Javonte Williams's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings
Player profile
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HT/WT5' 10'' , 220 lbs
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Birthdate04/25/2000 (24)
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CollegeNorth Carolina
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Draft Info2021: Rd 2, Pk 35 (DEN)
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StatusActive
2024 season stats
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Rushing Attempts19 31st
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Rushing Yards40 44th
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Rushing Touchdowns0 28th
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Total DYAR-19 40th
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams made the start in Sunday's preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday against the hosting Indianapolis Colts and finished with four carries for only 15 yards while catching one of his two targets for a five-yard gain. Despite reports earlier this summer that Williams was potentially battling for a roster spot in 2024, he's the team's clear lead back ahead of Jaleel McLaughlin (seven carries for 30 yards, two catches for 26 yards), Samaje Perine (no catches on one target) and rookie Audric Estime (10 carries for 31 yards and a touchdown, three catches for 13 yards). Based on Sunday's preseason usage, Estime should have the leg up over Perine, whose one target led to an interception for quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Williams underwhelmed in 2023 but was also coming off a season-ending knee injury in 2022. If Denver's offense can take a step forward under either Stidham or rookie Bo Nix, Williams could be a steal as an RB3/flex in fantasy if he's more explosive another year removed from his knee injury.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said that he wanted Javonte Williams to look more like he did during his final season at North Carolina with a goal weight of 220-to-221 pounds. Williams was praised by Payton for being in good shape and working on his condition. Following a 2023 season where Williams had looked a bit sluggish, the 24-year-old now competes to make the Broncos' roster as he's been the subject of rumors as a cut candidate. If Williams can hold off second-year pro Jaleel McLaughlin, rookie Audric Estime, and veteran Samaje Perine, Williams should maintain a lead role for the Broncos. Williams looks to improve his 3.6 yards per carry and with his ADP of 115.5, he's a value in the middle rounds of drafts to bounce back to the promise he had as a former second-round pick in 2021.
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams took first-team reps in every drill at training camp on Wednesday. Head coach Sean Payton praised Williams, saying he lost weight and is in good shape with noticeably different conditioning. After looking a step slow all year and averaging 3.6 yards per carry over 217 rushing attempts in his first season following ACL, LCL, and PLC ligament tears, Williams is off on the right foot at practice despite rumors circulating that he could be a cut candidate this offseason. Still only 24 years old, Williams will still need to hold off the speedy Jaleel McLaughlin, rookie Audric Estime, and veteran Samaje Perine for a featured role in Denver's crowded backfield. If Perine ends up being a cap casualty, however, Williams' ADP of 115.5 would start to come up. For now, he should continue to be treated as an RB3 option in a weak Broncos offense.
The Denver Post's Troy Renck believes that Denver Broncos running backs Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine are competing for one roster spot in training camp and the preseason this year as the Broncos look to improve what was a very lackluster rushing offense in 2023. Williams is entering his fourth NFL season and averaged 3.2 yards per carry over the final 10 games last year. The poor efficiency could be attributed to it being his first full season coming off a serious knee injury, and he looked bigger and stronger this spring. Perine is a trusted third-down weapon that excels in pass protection. Rookie Audric Estime is going to make the team, and if he really impresses, it could put Williams' spot in jeopardy. We'd be surprised if the Broncos outright cut Williams, but it's a reminder of how far his fantasy stock has fallen after he had RB1 upside heading into the 2022 season.
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams "will face a challenging battle" to maintain his role heading into the 2024 season, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. He notes that the same is true for Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin. It appears as though all three holdover running backs in Denver have reduced job security after the team drafted Audric Estime and signed Blake Watson. There will be plenty of competition throughout the offseason as the Broncos work to determine which running backs are worthy of key volume in 2024. However, as of now, it appears there's at least some favor for Estime and Watson while the three returners may need to do a little extra to prove themselves. From a fantasy perspective, Williams and Estime seem like the most intriguing names, but Perine and Watson (and even McLaughlin) benefit from their pass-catching skills.