I think Ryan Williams is the RB, perhaps with McFadden

[robjay04]

We'll probably draft a rb. A good one, somwhere in the upper rounds even.
But realistically, rookies are rarely given such a siginificant workload in their initial pro season.
The player has to really be something/someone special to be featured heavily, and they have to be trusted with pass protection, a grasp of the playbook, chemistry, timing, etc. These things usually just don't work that way.

I see a Ryan Williams led backfield, with McFadden... or McFadden, with Williams (depending)... while a rook may serve in a complimentary role, perhaps increasing- depending on performance. But the aforementioned two getting the bulk of the carries in a hot hand approach- both being serviceable behind this great o-line.

As far as rookies not getting a lot of work their innitial season; you would have been absolutely correct 10 years ago but not so much today. If they look NFL ready in camp; coaches throw them out there. Just in the last couple seasons, I can name a half dozen off the top of my head that had substancial roles. Will Garrett be inclined to do that? Possibly...he did give Murray his shot as a rookie when Felix went down. I think it will be open competition in camp.

 

[Macnalty]

The contract situation with Ryan Williams and all the whispers of what the team thinks of him has me feeling like he's going to have a heavy role this season. It just feels like a situation similar to Romo in 05/06 and Miles Austin in 08/09 where the team expects starting potential and is keeping it a bit under wraps.

Much like that year you went down to San Antonio and fell in love with Martellus with all the throws he was getting that summer, hope it has a different ending. I agree this has a pre Miles Austin/Crawford vibe.

 

[DFWJC]

Does anybody have film on Williams or a good analysis? I don't recall ever seeing him play..

He's a VERY good runner and receiver out oft he backfield.
But he's ahead a ton of injuries and, at least for now, there are questions about his blitz pickup.

He looked great in pre-season last year.
Led all backs in rushing, ypc, receiving, and catches

I'd prefer we draft someone too though. No desire to be exposed at that position with him and McFadden. it could work out, but not worth the risk.

 

[TwistedMetal]

This is all just my opinion; Ryan Williams makes the team, his 200K bonus doesn't guarantee that but I think JG and staff like him and plus he worked with the PS all last year, he is definitely motivated, obviously we will see. McFadden, well, again 200K bonus doesn't guarantee he makes the team but I think he does. I think Dunbar is gone. I am not sure about Randle, off the field issues hurt but he is on his Rookie contract which is guaranteed and low cost, plus his does play ST, he probably makes the team. It would not surprise me though if the team waits to draft a RB till rounds 4-7 or not at all, I am sure that is not a popular sentiment but just my thought, I think we really try to go BPA but time will tell. I really believe we see a RB by committee approach, 15 reps for one back, 10 for the next and maybe 5-7 for the last but it is just speculation. Looking forward to the draft!

 

[theogt]

Much like that year you went down to San Antonio and fell in love with Martellus with all the throws he was getting that summer, hope it has a different ending. I agree this has a pre Miles Austin/Crawford vibe.

What a disappointing waste of talent that was. He has the physical tools to be an elite TE, and may still end up being a pretty darn good one. I remember that year in the preseason (or maybe it was in Week 1 of the regular season), they threw a swing pass to Bennett and he got 25 or so yards. And then he disappeared almost entirely, like they were punishing him for being a knucklehead. Just bizarre. Kinda wish we'd kept him around. He'd be much more productive than our other TEs are now I'm sure, not to mention he was our best blocker on the entire team. I think a personality like his just doesn't mesh well with a Jason Garrett type, oh well.

 

[Macnalty]

What a disappointing waste of talent that was. He has the physical tools to be an elite TE, and may still end up being a pretty darn good one. I remember that year in the preseason (or maybe it was in Week 1 of the regular season), they threw a swing pass to Bennett and he got 25 or so yards. And then he disappeared almost entirely, like they were punishing him for being a knucklehead. Just bizarre. Kinda wish we'd kept him around. He'd be much more productive than our other TEs are now I'm sure.

I always watch Martellus when he plays hard to let him go in my heart. So much talent and we could never tap anything other than his awesome blocking, he was a Jimmy Graham starter kit.

 

[TrailBlazer]

Keep an eye on Mike Davis from South Carolina. Will be interesting if they bring him in for an interview.

Would fit right in with our oft-injured RB Corp

 

[DBOY3141]

Would fit right in with our oft-injured RB Corp

I just looked at his stats over the last two years, looks like he played in all the games. I did see one, where he only had 1 carry, so I'm guessing he got hurt in that game. Do you see him as injury prone?

 

[TrailBlazer]

When healthy, williams is a better runner than murray. He's just a more gifted ball carrier and it's not very close. If you watched preseason you can catch on to some things even though it's just preseason. Been saying it ever since. Just watch his runs. He jumps off the screen.

 

[rynochop]

If you want to ignore widely reported facts to justify your view, no one can stop you.

why didnt one of those 10 teams sign him when the cowboys cut him? after his pro bowl preseason.

 

[BiffWellingtonIII]

You don't win SB;s with Ryan Williams or McFadden .

 

[Spectre]

You don't win SB;s with Ryan Williams or McFadden .

apparently not with Demarco Murray either.

 

[JohnsKey19]

See only 3 rb's on the roster. McFadden, rookie rb, and down to either Randle/Williams/Dunbar. Whoever has the edge on special teams.

If Randle isn't cut before training camp because of off-field stuff, he's definitely going to make the team. played very well as a backup RB and is a good core STs player. I'm sorry but neither Williams nor Dunbar is going to beat Randle out based on performance. It's even debateable the rookie we draft will be better than Randle assuming we wait until the 3rd/4throunds to address RB.

 

[Blast From The Past]

Williams is a very good runner. But not blocking, that's the only thing that could keep him off the field when healthy.

I've heard no discussion here about how he was getting coached up in the pass blocking area since last year nor if he is how he has progressed in that phase of his game. Is it being worked on? If so why no reports? The dude can run the ball without any problem.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

I don't think Ryan Williams makes it out of training camp. McFadden will start and hopefully be backed up by a rookie (hoping for Gurley or Gordon) and the third will either be Randle or Dunbar.

 

[kevm3]

This undeserved faith in a RB that was nothing more than training camp fodder last year is perplexing. I don't think Williams is on the roster next year let alone starting at RB.

The starter will be found in the draft and that means at least one of the running backs on the roster is the odd man out. Maybe two. I see rookie, McFadden and Randle and Dunbar fighting it out for the 3rd spot.

Exactly. I don't see what is so special about Williams that is giving everyone confidence in him. If we were going to keep preseason legends, Harris would still be here because he tore it up in preseason.

As a run-first team, I think we're going to look for a bruiser type back in the draft and have randle, mcfadden and williams battle it out to do fill in work.

 

[Bullflop]

The problems inherent with both Ryan Williams and McFadden is that of their health concerns. There's no question in my mind that a RB should be forthcoming in the draft to ensure having enough healthy bodies to sustain a running game that's capable of lasting an entire season without a long and serious letup due to injury.

 

[MRV52]

All the naysayers on Williams, I just say sit back grab your popcorn and watch. This kid although raw will make an impression this year. The Front Office ain't stupid to keep him around and to give him a contract and bonus. They obviously see something that most of you here don't.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

All the naysayers on Williams, I just say sit back grab your popcorn and watch. This kid although raw will make an impression this year. The Front Office ain't stupid to keep him around and to give him a contract and bonus. They obviously see something that most of you here don't.

If he makes it to the 53 ok. Then I'll grab the popcorn.

 

[xwalker]

i replied at the same time. thats a load of you know what, cant believe babe bought that

So anything that does not fit your narrative is bs?