The Washington Redskins have added another RB to the roster with the signing of UDFA Trey Williams from Texas A & M. Williams(5'7", 195 lbs) played for the Aggies for 3 season, rushing for 1343 yards and 18 TDs, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. He also caught 38 passes for 330 yards and a TD. Williams also has experience as a kick returner, with 70 returns for 1684 yards with a 24.1 yards per return average.
Head coach Jay Gruden has mentioned several times that he planned on drafting a RB, and he did that in the 3rd round with Matt Jones from Florida. Gruden also wants competition for the bottom of the depth chart, where Chris Thompson and Silas Redd lived last season. Gruden has repeatedly mentioned that Chris Thompson needs to stay healthy, and that Redd needs more consistency. With the departure of Roy Helu, Jr. in free agency, there is an opening for a pass catching back in Gruden's offense. Williams has an opportunity to fill that role this season if he can beat out the incumbents. Silas Redd was a small surprise last year when he made the team as an UDFA, can Williams do the same this season?
IT'S OFFICIAL. @twll3 to the @Redskins! #WHOSNEXT! pic.twitter.com/I1xt6NEge1
— AggieFBLife (@aggiefblife) May 5, 2015
STRENGTHS
Features a devastating jump-cut that torments defenders in space. One of the best "make-you-miss" types in this draft. Improvisation-oriented athlete in space. Able to change directions at a moment's notice and multiple times during one play. Great vision. Looks past first move and focuses on second move. Instant burst through the crease to the third level. Ran for 15-plus yards on 13.6 percent of his carries over the last two years. Can be shuffled around the field as a mismatch weapon. Was a kick returner for all three years at A&M.
WEAKNESSES
Very slightly built runner. More of an "offensive weapon" than a true running back. Ran as an off-set back from shotgun. Is seen frequently looking for the sideline with ball in his hands. Little to no strength as a runner. Can't break tackles and churn out extra yardage. When defenses get hands on him, the play is over. Too small to be factor as pass blocker. Benefited from running out of spread offense, allowing him to see his share of six-man boxes.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Round 6 or 7
SOURCES TELL US
"He will have to prove to NFL teams that he can work from the slot, too. If he can show that he has value from the slot to go with an occasional carry and full-time kick return responsibilities, then he adds to his value." -- NFC East scout
NFL COMPARISON
De'Anthony Thomas
BOTTOM LINE
All-purpose running back with an ability to hit big plays from time to time, but no value as an every-down player. Some teams might view Williams as a luxury talent with minimal value due to his lack of size and natural position fit, while other teams will see him as a chess piece that they can deploy to create mismatches and use to stress defenses. His kick-return ability adds value, but there's likely a ceiling on just how highly he will be drafted.