When the Los Angeles Rams shipped off Cam Akers early in the 2023 season, the decision was made to trust Kyren Williams.
And the second-year running back proved the Rams right in more ways than one during the season.
Williams ran for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns. He became the Rams' first 1,000-yard rusher since Todd Gurley, and he played a central part in Los Angeles' return to relevancy following a down 2022 year.
For his efforts throughout the season, Williams earned the rank of the No. 2 starting running back in the entire league in Maurice Jones-Drew's recent ranking of all 72 starting running backs.
Here is what he had to say about Williams' production:
"The Rams shipped Cam Akers to Minnesota early in the season, putting all their eggs in Williams' basket. The second-year pro exceeded expectations by racking up 100-plus scrimmage yards in nine of 12 games played, which helped him finish the season as the league leader in rush yards per game (95.3). He’s a perfect fit in Sean McVay’s offense."
Williams has often claimed he knew his moment was coming - he merely needed the opportunity.
He received that opportunity last season, and his hunch was validated.
What makes Williams so unique is that he has a blend of functional speed, power and an ability to play different roles out of the backfield.
He represents the future of the running back position. If league-leading rushers are going to get paid on second contracts, it will be because they possess a skillset similar to Williams.
The only back ahead of Williams on the recent rankings was San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. But an argument can be made that Williams - if he backs up an uber-productive 2023 campaign with more of the same in 2024 - belongs in the same class as the 9ers defacto leader.
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