Kyren Williams, the Los Angeles Rams’ dynamic running back, has emerged as one of the NFL’s most compelling stories. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams has defied expectations, overcoming early injury setbacks to become a Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most productive ball carriers. His journey is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the unwavering belief of his coaching staff.
This article delves into the various facets of Kyren Williams’ career, addressing the most common questions and providing an in-depth look at what makes him such a vital piece of the Rams’ offense.
Humble Beginnings: College Career and Draft Profile
Born on August 26, 2000, in St. Louis, Missouri, Kyren Williams honed his skills at St. John Vianney High School. He was a standout multi-sport athlete, excelling in both football and track. In his junior year, he showcased his all-around talent, rushing for 922 yards and 22 touchdowns while also racking up 51 receptions for 774 yards and 12 touchdowns. His senior season was even more impressive, with over 2,000 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, earning him the St. Louis Metro Area Offensive Player of the Year. He also displayed defensive prowess, recording 92 tackles and eight interceptions.
Williams committed to the University of Notre Dame, where he quickly made his mark. After a limited freshman year in 2019, he burst onto the scene in 2020 as the starting running back. That season, he rushed for 1,125 yards and 13 touchdowns on 211 carries, adding 35 receptions for 313 yards and another score. His stellar performance earned him Second-team All-ACC honors, ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the overall ACC Rookie of the Year. He followed up his sophomore campaign with another 1,000-yard rushing season in 2021, tallying 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns, along with 42 receptions for 359 yards and three receiving touchdowns. He declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year, opting out of the Fiesta Bowl.
Despite his impressive college production and versatility, Williams’ pre-draft measurables, particularly his 40-yard dash time of 4.65 seconds, raised some concerns among scouts, potentially contributing to his slide to the fifth round (164th overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Los Angeles Rams.
Overcoming Adversity: Injury History and Early NFL Struggles
Williams’ NFL journey began with an immediate challenge. Shortly after being drafted, he suffered a broken foot in practice and underwent surgery. His rookie season was further hampered by a high ankle sprain suffered on the very first kick return in the Rams’ 2022 season opener. This injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the season, and he was placed on injured reserve. He returned in November 2022, appearing in ten games and receiving significant snaps in eight. However, due to his injury and the presence of Cam Akers, his rookie statistics were modest: 35 carries for 139 yards and nine receptions for 76 yards, with no touchdowns.
The 2023 season, however, marked a dramatic turning point. While Cam Akers initially started Week 1, Williams quickly supplanted him as the lead back. He scored his first two career touchdowns in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks and followed it up with another touchdown in Week 2. He recorded his first career 100-yard rushing game in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts. A sprained left ankle in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals temporarily placed him back on injured reserve, causing him to miss four games.
The Breakout Star: Dominance in the 2023 and 2024 Seasons
Upon his return from injury in Week 12 of the 2023 season, Kyren Williams truly exploded. He recorded 143 rushing yards and two receiving touchdowns against Arizona, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. This performance ignited an impressive six-game stretch where he averaged 5.3 yards per carry and 114.7 yards per game. He surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season, becoming the first Rams running back to do so since Todd Gurley in 2018. He finished the 2023 season with 228 carries for 1,144 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, along with 32 receptions for 206 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns, despite playing in only 12 games. His exceptional play earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and Second-team All-Pro honors. He was also ranked 78th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.
Williams carried his momentum into the 2024 season, demonstrating remarkable consistency and an even greater workload. He amassed a career-high 1,299 rushing yards on 316 carries and 14 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed with 34 receptions for 182 yards and two receiving touchdowns. His combined 31 touchdowns from scrimmage over the 2023 and 2024 seasons are tied for the most in the NFL with Jahmyr Gibbs.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kyren Williams may not possess elite top-end speed, but his rushing style is highly effective and perfectly suited for the Rams’ offensive scheme. His strengths include:
Vision: Williams displays exceptional vision, consistently finding creases and reading leverage in the second level of the defense. He efficiently processes blocks and makes decisive cuts, avoiding wasted movement.
Contact Balance and Power: Despite his relatively smaller frame (5’9″, 202 lbs), Williams runs with surprising power and outstanding contact balance. He consistently breaks tackles and gains extra yards after contact, often churning his legs through arm tackles. He’s not afraid of contact and often initiates it.
Agility and Elusiveness: Williams possesses impressive lateral agility and footwork, allowing him to change direction quickly and make defenders miss in the open field. He can string multiple moves together to create space.
