Kyren Williams proved the Rams right in more ways than one heading into NFL offseason

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.