposite is true.

Yeah... it's not like he made the team or anything.

One of the biggest points I've said, over and over, is "if they're healthy."

Knowing the offense and having a year under his belt in the NFL is a big advantage.

Kyren might be as good as Henderson in pass catching, but Henderson did it in the Super Bowl, at critical times. He showed what he can do at the very highest level.

I hope I’m wrong, because it’d be great to have a solid 3rd down option at RB. I’ve been wrong plenty of times and will be again.

 

[OldSchool]

Yeah... it's not like he made the team or anything.

One of the biggest points I've said, over and over, is "if they're healthy."

Knowing the offense and having a year under his belt in the NFL is a big advantage.

Kyren might be as good as Henderson in pass catching, but Henderson did it in the Super Bowl, at critical times. He showed what he can do at the very highest level.

I hope I’m wrong, because it’d be great to have a solid 3rd down option at RB. I’ve been wrong plenty of times and will be again.

You should listen to McVay and Snead more. They talk a lot about Williams playing for ND and the similarities between offenses and how that makes him more ready for the Rams than most.

 

[jrry32]

He is an Austin Eckler type. I am good with that.

James White imo. Ekeler is a better athlete.

Not being snarky, but I've mentioned the pass pro more than once because it's a big deal. I just don't think it's a big deal in the way you might. The Rams top 3 RBs all have significant injury histories.. if you have to throw a rookie in, the most important thing for that player will be to not get the QB killed. Williams lives up to that. But he's not getting snaps *ahead* of Henderson or Akers, imo.. and probably not ahead of Funk, who has some real explosiveness and a year of experience.

Again, I could be dead wrong, I'm just pointing out that he's very limited athletically.

I'm not high on Funk as a HB. Think his value is on special teams. Williams is a better all around HB.

 

[jrry32]

Yeah... it's not like he made the team or anything.

One of the biggest points I've said, over and over, is "if they're healthy."

Knowing the offense and having a year under his belt in the NFL is a big advantage.

Kyren might be as good as Henderson in pass catching, but Henderson did it in the Super Bowl, at critical times. He showed what he can do at the very highest level.

I hope I’m wrong, because it’d be great to have a solid 3rd down option at RB. I’ve been wrong plenty of times and will be again.

The problem is that Hendo doesn't stay healthy. There were points last year where we had to play Funk due to the injuries to Akers and Hendo and Sony needing a breather. Funk didn't look ready. And then he got injured. If Hendo goes down again, it is quite helpful to have a guy who can step into that receiving HB role. It's also smart to draft Hendo's replacement.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I’ve been wrong plenty of times ...

It's nice to know there are some things we can ALL agree-upon.

 

[Kupped]

The problem is that Hendo doesn't stay healthy. There were points last year where we had to play Funk due to the injuries to Akers and Hendo and Sony needing a breather. Funk didn't look ready. And then he got injured. If Hendo goes down again, it is quite helpful to have a guy who can step into that receiving HB role. It's also smart to draft Hendo's replacement.

All things I agree with, 100%, and think Williams ability in pass pro makes it easier to trust him as a rookie.

 

[Kupped]

James White imo. Ekeler is a better athlete.

I'm not high on Funk as a HB. Think his value is on special teams. Williams is a better all around HB.

I don’t necessarily disagree with you.

One of the main reasons I’ve said, if everyone is healthy, is that Williams would be #4.

Funk is a really good special teams player. And has a year of experience. He’s getting that #3 spot if Henderson and Akers are healthy. Be cause they’ll only go with 3 active much of the time.

 

[jrry32]

I don’t necessarily disagree with you.

One of the main reasons I’ve said, if everyone is healthy, is that Williams would be #4.

Funk is a really good special teams player. And has a year of experience. He’s getting that #3 spot if Henderson and Akers are healthy. Be cause they’ll only go with 3 active much of the time.

I could see Williams still being active. Keep in mind that he can return punts. If they don't want to hold a roster spot for Powell, Williams kills two birds with one stone.

 

[TheTackle]

I could see Williams still being active. Keep in mind that he can return punts. If they don't want to hold a roster spot for Powell, Williams kills two birds with one stone.

