No. 4: Running Back Joe Williams
Heading into 2018, second-year tailback Joe Williams seemed to be on the periphery of the 49ers depth chart. After all, he dealt with serious ball-security issues during his first training camp a year ago and ended up being redshirted in 2017 with an ankle injury.
Earlier this offseason, head coach Kyle Shanahan noted Williams would be expected to “turn up the urgency” his second season.
So far, Williams appears to be doing so.
On one particular play in Week 1, Williams ripped off a 65-yard carry that went for a touchdown, flashing the speed and elusiveness that drew the Niners to him in the first place.
There was this too, as Williams was able to easily move through the first, second and third levels of the Niners defense:
Untouched.@JWills_28 x #49ersCamp pic.twitter.com/jBRYdQm9FO
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) July 29, 2018
Williams still has a tough road ahead, though. Almost as impressive has been last year’s No. 2 runner, Matt Breida, who ranked third on the 49ers with 645 all-purpose yards his rookie season. There’s fellow running back and special teams ace Raheem Mostert, whom Pro Football Focus ranked the second best special teamer in 2017.
There’s no guarantee Williams makes the 53-man roster. But at least he’s doing all he can thus far.