Kerwynn Williams - Official Conestoga Wagon? (1 Viewer)

[JFS171]

Obviously this is a LONG shot, but the team must see something they like in the kid to promote him so quickly from the practice squad. Ballard's out of the picture, Dammit Donald just seems to be hated by the franchise, and Bradshaw's feet are held together with hot glue and tinker toys. Astute observers have said he still doesn't look 100% healthy, and Pep Hamilton said he wanted a 50/50 backfield. Should also be noted that Bradshaw is now 9+ months removed from a surgery with a reported 10 week recovery timetable, and still may not be right.

Which leads us (the desperate in deep leagues) to examine Kerwynn Williams, 7th Rounder out of Utah State, who sat there waiting for his turn patiently behind Robert Turbin (pretty good back) and Michael Smith (also drafted).

Here's the NFL.com prospect profile on Williams:

Most running backs playing in the WAC don’t have to worry about one NFL-caliber running back keeping them off the field, much less two. But Williams had to sit behind Seattle fourth-round pick Robert Turbin and Tampa Bay Buccaneers seventh-round selection Michael Smith for most of his career with the Aggies, excelling on special teams and taking advantage of a handful of carries each game.

An all-state dual-threat high school quarterback from Las Vegas (2,000 rush yards, 700 passing as a senior), Williams earned the primary kick returner job as a true freshman, averaging over 25 yards a pop as the nation’s top first-year player in that category. He increased that average in 2010 (27.2 yards per attempt) while ranking sixth in the FBS with 170.2 all-purpose yards a game; he also started five games at running back that year (81-451, 4 TD rushing, 12-110 receiving). Williams’ kick return yardage total decreased in 2011 (36-817), but he averaged a stout 6.7 yards per rush (81-542) with three scores as a reserve behind Turbin and Smith. As the lead back in his senior year, Williams had 218 carries for 1,512 yards and 15 touchdowns. As a receiver, he also caught 45 passes for 697 yards and another five scores.

Strengths Short back, with a more compact build. Keeps ball high and tight. Not afraid to run between the tackles. Used out wide in five receiver sets, understands to sit in soft areas as a receiver. Adequate pass-catcher out of the backfield, contorts body to adjust to poor throws. Looks to cut upfield on sideline runs. A veering and weaving kind of runner, always wants to be going forward. Very reliable to catch the target on short routes, even when hit immediately. Even used along the sideline on a wheel route, adjusts to back shoulder. Makes opposition miss when up to full speed. Has enough breakaway speed, big runs come when drifting to the sideline. Can take a screen to the end zone if given a lane due to little wasted movement.

Weaknesses

Lacks ideal size for a starting NFL back. Does not explode out of his stance quickly, builds up speed. Not overly exaggerated or quick on angle route out of the backfield. Lacks noteworthy open field moves, prefers to be subtle in space. Upfield cuts take multiple steps rather than one, decisive step. Vision is a question mark, appears to run to designed lane without thought of altering his path. Not much of a help when chipping in pass protection. In fact, too often the attempted block is whiffed. Consistently taken down by the first defender, doesn't fall forward. Fumbles when hit after immediately taking the handoff.

NFL Comparison

Daryl Washington

Bottom Line

Stuck behind two running backs drafted last April (Robert Turbin, Michael Smith), Williams patiently waited for 2012 to get his chance as the Aggies’ top backfield threat. Williams seized his opportunity with a strong senior season that included 20 total touchdowns. Williams is unlikely to see many carries in the NFL like Turbin and Smith potentially will, but he's a more versatile player than either one of them. Williams could be drafted late based upon his pass catching and kick return ability.

Combine performance wasn't terrible.

40 Time - 4.48 seconds (3rd at 2013 Combine)

Bench - 17 reps

Vertical - 35.0

Broad - 118.0

3-cone - 7.15 seconds

Short Shuttle - 4.15 seconds (4th at 2013 Combine)

What else do we know? Any Colts homers get a look in preseason? Wdcrob, EBF, ZWK, Concept Coop, MAC_32 or others that evaluate prospects have thoughts on this guy?

