Kyren Williams RB Notre Dame: Scouting Report

Height: 5’9’’

Weight: 194

Overall

Kyren Williams is an elusive running back in Notre Dame’s balanced offense. In his 3 college seasons, he played in 26 games, starting 15 of them. He played in multiple big games while at Notre Dame and was very successful against top opponents.

Run Game

After Williams gets the handoff he shows very good vision to run between the tackles and has the speed to get to the edge on outside runs. He has a great low center of gravity giving him the balance to quickly change direction and dodge defenders. Although he is undersized, he shows good power on film allowing him to break arm tackles and he consistently drives his legs at the end of runs to gain extra yards. He also has a very good stiff arm on outside runs. He has good speed, but he is not an explosive running back. He lacks the burst to get past the 2nd level of the defense which will limit his value at the next level.

Pass Game

In the pass game, Williams was heavily used as a receiver. He shows the hands, route running, and run after the catch ability to be a good weapon in the pass game at the next level. As a pass blocker, he shows good effort and can cut block, but he will likely have problems protecting the quarterback in the NFL due his lack of size.

Last Word

Williams projects best in a zone running scheme where he can use his vision and elusiveness to create big plays and he projects best as a primary 3rd down running back. Although he needs to improve as a pass blocker, he is a very good receiving back and has the playmaking ability to excel on 3rd downs. He also played as the punt returner in college and was very successful in that role so he can do in the pros as well.

One-Liner: Kyren Williams lacks the size and explosiveness to be an every down back but he has the receiving skills and playmaking ability to be a dynamic 3rd down running back.

Grade: 6.3 (Role Playing Starter on 3rd Down)

Games Watched: 2021 – Florida State, USC, Purdue, North Carolina

Team Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans