Rams RB Kyren Williams: 'I don't feel like I've touched my peak yet' coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons

[Soul Surfer]

Eric Dickerson career - 6 TD receptions.

Kyren Williams in 2 years - 5 TD receptions.

 

[RamFan503]

Eric Dickerson career - 6 TD receptions.

Kyren Williams in 2 years - 5 TD receptions.

I could never understand why ED had his best receiving year as a rookie. I get that Robinson was a 3 yards and a cloud of dust coach but…

 

[El Chapo Jr]

What you’re saying then is that either we were going to get a very high 2nd round pick for Kyren or we were going to have to augment that trade with other draft capital in order to move up to get Judkins. You better have yourself a sure fire stud to make that kind of move. I personally don’t think he’s that guy.

Lots of ways that could have gone.

Correct....that's probably where I know I'm going out on a limb about Judkins. I honestly think he's a legit back (great size, speed, and vision) but time will tell. Definitely lots of ways that could have gone. My next RB draft crush is Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame.

 

[Soul Surfer]

I could never understand why ED had his best receiving year as a rookie. I get that Robinson was a 3 yards and a cloud of dust coach but…

Even when he went to Indianapolis he hardly ever caught the ball.
And I can't really remember him ever catching it in the end zone.
I would bet those six touchdowns he did have were swing passes that he ran into the end zone.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

It's pretty safe to say he left yards on the field but whether or not someone would have got them is definitely a valid question. With saying I would have traded Kyren if we could have gotten Quinshon Judkins is me more so saying if we traded Kyren for picks (not use the existing draft capital) where one could have been used on Judkins is where I said I would have done just that. As much as I appreciate Kyren being a pretty good back for us, I believe we can do better for this offense plus I'd rather not sink dollars into that position unless its a bonafide superstar. As many here have stated, if we could get a more explosive element at the RB position, the offense would be way more dangerous. However, I get that's easier said then done. We'll see how Hunter does, but I still believe Judkins will be a legit back. Only sad part is he's fucked being on a successful team since he's a Brown now lol. As usual, if I'm wrong about Kyren not being a future back that's best for us, I'm ok with that too

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I would like to see our OL run blocking ranks. Both individually and as a unit. JHunt could be another Darrell Henderson, or he may be the change up home run hitter the Rams need. Can't wait to see how it plays out. Really hope Corum earns some quality touches as well.

Until then, I'm super glad we have KWill in the backfield. This team can't get out of 1st gear when he's not on the field.

Yes, his absence was glaringly noticeable

Correct....that's probably where I know I'm going out on a limb about Judkins. I honestly think he's a legit back (great size, speed, and vision) but time will tell. Definitely lots of ways that could have gone. My next RB draft crush is Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame.

Love looks great but didn’t he have an ACL?

 

[fanotodd]

Even when he went to Indianapolis he hardly ever caught the ball.
And I can't really remember him ever catching it in the end zone.
I would bet those six touchdowns he did have were swing passes that he ran into the end zone.

Funny you mention that.
I was just rewatching highlights of a Rams/9ers game last week.
ED in his rookie season.
He took a pass in the left flat and made an electric run for a TD.

In an interview years after retirement, he wondered why they didn’t throw him the ball more, too.

 

[jap]

I like everything I’ve been hearing about this guy, too.
I just think us fans should remember that Corum didn’t get much PT last season and KW couldn’t get on the field as a rookie either—and the Rams stunk that year.

Akers, Henderson, Mason, et al, rookies have a tough time getting on the field for McVay.

Rookie RBs always do because they have to be able to pass block effectively for Sean's QBs.

Sean: "Don't you dare!!! get my field general killed, you d@mn rookie, or I'll personally feed you to starving lions!!!"

 

[PARAM]

What attributes can a RB possess that would make him better than what we have in Kyren? Ball security and explosiveness?

Ball security.
A dozen RBs had 250 or more carries and of course, Kyren led them all with 5 fumbles (3 lost). Jacobs had 4 (3 lost) and Henry, Taylor and Aaron Jones had 3. Yeah we know he needs to improve in that area.

Explosiveness.
Four RBs had double digit 20 yard runs or better. Henry (19), Barkley (17), Gibbs (13) and Taylor (11). Kyren had 2.

Clearly, Kyren is lacking in those two areas. The ball security can be corrected but explosiveness is a physical trait. So what does he do better than the rest?