 

[chinawildman]

I'd be worried about a smallish rookie back especially considering the Colts just "demanded" better protection of Andrew Luck. His upside is that the 2 guys ahead of him have a long injury history.

Talent wise from what little I've seen of him is that while he does have quick feet, he thinks he's quicker than he actually is relies on juking defenders as opposed to hitting the hole. Think CJ Spiller style running without the actual skills to pull it off.

 

[massraider]

Obviously this is a LONG shot, but the team must see something they like in the kid to promote him so quickly from the practice squad.

Yeah, a 'RB' after his name on their roster.

H might turn out to be helpful, but they promoted him because they need a guy. If they had cut Brown, and kept the kid, that would have meant something.

 

[Shutout]

Obviously this is a LONG shot, but the team must see something they like in the kid to promote him so quickly from the practice squad.

Yeah, a 'RB' after his name on their roster.

H might turn out to be helpful, but they promoted him because they need a guy. If they had cut Brown, and kept the kid, that would have meant something.

Maybe..Maybe not. Brown's cap hit to cut him would have been $2.7M.

 

[Diamond]

NFL Comparison

Daryl Washington

The LB in Arizona? The 6'2" - 238lb LB?

Kerwynn is 5'8" - 198lbs, suppose they mean Daryl Richardson.

If the profile is at all accurate, this comment would make me pump the brakes:

Not much of a help when chipping in pass protection. In fact, too often the attempted block is whiffed.

 

[Young 8]

the team must see something they like in the kid to promote him so quickly from the practice squad.

Yeah, they saw Ballard going down with an injury.

 

[Casting Couch]

the team must see something they like in the kid to promote him so quickly from the practice squad.

Yeah, they saw Ballard going down with an injury.

 

[Varmint]

Pick him up.

He'll move into the starting position before you know it.

 

[DaveL]

If I'm picking up a player between Donald Brown and Kerwynn, I'm taking Kerwynn. I don't think either do anything this season, but Kerwynn and Luck could be a fun combo next season in PPR

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Pick him up.

He'll move into the starting position before you know it.

Any reason for this conviction - or is this schtick?

 

[Varmint]

Pick him up.

He'll move into the starting position before you know it.

Any reason for this conviction - or is this schtick?

Bradshaw is in the express lane to the IR and the Colts have no faith in Brown.

Williams is the better RB.

Check back in a month (or less)

 

[JFS171]

He's baaaaaaaacccckkk.

Obvious crash and burn the first time... Who knew Donald Brown had it in him?

Cards cut Michael Bush and promoted him, and Williams is a weapon in the passing game and will be the fastest Cards RB active by far.

Still a long shot no doubt, but intriguing.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

Think i bought paint from that guy

 

[Fariq]

NFL Comparison

Daryl Washington

The LB in Arizona? The 6'2" - 238lb LB?

Kerwynn is 5'8" - 198lbs, suppose they mean Daryl Richardson.

If the profile is at all accurate, this comment would make me pump the brakes:

Not much of a help when chipping in pass protection. In fact, too often the attempted block is whiffed.

About Daryl Richardson...You'd think with the season down the drain, the Jets would let Richardson get some game action even if to just look at him on special teams. He's been on the practice squad all season. Obviously, he's not better than Ivory, Johnson or Powell. Maybe he will get some action in Week 17.

 

[just_want_2_win]

Leading the Cards with 11-63-0 so far today with just 10 min. left in the game. Anything to see here ROS?

 

[just_want_2_win]

Kerwynn Williams rushed 19 times for 100 yards Week 14 against the Chiefs.

Williams surprisingly dominated the Cardinals' running back work, out-touching Stepfan Taylor 19-to-7 and handling almost all of the second-half carries. Only signed off the practice squad on Friday, Williams gave the Cardinals' offense a rushing spark they have desperately needed the past month. Williams has at least earned a shot at lead back duties Week 15 against the Rams. He will be an interesting FLEX play on Thursday night.