Powell looked great and gave us a shot in the arm that helped propel us into the playoffs and championship game. I hear what you are saying but that would be a mistake IMO

 

[jjab360]

Powell looked great and gave us a shot in the arm that helped propel us into the playoffs and championship game. I hear what you are saying but that would be a mistake IMO

I have to agree here. Underrated midseason addition that helped get the team out of their funk after every other candidate on the roster failed to make an impact as a returner

 

[nighttrain]

I could see Funk being odd man out, looking for work elsewhere
train

 

[TheTackle]

I could see Funk being odd man out, looking for work elsewhere
train

He’s big boned and so I wonder if he might not have added some muscle and weight in order to be used as a role player in short yardage situations? Outside of that I don’t think he stands a chance unless he lives up to the hype and becomes a core special teams player. I never noticed him much on special teams myself

 

[leoram]

Please just watch his feet in the clips. His footwork reminds me of .... Cooper Kupp. Seriously, just watch...the subtle, intentional creativity and efficiency in his movement. Trust me...it's special

 

[snackdaddy]

I know some people like Funk. He's got an awesome name. But honestly, the few times I've seen him run with the ball he looks bland. Like a BBQ steak without any seasonings. If Xavier Jones wasn't injured would Funk have been the RB3?

I think the Williams pick might indicate they aren't sold on Funk. I think they drafted him with the idea of competing for that 3rd spot. Williams seems to have the better skill set to be a backup/3rd down RB.

 

[Psycho_X]

I'm not sure why but something about Williams reminds me of Kevin Faulk. Not the most gifted or flashy guy but a gifted football player who can get yards when needed and be a swiss knife out of the backfield.

 

[RamFan503]

Geez…
Well… the guys ahead of him on the Rams have great tape AND much better athletic profiles.

I’m not calling him a bum, I’m saying he’s depth.

Neither of us know if he's depth or starter material. I definitely don't THINK he starts over Akers. I do THINK he starts over Hendo when looking at obvious passing downs due to his obvious ability in pass blocking while having good hands and the ability to find holes.

I THINK all three will see a fair number of snaps. I like Funk but just don't see him being actually ahead of even a rookie when it comes to knowing the offense. The RB position does not have a long learning curve and rookies very often see significant playing time. Akers did. Hendo did - even with Gurley and Brown on the roster. I don't see the experience of Funk's limited time putting him ahead of a rookie in any way.

I personally think there will be a three RB rotation with Cam being the lead back, Hendo spelling him on early downs, and Williams being brought in on 3rd and other obvious passing downs.

To me, that's not a pick that is looked upon as a depth RB. Does he give our RB room depth? Certainly. Does he only play in the case of injury to others? I doubt it.

Our regime doesn't put a lot of stock in underwear Olympics. Even with Funk, it was about taking a flyer on an oft injured prospect that showed he was a baller when he was able to play. I just think Williams play fits the NFL really well.

 

[OldSchool]

I'm not sure why but something about Williams reminds me of Kevin Faulk. Not the most gifted or flashy guy but a gifted football player who can get yards when needed and be a swiss knife out of the backfield.

Faulk works I always see James White more as the comparison.

 

[Rams43]

This has been a very interesting thread and a great debate.

First let me say that I really like this pick. The more I learn about Williams the more I like. His intangibles are off the charts and I think the Rams’ trade up and excitement over getting this kid speaks volumes.

Here’s what I think I think.

We now have a quality 3-deep RB corps. I mean, 3 guys that can really get after it in a very potent O.

We must face the fact that both Akers and Hendy have been injured and as a result lost playing time. Lots of playing time. So the addition of Williams makes a ton of sense, right?

I have a sneaky suspicion that Williams might be getting more snaps this year than many expect. Heck, he might wind up being tied with Hendy in snaps by season end.

Funk is a class act and a crowd favorite but I’m in the camp that hasn’t been impressed with on-the-field production from him. IOW, his value is as a ST player and should be a RB on the field only in an emergency.

Hendy will never see a 2nd Ram contract. Frankly, Rams might now have a semi-policy of no RB 2nd contracts after learning their Gurley lesson. This probably includes Akers. I fully expect Rams to draft a RB every year for the foreseeable future.