First downs (moving the chains).
#1 Henry 94; #2 Kyren 85; #3 Barkley, Bijan 82; #5 Jacobs 73

Touchdowns
#1 Henry, Cooks, Gibbs 16; #4 Jacobs 15; #5 Kyren, Bijan 14

Carries (Health)
#1 Barkley 345; #2 Henry 325; #3 Kyren 316; #4 Bijan 304; #5 Taylor303, #6 Jacobs 301

*Short yardage success; 1st down conversions on: (3rd and 1 to 3 yds); (4th and 1 to 3 yds)
#1 Kyren 83.8% (24 - 20; 7 - 6)
#2 Gibbs 78.6% (10 - 8; 4 - 3)
#3 Henry 75% (20 - 15; 4 - 3)
#4 Hubbard 70% ( 15 - 11; 5 -3)
#5 Bijan 68% (18- 12; 7 - 5)
#6 Taylor 62.5% (26 - 16; 6 - 4)
#7Jacobs 60% (17 - 11; 3 - 1)
#8 Swift 55.5% ( 6 - 4; 3 - 1)
#9 Barkley 55% (19 - 11; 1 - 0)#
#10 Harris 54.5% (8 - 4; 3 - 2)
#11 Pollard 53.3% (13 - 7; 2 - 1)
#12 A. Jones 44.4% (9 - 4; 0 - 0)

*RBs with 250+ total carries
#The Tush Push obviously robbed Barkley of attempts on 4th down.

Who wouldn't love a RB who can get tough yards, first downs, bust big plays, catch passes, score touchdowns, pass protect and rarely fumble? How many complete backs like that exist in the NFL?

 

[dieterbrock]

Love looks great but didn’t he have an ACL?

He tweaked it against USC but played with it throughout the playoffs. Its no issue

 

[Londoner]

Just think how good Kyren's stats would look if McVay didn't use empty backfields so often in the red zone...

 

[RamFan503]

Even when he went to Indianapolis he hardly ever caught the ball.
And I can't really remember him ever catching it in the end zone.
I would bet those six touchdowns he did have were swing passes that he ran into the end zone.

I get that wasn’t really his game. But he had 400 yards and 2TDs receiving his first season, then almost nothing after that. If anything, you’d think he would get better in the passing game. Game plans were nowhere near as complex back then but you would think any chance to get ED in space would be a good plan.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Extremely debatable due to the unknown lol

 

[El Chapo Jr]

Yes, his absence was glaringly noticeable

Love looks great but didn’t he have an ACL?

Honestly, I haven't looked deeply into his history but if thats how he looks after it, I'm all for it. If not, would be curious to see what he looks like after it.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

What attributes can a RB possess that would make him better than what we have in Kyren? Ball security and explosiveness?

Ball security.
A dozen RBs had 250 or more carries and of course, Kyren led them all with 5 fumbles (3 lost). Jacobs had 4 (3 lost) and Henry, Taylor and Aaron Jones had 3. Yeah we know he needs to improve in that area.

Explosiveness.
Four RBs had double digit 20 yard runs or better. Henry (19), Barkley (17), Gibbs (13) and Taylor (11). Kyren had 2.

Clearly, Kyren is lacking in those two areas. The ball security can be corrected but explosiveness is a physical trait. So what does he do better than the rest?

First downs (moving the chains).
#1 Henry 94; #2 Kyren 85; #3 Barkley, Bijan 82; #5 Jacobs 73

Touchdowns
#1 Henry, Cooks, Gibbs 16; #4 Jacobs 15; #5 Kyren, Bijan 14

Carries (Health)
#1 Barkley 345; #2 Henry 325; #3 Kyren 316; #4 Bijan 304; #5 Taylor303, #6 Jacobs 301

*Short yardage success; 1st down conversions on: (3rd and 1 to 3 yds); (4th and 1 to 3 yds)
#1 Kyren 83.8% (24 - 20; 7 - 6)
#2 Gibbs 78.6% (10 - 8; 4 - 3)
#3 Henry 75% (20 - 15; 4 - 3)
#4 Hubbard 70% ( 15 - 11; 5 -3)
#5 Bijan 68% (18- 12; 7 - 5)
#6 Taylor 62.5% (26 - 16; 6 - 4)
#7Jacobs 60% (17 - 11; 3 - 1)
#8 Swift 55.5% ( 6 - 4; 3 - 1)
#9 Barkley 55% (19 - 11; 1 - 0)#
#10 Harris 54.5% (8 - 4; 3 - 2)
#11 Pollard 53.3% (13 - 7; 2 - 1)
#12 A. Jones 44.4% (9 - 4; 0 - 0)

*RBs with 250+ total carries
#The Tush Push obviously robbed Barkley of attempts on 4th down.