 

[Fariq]

Leading the Cards with 11-63-0 so far today with just 10 min. left in the game. Anything to see here ROS?

Yes, I saw the game. He ran well. Taylor is slow. Grice is okay. I'd say to grab Williams if you have RB problems.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Great call by Arians going with him. I still wouldn't see comfortable starting him ROS (@STL, vs. Seattle)

 

[rjv]

Stay far a away from this backfield. ARI is heading on a downward spiral.

 

[JFS171]

He's baaaaaaaacccckkk.

Obvious crash and burn the first time... Who knew Donald Brown had it in him?

Cards cut Michael Bush and promoted him, and Williams is a weapon in the passing game and will be the fastest Cards RB active by far.

Still a long shot no doubt, but intriguing.

I finally got one (kinda) right!

 

[jon_mx]

Stay far a away from this backfield. ARI is heading on a downward spiral.

Not everyone has the luxury of being picky.

 

[JFS171]

Gil Brandt‏@Gil_Brandt2 hrs2 hours ago

Kerwynn Williams played Jamaal Charles for #Cardinals scout team this past week. Rushed for 100 yards, 9 more than Charles.

 

[Loan Sharks]

Nice surprise but there is going to be a new running back on the Cardinals nest year to split time with Ellington. Ellington is not a every down back.

 

[JFS171]

http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Ground-Game-Sparked-By-Kerwynn-Williams/037e3b3b-609a-4af8-a3d3-08cd509c0d94

“I knew Kerwynn was going to play well,” Arians said. “That’s why we made the move. He has been the only guy on our practice field the last three weeks that made our players go, ‘Wow.’ Making people miss, working our defense. He was Jamaal Charles until Thursday, and then I had to take him out of that role because I knew I was going to start him and play him a bunch.”

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Kerwynn Williams - RB - Cardinals
Speaking Monday, coach Bruce Arians said Stepfan Taylor was still the Cardinals' starting running back, and that the team would continue to go with a committee.
It was a diplomatic comment from the often-feisty Arians, but we'd still expect Kerwynn Williams to get the first crack at establishing the "hot hand" against the Rams on Thursday. Williams out-touched Arizona's other backs 19-12 in Sunday's win, and averaged 5.3 yards per carry. Taylor figures to get completely enveloped by the Rams' dominating front. Williams will be the Cards' best bet at making plays from the running-back position. He's a boom-or-bust RB3 for Week 15.

Related: Stepfan Taylor, Marion Grice

Source: Darren Urban on Twitter
Dec 8 - 2:44 PM

 

[zamboni]

Arian's other comments over the past few weeks regarding his RBs (paraphrasing):

We signed Michael Bush for the long run.

Marion Grice has a combination of speed and power that none of our other backs have.

 

[JFS171]

So... believe the phrase used by Bloom is a "Matt Waldman favorite." I'm not trying to put words in Waldman's mouth and call Williams one of his favorites, but there's some tasty nuggets in his piece on Kerwynn Williams, updated from this past week's game. I'd say he carries a favorable opinion of Kerwynn.

This is admittedly oversimplifying the article (go read it!), but some quotes that caught my eye:

Andre Ellington and Kenjon Barner get more love as the spread system backs of choice in this draft class, but I like Williams the most. His speed, burst, and agility are equal or greater than these two high-profile prospects and I think he does a better job of keeping his feet moving in traffic and wrapped.

Where Williams excels – and could be the best in a very good class of backs – is pass receiving. When most people imagine a back described as a threat in the intermediate range of the field, they think of back catching wheel routes where the pass has a soft arc lofted over the defender.

Williams catches outs, comebacks, and fade-stops thrown with true velocity. He does so with his hands away from his body and snatches the ball at angles that leave me wonder if he shouldn’t be asked to work on his routes and become a slot receiver. His potential is that good.