Receiving Ability: One of Williams’ most significant strengths is his versatility in the passing game. He is a natural receiver with soft hands and a developed route tree. He can be deployed from the backfield or split out wide, making him a valuable weapon in a modern NFL offense. While he saw a decrease in target rate in 2024 due to some drops in 2023, his receiving skills remain a key asset.
Pass Protection: Williams is also an excellent pass blocker, a crucial skill for any three-down running back. This ability makes him a reliable option on passing downs, whether he’s running a route or staying in to protect the quarterback.
Addressing Concerns: Fumbles and Ball Security
While Williams’ overall performance has been stellar, one area that has drawn some attention is ball security. In 2021 (college), he was credited with 3 fumbles (1 lost), and in 2020, 5 fumbles (3 lost). In the NFL, he had a couple of notable fumbles during the 2023 season, including two in a game against the Commanders, and another costly fumble in the playoffs. While his coaches and teammates have publicly expressed continued trust in him, and the Rams’ team fumble lost statistics are not among the worst, it’s an aspect of his game that he and the coaching staff are undoubtedly focused on improving. Williams himself has acknowledged the need for better ball security.
Fantasy Football Impact
From a fantasy football perspective, Kyren Williams has been a revelation. After being a relatively low-cost draft pick, he delivered elite production in 2023, finishing as one of the top fantasy running backs despite missing games due to injury. He continued his strong performance in 2024, consistently delivering high-volume carries and touchdowns.
His fantasy value is primarily driven by his immense volume in the Rams’ offense and his impressive touchdown efficiency. Sean McVay’s tendency to utilize a single workhorse back, combined with an improving offensive line, creates a favorable environment for Williams. While the addition of rookie running backs like Blake Corum could potentially chip away at his overall snap share or goal-line touches, Williams’ proven ability and established role make him a high-floor fantasy asset. He remains a strong contender for a top-tier fantasy running back in the upcoming season.
FAQs
Who is Kyren Williams?
Kyren Williams is a professional American football running back for the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL. Born on August 26, 2000, in St. Louis, Missouri, he played college football at Notre Dame before being drafted by the Rams in the fifth round (164th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
What were Kyren Williams’ stats in the 2024 NFL season?
In the 2024 season, Williams had a standout performance:
Rushing: 316 carries for 1,299 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and 14 touchdowns.
Receiving: 34 receptions for 182 yards and 2 touchdowns.
He ranked 3rd in the NFL for rushing attempts and tied for 5th in rushing touchdowns.
Has Kyren Williams dealt with any injuries?
Yes, Williams has faced injuries during his career. In 2023, he missed time due to an ankle injury. However, he managed to play all 16 games in the 2024 season without major injuries.
What is Kyren Williams’ role in the Rams’ offense?
Williams serves as the primary running back for the Rams. Despite the team drafting other running backs like Blake Corum, Williams maintained his lead role throughout the 2024 season.
How did Kyren Williams perform in fantasy football in 2024?
Williams was a valuable asset in fantasy football, finishing 10th among running backs in points per game. His consistent workload and touchdown production made him a reliable option for fantasy managers.
What were Kyren Williams’ college stats at Notre Dame?
During his time at Notre Dame:
2020: 211 carries for 1,125 yards and 13 touchdowns.
2021: 204 carries for 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns.
He also contributed as a receiver, showcasing his versatility.
Is Kyren Williams involved in special teams?
Yes, in the 2024 season, Rams head coach Sean McVay utilized Williams as a punt returner, highlighting his versatility and importance to the team.
What is Kyren Williams’ contract status?
Williams is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. While there are no current indications of a trade, his performance in the upcoming season will be crucial for potential contract extensions or negotiations.
How does Kyren Williams compare to other NFL running backs?
Williams is known for his agility, vision, and pass-catching abilities. While not the fastest back, his football IQ and versatility make him a valuable asset in both rushing and receiving roles.
What can we expect from Kyren Williams in the 2025 season?
Given his performance in 2024 and his role as the primary running back, expectations are high for Williams in 2025. If he remains healthy and maintains his workload, he could continue to be a top contributor for the Rams and a valuable asset in fantasy football.
To conclude
Kyren Williams has emerged as a key player for the Los Angeles Rams, showcasing resilience and consistent performance. His journey from Notre Dame to becoming the Rams’ primary running back highlights his dedication and skill. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, all eyes will be on Williams to see if he can continue his upward trajectory and solidify his place among the NFL’s top running backs.
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