2017 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Picks, Grades and Analysis
Round 4, Pick 15
Player [RB] Joe Williams, Utah
Height/Weight: 5’11” and 210 pounds
The 49ers moved up in the fourth round to take Utah running back Joe Williams.
San Francisco sent the Colts pick No. 143 in the fourth round and 161 in the fifth to get up 121 and add a runner who has the change-of-pace to complement starter Carlos Hyde and Tim Hightower.
There are some off-field concerns surrounding Williams relating to his character, but the Niners will hope he can contribute and help keep Hyde fresh and avoid further injuries.
Before the Williams pick, the 49ers added another backfield player, trading a 2018 fourth-rounder for Broncos tailback Kapri Bibbs and the 177th overall pick.
Strengths
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said of Williams: “Has get-away burst in small spaces. Flashes breakaway speed to take it to the house if he gets up to the safeties. Sudden second gear to turn the corner or accelerate through line of scrimmage.”
Zierlein also praised Williams for his ability to run through contact and create with wiggle and power.
As Zierlein writes, Williams can make people miss and the second and third level but looks to finish his runs with momentum.
Weaknesses
Williams retired for one month early in the 2016 season, which has led to concerns over his character and commitment to football.
He has also had issues with ball security, losing six fumbles in 289 carries for the Utes.
Zierlein notes that Williams runs a little too tall and isn’t a factor as a pass-catcher or protector, limiting his third-down potential.
Why he fits
The Niners need a quicker back with some wiggle to him to complement the power game of Hyde.
Williams has a decent shot to do that and the 49ers must have done their homework on his commitment to the game.
Yet, with the likes of Marlon Mack and Jeremy McNichols — who do not have the same concerns — still on the board, questions deserve to be asked as to why Williams went this high.
Grade: C