If my peers are correct, Ellington and Barner are likely to find teams before Williams, but I think the Utah State runner is the better player and bigger bargain. Williams will likely begin his career as a return specialist and committee back in an offense that likes to spread the defense and attack in spaces.

Waldman then gives his take on the game this past weekend...

Williams has more burst than Grice and because of this fact, it appeared that he “ran hotter.” The truth is that Williams’ burst combined with his patience on plays that the Cardinals usually reserve for Andre Ellington, but haven’t used with Grice, earned him more carries. Williams is a better fit for this year’s scheme and the young runner was confident enough to play decisive football and make the most of his chances.

I bet Williams will earn similar opportunities next week and if he continues to display the confidence and preparation he showed Sunday against Kansas City, he’ll be the lead back.

 

[Fariq]

Wish I added him last week when I had the chance.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Great call and great bump!

However: What do we think about the closing schedule of @StLou and vs Sea?

Would anyone actually start him?

 

[JFS171]

On my banged up dynasty roster that's taken more hits at RB than I can count...

it's down to Kerwynn vs. Denard

 

[thewaterboys]

Any Arizona homers have any news what we can expect this week at RB? I might be forced to start either A. Williams or K. Williams??

 

[MDSkinner]

On my banged up dynasty roster that's taken more hits at RB than I can count...

it's down to Kerwynn vs. Denard

I am sorry for you, but it looks like that decision was made for you.

That said, I am in the same boat. So I feel your pain.

 

[mr roboto]

 

[JFS171]

On my banged up dynasty roster that's taken more hits at RB than I can count...

it's down to Kerwynn vs. Denard

I am sorry for you, but it looks like that decision was made for you.

That said, I am in the same boat. So I feel your pain.

Literally my other options are waiver adds... Tolbert or Marcel Reece. Tolbert feels like a total prayer for a short yardage TD, though if DW is out he could have a bigger role I suppose.

Reece has been great in the passing game the past two weeks, but will the Raiders stick with it?

I hate this matchup, but Williams is the best fit for the Ellington role, and the offense was built around an Ellington type back. The hope is more involvement in the passing game as well -- 19 carries was great, but Waldman raved about his receiving ability. Surely an offensive mind like Arians sees the same thing.

 

[JFS171]

http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Ground-Game-Sparked-By-Kerwynn-Williams/037e3b3b-609a-4af8-a3d3-08cd509c0d94

“I knew Kerwynn was going to play well,” Arians said. “That’s why we made the move. He has been the only guy on our practice field the last three weeks that made our players go, ‘Wow.’ Making people miss, working our defense. He was Jamaal Charles until Thursday, and then I had to take him out of that role because I knew I was going to start him and play him a bunch.”

Rotoworld:

Kerwynn Williams - RB - Cardinals
Speaking Monday, coach Bruce Arians said Stepfan Taylor was still the Cardinals' starting running back, and that the team would continue to go with a committee.
It was a diplomatic comment from the often-feisty Arians, but we'd still expect Kerwynn Williams to get the first crack at establishing the "hot hand" against the Rams on Thursday. Williams out-touched Arizona's other backs 19-12 in Sunday's win, and averaged 5.3 yards per carry. Taylor figures to get completely enveloped by the Rams' dominating front. Williams will be the Cards' best bet at making plays from the running-back position. He's a boom-or-bust RB3 for Week 15.

Related: Stepfan Taylor, Marion Grice

Source: Darren Urban on Twitter
Dec 8 - 2:44 PM

Arian's other comments over the past few weeks regarding his RBs (paraphrasing):

We signed Michael Bush for the long run.

Marion Grice has a combination of speed and power that none of our other backs have.

I'm not sure we can trust a word Arians says. My guess is that Taylor's still the two-minute drill back, and Grice may be the short yardage caddy right now (or Taylor). Arians told the Cardinals website he knew he was going to start Williams and play him a bunch. Then I think Taylor actually started. Now Taylor's set to start again... but I'd be shocked if Williams didn't at least get a chance to establish himself again.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Kerwynn Williams rushed 15 times for 75 yards in the Cardinals' Week 15 win over the Rams, adding two catches for an additional 11 yards.

