Javonte Williams would likely have been the team’s best draft pick in any other draft.
However, Patrick Surtain is the cream of the crop when it comes to Denver Broncos rookies this season. Surtain is in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year, now with four interceptions on the season which is second-most among first-year players.
That’s not meant to take anything away from Williams, though, who is a blossoming star in his first season.
For many fans, Williams is known as the most difficult player to tackle in the NFL this year. Those in Broncos Country know just by watching him week in and week out. Williams is a bowling ball, constantly churning those legs and pushing through would-be tacklers on his way to big gains.
Javonte Williams with a nice run on 2nd and long. pic.twitter.com/3BflVfh0CA
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) December 6, 2021
And at 12 games into the season, Williams has a higher missed tackle percentage (34%) than any player in the league dating back to 2006:
Javonte Williams is in elite company pic.twitter.com/KQi867t2AX
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) December 6, 2021
But he’s no one-trick pony.
With starting running back Melvin Gordon sidelined due to injury, Williams was called upon Sunday night to lead the Broncos rushing attack. Oh, and he added a bit through the air as well.
In fact, “Pookie” set a new Denver Broncos record as the second rookie to ever rush for 100-plus yards and also receive for 75-plus yards in a game. (Clinton Portis had 246 yards in one game in 2002.) Williams finished with 102 yards on the ground (a 4.4 YPC average) and 76 yards through the air. Those 178 total yards from scrimmage were the most by a rookie this season as he continues to gain national attention.
He was simply sensational, and the true leader of the Broncos offensive attack, which lacked much gusto outside of Williams as Denver lost 22-9 to the Chiefs.
And just like how he was a bight spot in Week 12, Williams has been that positive hope looking forward for Denver.
12 games into his career, and Williams has 670 rushing yards with 2 TDs, and another 269 receiving yards with two more touchdowns. That means the rookie is closing in on the 1,000-yard mark from scrimmage, and he’s passed up Gordon’s yardage totals at this point of the year, too.
What benefits Williams is his great vision to go along with that bruising style of play. Of course, at 5’10” and 220 pounds, he’s a smaller, stockier back but his truly best attribute is his running with a complete disdain for the opposition.
Williams’ angry running not only is earning him national recognition, but even former Broncos great Terrell Davis has taken notice of Williams’ dominance.
Javonte is a throwback
— Terrell Davis (@Terrell_Davis) December 6, 2021
TD is right. Williams is reminiscent of a back from 20 years ago. He’s big enough that defenders don’t want to have to hit him, and he possesses enough speed and athleticism to run around them when need be.
When George Paton drafted Williams in the second round, it seemed like a decent pick on Draft Day. However, he’s looking more and more like a steal as time goes on. And, he gives the Broncos some flexibility at the position moving forward.