7 running backs the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft

Carolina Panthers could select Kyren Williams (Notre Dame)

Measurements:

• Height: 5-foot-9 | Weight: 194 pounds

2021 Stats:

• 1,002 rushing yards (4.9 YPC)
• 14 touchdowns
• 359 receiving yards (42 receptions)
• 3 receiving touchdowns
• 81.2 PFF grade

Although Kyren Williams wouldn’t have the necessary size to carve out an every-down role at the next level, the Notre Dame product has a nice skillset that is becoming a coveted trend in the pros. The running back represents a dual-threat weapon that also has the necessary explosiveness to become a solid kick returner if a team decides to go in this direction.

Williams has enjoyed back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Fighting Irish, which represents outstanding production for a player who was a four-star recruit out of St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis. His 5-foot-9 frame comes with a low center of gravity that makes the back difficult to bring down and this is matched by exceptional elusiveness in tight windows or open spaces.

There is surprising violence to Williams’ running style despite his frame. The prospect is also a force to be reckoned with in the passing game over short-to-intermediate routes, something he does very well with soft hands and an ability to generate yards after the catch.

Asking Williams to become a three-down back in the NFL would be too much. Players at the position have an extremely short shelflife and for every Austin Ekeler, there are many others of a similar size who fail to cope with such punishment.

The Carolina Panthers could draft Williams as a rotational back and special teams ace. This would also give them a nice contingency plan in the event Christian McCaffrey got hurt again.