Williams came off the bench behind Stepfan Taylor, but the duo proceeded to rotate carries all night. Williams out-touched Taylor 17-14, and out-gained him 86-61. Things were going swimmingly until Williams fumbled with just 4:40 remaining. Thankfully, the Cardinals recovered, but Williams got just one more touch as coach Bruce Arians leaned on Taylor as his primary clock killer. Williams has shown some serious acceleration the past two weeks, averaging 5.14 yards on his 34 carries, but he can't be relied on if you're fighting for a fantasy championship in Week 16. The Cardinals have a forbidding matchup in the Seahawks, and Williams' workload is just too unpredictable.

Dec 11 - 11:58 PM

 

[rjv]

http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Ground-Game-Sparked-By-Kerwynn-Williams/037e3b3b-609a-4af8-a3d3-08cd509c0d94

“I knew Kerwynn was going to play well,” Arians said. “That’s why we made the move. He has been the only guy on our practice field the last three weeks that made our players go, ‘Wow.’ Making people miss, working our defense. He was Jamaal Charles until Thursday, and then I had to take him out of that role because I knew I was going to start him and play him a bunch.”

Rotoworld:

Kerwynn Williams - RB - Cardinals
Speaking Monday, coach Bruce Arians said Stepfan Taylor was still the Cardinals' starting running back, and that the team would continue to go with a committee.
It was a diplomatic comment from the often-feisty Arians, but we'd still expect Kerwynn Williams to get the first crack at establishing the "hot hand" against the Rams on Thursday. Williams out-touched Arizona's other backs 19-12 in Sunday's win, and averaged 5.3 yards per carry. Taylor figures to get completely enveloped by the Rams' dominating front. Williams will be the Cards' best bet at making plays from the running-back position. He's a boom-or-bust RB3 for Week 15.

Related: Stepfan Taylor, Marion Grice

Source: Darren Urban on Twitter
Dec 8 - 2:44 PM

Arian's other comments over the past few weeks regarding his RBs (paraphrasing):

We signed Michael Bush for the long run.

Marion Grice has a combination of speed and power that none of our other backs have.

I'm not sure we can trust a word Arians says. My guess is that Taylor's still the two-minute drill back, and Grice may be the short yardage caddy right now (or Taylor). Arians told the Cardinals website he knew he was going to start Williams and play him a bunch. Then I think Taylor actually started. Now Taylor's set to start again... but I'd be shocked if Williams didn't at least get a chance to establish himself again.

Last year with his comments about how many touches Ellington was going to get, week after week, didn't convince you????!!

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Kerwynn Williams - RB - Cardinals

Kerwynn Williams led the Cardinals backfield with 33 snaps in Thursday night's Week 15 game against the Rams.

He narrowly edged out Stepfan Taylor, who once again got the start and played 29 snaps. Marion Grice was in on two plays. Williams out-gained Taylor 86-61, but coughed the football up late deep inside his own territory. Fortunately for Arizona, the Cardinals recovered it. But Williams was sent to the sideline in favor of Taylor the rest of the way. While Williams has shown some ability the past two weeks, this is a backfield to avoid in Week 16 vs. Seattle.

Related: Stepfan Taylor

Source: Mike Jurecki on Twitter

Dec 12 - 9:14 AM

 

[jon_mx]

Rotoworld:

Kerwynn Williams - RB - Cardinals

Kerwynn Williams led the Cardinals backfield with 33 snaps in Thursday night's Week 15 game against the Rams.

He narrowly edged out Stepfan Taylor, who once again got the start and played 29 snaps. Marion Grice was in on two plays. Williams out-gained Taylor 86-61, but coughed the football up late deep inside his own territory. Fortunately for Arizona, the Cardinals recovered it. But Williams was sent to the sideline in favor of Taylor the rest of the way. While Williams has shown some ability the past two weeks, this is a backfield to avoid in Week 16 vs. Seattle.

