Survivor I - Cadillac Williams Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Positives - Williams, was a first team All-America running back at Auburn last season and was taken by the Buccaneers with the 5th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. Two other running backs were selected ahead of Williams (Ronnie Brown and Cedric Benson), but Williams is considered to be the outright starter and immediate impact, whereas the others have some competition. Despite playing alongside Ronnie Brown at Auburn, Williams managed to finish the 2004 season at Auburn with 1,718 all-purpose yards. Only James Brooks (1,800 yards in 1979) and Bo Jackson (1,859 in 1985) gained more all-purpose yards in a season for the Tigers.

Negatives - At 5’11, 217 lbs. Williams is not a bruising back, but more of an explosive quick cutter, much like veteran teammate Charlie Garner, but bigger. Williams is improving on his receiving game, but that is not his forte, although he did catch 21 of his 45 collegiate receptions last season. The job looks to be his to lose, but veterans Michael Pittman and Charlie Garner, both experienced receiving backs, will likely get more 3rd down play than Williams. Williams may not be an every down back just yet and that could hurt his production this season.

Draft Strategy - After not taking a running back in either of my first two picks, I absolutely had to take one here. At the time, I had my choice of Michael Bennett, Kevan Barlow, Ronnie Brown, Fred Taylor, Chris Brown, Travis Henry, Duce Staley, Cedric Benson, and DeShaun Foster. Why did I choose Carnell Williams? Every single back, with the possible exception of Michael Bennett, had big question marks relating to playing time and position battles. I had two picks coming to me in the next four and I wanted both Bennett and Williams. Williams is more of a risk than Bennett, but Williams has the potential to be an elite rookie running back, that we all salivate over come week 6. It’s a risk vs. reward, and I was banking on reward. I foresee the Buccaneers making great strides offensively and I expect Carnell Williams to be a major contributor from the get go. That could not be said about any of the remaining backs on the board, with the exception of possibly Michael Bennett, whom I hoped to choose two picks later.