Scouting RB Jamaal Williams

When a running back is running behind a superstar, like Jamaal Williams was in Green Bay behind Aaron Jones, he has to make the most of every opportunity, and that is exactly what Williams did.  

Williams also did one better than that, inking a two-year, $6 million deal with rival Detroit in March. It was a signature move by Williams that reflected how he runs the ball ... with attitude.  

I must say that after watching about five minutes of Williams on film in 2020, it became crystal clear that Williams immediately became Detroit's best and most talented running back. The Lions' new brain trust stole one in free agency. 

I watched all 184 of Williams' plays in the 2020 season on NFL GamePass.  

Oftentimes, backups to superstars somehow seem to get lost in the shuffle, and Williams was one of the ones who slipped through the cracks. It is a sign of good scouting -- and a surefire sign of good decision-making.  

Bottom line: I really liked Williams even back in 2019, when I evaluated him in Green Bay (2019: "B" grade). And, if he stays healthy, Williams will be looking at a much richer deal a couple years down the road. 

I believe Detroit finally got its full-time, highly-coveted franchise back. Williams is that good. He is not the fastest or the most elusive, but he really wants it. And, that trumps everything else. 

Williams is a good fit for Detroit, and Detroit is a good fit for Williams. He can finally showcase he has what it takes, and Detroit needed someone to put an end to that running back-by-committee nonsense.  

Detroit signing Jones' understudy is also a double whammy for division rival Green Bay. Not only does Williams give Detroit a serious boost in its running game, but by Green Bay losing Williams, it is going to hurt the Packers, too. He was a significant piece to their puzzle.  

Over his career with the Packers, he pounded the rock 500 times, and averaged 4.0 yards per carry. What’s more is he logged 122 catches during his four years in Green Bay, good for a 7.9 yards-per-reception average. He also has returned a few kicks, and can do that too when called upon.  

I am excited about Williams. While the average NFL back's career lasts 2.57 years, I believe Williams has a lot more football in him, and he is bringing over that winning feeling, coming from a team that has played in back-to-back NFC Championship Games.