Who wouldn't love a RB who can get tough yards, first downs, bust big plays, catch passes, score touchdowns, pass protect and rarely fumble? How many complete backs like that exist in the NFL?

Question would be if this is truly the case, why isn't his contract extension a slam dunk? He's obviously good enough but even the Rams are being cautious on overpaying. Why would the Rams draft a speed element at running back?

 

[PARAM]

Question would be if this is truly the case, why isn't his contract extension a slam dunk? He's obviously good enough but even the Rams are being cautious on overpaying. Why would the Rams draft a speed element at running back?

To answer your questions in reverse order.....
....because they needed AND wanted to add a speed element
.....whats the rush? He's in camp so why finalized it at this point? Make it through camp healthy and it can still be done prior to the season.

A question for you......
Are my numbers "not truly the case"? I think they're pretty cut and dry.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

To answer your questions in reverse order.....
....because they needed AND wanted to add a speed element
.....whats the rush? He's in camp so why finalized it at this point? Make it through camp healthy and it can still be done prior to the season.

A question for you......
Are my numbers "not truly the case"? I think they're pretty cut and dry.

No, you're numbers aren't truly the case when Kyren actually had a pretty crappy year efficiency wise. There's a reason the Rams drafted another and he's still not signed. (Please disregard the fantasy points as that really means doo doo lol). Once again, if cut and dry, he would have been signed ASAP like Gurley was but Kyren isn't that type of back. In all fairness, many aren't. Rams would be crazy to sign him to anything other than an extremely team friendly deal. I'm guessing, at best, this is a prove it year for him contract wise since he clearly needs to show better than last year.

 

[RamBall]

I could never understand why ED had his best receiving year as a rookie. I get that Robinson was a 3 yards and a cloud of dust coach but…

I know I felt better watching the ball be handed to ED, than I did watching the Ferragamo drop back and hope he doesnt turn it over. Damn, I just looked it up to see if my memory was somewhat close, Ferragamo threw for 22 TDs in 83 to go with his 23 Ints. My memory was pretty accurate, I just remember bad things seemed to happen more often than good things when Ferragamo threw it. Ferragamo never seemed like the same QB after going to the CFL. Could just be that I thought he was better than he really was before he went to the CFL.

 

[PARAM]

No, you're numbers aren't truly the case when Kyren actually had a pretty crappy year efficiency wise. There's a reason the Rams drafted another and he's still not signed. (Please disregard the fantasy points as that really means doo doo lol). Once again, if cut and dry, he would have been signed ASAP like Gurley was but Kyren isn't that type of back. In all fairness, many aren't. Rams would be crazy to sign him to anything other than an extremely team friendly deal. I'm guessing, at best, this is a prove it year for him contract wise since he clearly needs to show better than last year.

View attachment 71326

LMFAO!!

"Pretty crappy year efficency wise"?
#3 in carries, #5 in TDs, #2 in first downs, #7 in yards

Those stats you cited came from where?
Here's a list of yards per carry for 2024 and KW is ranked #34.

2024 NFL Rushing | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Check out the 2024 NFL Rushing Stats and more on Pro-football-reference.com

www.pro-football-reference.com

(FWIW, click on the column Y/A to see for yourself)

Take the 8 guys off who had less than 150 attempts (Lamar, Jayden Daniels, Allgeier, Gibson, McLaughlin, Warren, White and Charbonnet) and KW ranks #26. Take the QB (Hurts) off that list with 150 attempts (we are talking RBs, right?) and he ranks #25. Does the fact he doesn't have blazing, affect his yards per carry?

Anyway, if whomever compiled those stats couldn't even get that right.....by a lot......WTF does it say about the rest of those stats? I gotta ask, it wasn't Blaine Grisak was it?

Who cares about yards after contact per carry? How about yards before contact?
Tackles avoided per carry? How about broken tackles? KW #3 with 27.

Don't get me wrong. I DON'T WANT to overpay KW. A fair deal would be great. And because he's got a nose for the end zone and the first down marker, I hope for our sake they get it done.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Extremely debatable due to the unknown lol

I disagree. It’s the whole basis for the All in Fuck then picks strategy. A sure thing is always a better bet than draft picks, because an unproven player in the draft is not a sure thing.