Clayton: Javonte Williams an “intriguing” watch for Broncos camp
Jul 9, 2021, 3:49 PM
Javonte Williams has clearly become the most intriguing 2021 draft choice for the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos didn’t need a running back, but general manager George Paton couldn’t resist moving up in the second round and adding him to the roster. He was considered the second- or third-best running back in this draft. He’s powerful. He has a nasty style of running, which appealed to Paton. He’s smart. In high school, he was a valedictorian.
Sure, first-round pick Pat Surtain II has star written all over him, but he needs a lot to beat out Ronald Darby, Kyle Fuller and Bryce Callahan. He’s more the future than the present, but you can see Pro Bowls tagged to his name in future years.
Williams can be the present, which makes his selection so intriguing. Melvin Gordon III is a two-time Pro Bowler who rushed for 986 yards last year in a season that wasn’t great for running backs. Only eight backs rushed for 1,000 yards. During the past three years, Gordon ranked 11th-best in 10-plus-yard gains — explosive plays.
But there are growing thoughts that Williams could beat out Gordon for the starting job. Like everything, there will be open competition as several positions. Quarterback is the main one, with Teddy Bridgewater going to against Drew Lock. Lock just has to make sure he can avoid the lug nuts hitting his windshield while driving down the road.
His name is of note Friday because third-round choices Quinn Meinerz and linebacker Baron Browning signed their rookie contracts. Williams is the only unsigned draft choice, but that will get done. It’s not a matter of money. All the draft choices are slotted. He gets a $1,551,955 signing bonus and a $660,000 base salary. The debate is how much he should get in guarantees. There are more second-round picks unsigned for the same reason.
Currently, 221 of the 259 draft choices have signed, leaving 38 to get done. Most of them are in the second and third rounds. Still, Williams is an interesting player to watch at training camp.
