Javonte Williams (RB, DEN) - 2021 Fantasy Football Draft Values

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~50 Overall

CURRENT ADP: ~65

ANALYSIS: Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams has been impressive during his first training camp. The rookie runner has earned the faith of the Denver coaches, with head coach Vic Fangio stating on Monday, "He's earned that trust, and we're not at all against playing him in any situation, in any time of the game." He has also received an impressive comparison from starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater compared the rookie to his former teammate in New Orleans, Alvin Kamara. "He possesses some of those qualities that you see in Kamara. He's a guy who is extremely smart, he catches the ball well out of the backfield, he runs good routes," said Bridgewater. 

This comes as good news for Williams and fantasy football managers drafting and  rostering him as it appears the Denver coaches are planning a large role for the former North Carolina Tar Heel. While veteran Melvin Gordon III is still in town, he doesn't appear to have too much left in the tank as a bell-cow running back, leaving the door open for Williams to claim the lead back role sooner rather than later in 2021. The former North Carolina standout figures to split time with Melvin Gordon III early on and get an increased workload as the season progresses. After using a second-round pick on him in the NFL draft, it is safe to say the Denver coaching staff has big plans for the 21-year-old.

Javonte Williams is being drafted in the middle rounds, right around names like Mike Davis, Kareem Hunt and Damien Harris. This seems like the right time to draft him, but he is still offering a lot of value and upside at that ADP -- so you may want to bump that up a few spots to make sure you land him. If you can grab him as your RB2 or even RB3, you should be in great shape. Fantasy draft picks as early as the fourth or fifth round are normally less reliable than we like to believe, so taking Williams there gives you long-term stability and an RB2/RB3 with RB1 upside. He is a quality RB2/FLEX option for fantasy teams as Denver gears up to face the New York Giants in Week 1, and should continue to gain touches and fantasy value as the season progresses. Williams has the look of a potential league-winner down the stretch.

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