NFL Network has Broncos RB Javonte Williams as top breakout star in ’22

The hype in Broncos Country for running back Javonte Williams is through the roof.

Everyone is high on the second-year player out of North Carolina, and rightfully so. He flashed in a big way in his rookie campaign, with some impressive tackle-breaking runs. Williams finished 2021 with 203 carries for 903 yards and four touchdowns, good for a solid 4.4 yards per attempt. He added another 43 receptions and three more touchdowns through the air.

Fellow running back Melvin Gordon returned for 2022, but everyone (including Gordon himself) expects Williams to be the No. 1 back on this team.

So we know expectations are high locally, but what about nationally? Well this fancy graphic from NFL Network should answer those questions.

Look out for these guys in 2022 📈@gmfb @PSchrags . . pic.twitter.com/TthZ6NmHCo

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) September 2, 2022

Well, well, well. There are some darn good players on that list, so it’s cool to see Williams at No. 1. The person doing the ranking is Good Morning Football’s Peter Schrager, and he explained his selection more in depth on Friday’s show.

Mahomes in 2018. Kyler in 2019. Devin White in 2020. CeeDee Lamb in 2021.@PSchrags does his Top 10 Breakout Players list every August, and the No. 1's are elite company.

2022's top guy?@Broncos RB @JavonteWill33

"I think he will lead the league in rushing this year." 👀 pic.twitter.com/gyn78MRNJq

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) September 2, 2022

There are a lot of good stats in there from Schrager, including the bold prediction he thinks Williams will lead the entire NFL in rushing. That’s possible, but would mean another massive leap from Williams.

Regardless of what happens, it’s cool to see Williams get some love on a national stage. He’s no longer just Denver’s little secret.

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