ROUND 6

KERWYNN WILLIAMS
RUNNINGBACK
UTAH STATE
5'8" 196lbs


KerwynnWilliams_highlight.jpg

The Steelers showed last season they are not afraid to select & use smaller, quicker RB's when they selected Chris Rainey. Williams is a similar player- fast, agile, dangerous... pretty much exactly what the Steelers don't have currently at RB. He'll only be a situational player, but Haley made use of Stephens-Howling at Arizona, and McCluster at KC.


STRENGTHS: Possesses a short, compact frame. Takes quick, choppy steps which give him great lateral agility and burst. Savvy runner who varies his gait, lulling defenders with one speed before showing a quick burst to break into the open field. Very good vision to recognize cut back lanes and make use of downfield blockers.

Possesses excellent ball skills. Secures passes quickly with his hands, showing the ability to easily adjust his body to make tough catches and still maintain forward momentum. Used on a variety of routes out of the backfield for USU, as well as lined up out of the slot and even outside.

Experienced kick and punt returner with the secure hands and elusiveness to maintain this role in the NFL.


WEAKNESSES: Obvious size limitations. Only logged one season (2012) with more than 81 carries so durability has to be a concern despite the fact that Williams never missed a collegiate game due to injury.

Too often goes down to first contact, showing little power to bounce off tackles. Relies on his ability to make defenders miss.

Willing and cognizant blocker, but size limitations are especially evident in pass protection where he offers little more than a speed bump to oncoming defenders.

Has excellent agility and acceleration but does not appear to have legitimate breakaway speed to pull away in the open field. Despite his gaudy return totals has only one kick return for a touchdown over his career (92 yards at Nevada, 2011) despite breaking into the open on multiple occasions.

COMPARES TO: LaRod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals -- Like Stephens-Howling, Williams will have an uphill battle to make an NFL roster but his versatility and big-play potential could make him too valuable to not find a niche.