Related: Stepfan Taylor

Source: Mike Jurecki on Twitter

Dec 12 - 9:14 AM

I thought Williams came in later and got the last carry. I wish I had a better option week 16, but he has run well.

 

[JFS171]

Rotoworld:

Kerwynn Williams - RB - Cardinals

Kerwynn Williams led the Cardinals backfield with 33 snaps in Thursday night's Week 15 game against the Rams.

He narrowly edged out Stepfan Taylor, who once again got the start and played 29 snaps. Marion Grice was in on two plays. Williams out-gained Taylor 86-61, but coughed the football up late deep inside his own territory. Fortunately for Arizona, the Cardinals recovered it. But Williams was sent to the sideline in favor of Taylor the rest of the way. While Williams has shown some ability the past two weeks, this is a backfield to avoid in Week 16 vs. Seattle.

Related: Stepfan Taylor

Source: Mike Jurecki on Twitter

Dec 12 - 9:14 AM

I thought Williams came in later and got the last carry. I wish I had a better option week 16, but he has run well.

He did. Rotoworld is, once again, being misleading...

Kerwynn Williams led the Cardinals backfield with 33 snaps in Thursday night's Week 15 game against the Rams.


He narrowly edged out Stepfan Taylor, who once again got the start and played 29 snaps. Marion Grice was in on two plays. Williams out-gained Taylor 86-61, but coughed the football up late deep inside his own territory. Fortunately for Arizona, the Cardinals recovered it. But Williams was sent to the sideline in favor of Taylor the rest of the way. While Williams has shown some ability the past two weeks, this is a backfield to avoid in Week 16 vs. Seattle.

Completely false...

Arizona at 1:23
1st and 10 at ARI 43 (1:23) S.Taylor right tackle to ARZ 45 for 2 yards (T.McDonald).
Timeout #1 by STL at 01:16.
2nd and 8 at ARI 45 (1:16) S.Taylor right tackle to ARZ 47 for 2 yards (C.Long).
Timeout #3 by SL at 01:11.
Timeout #3 by ARZ at 01:11.
3rd and 6 at ARI 47 (1:11) K.Williams left guard to ARZ 49 for 2 yards (A.Ogletree).
4th and 4 at ARI 49 (1:11) (Punt formation) PENALTY on ARZ-D.Butler, Delay of Game, 5 yards, enforced at ARZ 49 - No Play.
4th and 9 at ARI 44 27) D.Butler punts 38 yards to SL 18, Center-M.Leach. T.Austin to SL 14 for -4 yards (J.Bethel).

 

[JFS171]

Four years later ... here we are again.  Discuss.

 

[tangfoot]

Ask how, ask now.

 

[Weebs210]

Trying to grab him in a leagues. Everyone is screaming rbbc but I don't see it with Arians.

 

[The Hank]

Chris Johnson was just resigned by ARI , not sure if mentioned in this thread yet

 

[Weebs210]

Chris Johnson was just resigned by ARI , not sure if mentioned in this thread yet

Old and slow now.

 

[DocHolliday]

I am not worried about Chris Johnson. 

 

[Insein]

Not feeling it. At least not enough to use top ww spot. Pass

 

[jon_mx]

Not feeling it. At least not enough to use top ww spot. Pass

16 team league. Slim Pickens.  So you are saying there is a chance? 

 

[jon_mx]

Considering they are playing the Colts this weekend, a great opportunity for Kerwynn to put up big numbers and earn more carries going forward. 

 

[Weebs210]

Considering they are playing the Colts this weekend, a great opportunity for Kerwynn to put up big numbers and earn more carries going forward. 

Everytime a starting RB goes down regardless of the team everyone screams rbbc.  Happy to gamble on Williams getting the majority of the work.