Karlos Williams NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report for Bills' Rookie

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STRENGTHS

A huge athlete who started his career on defense at safety, Karlos Williams is a tough runner to bring down in the open field. With 4.48 speed, he’s able to accelerate and get a ton of momentum going behind his 230-pound frame. Williams, despite being a senior, is a raw player judged more on his upside. He’s a big, strong, one-cut runner with downhill production and the size-and-speed mix to threaten defenses as an inside or outside runner. He shows great burst—maybe the best in the draft—and gets squared to the line of scrimmage so fast, and then he uses his power to fight through holes. He’s a natural runner with instincts to find and feel pressure and running lanes. He would be an ideal fit in a zone-blocking scheme that lets him crash rushing lanes.

WEAKNESSES

Williams never fully developed into a top-tier running back at FSU. The tools are there, but he was overshadowed by Devonta Freeman and then Dalvin Cook. Williams is a big, upright runner who takes a ton of hits when he has the ball in his hands. He’s been at running back for just two years and never seemed to fully grasp the position. He played heavy in 2014, and that affected his quickness in and out of the hole. He was investigated for domestic battery but never charged, so his background has to be checked.

PRO COMPARISON: LeGarrette Blount, New England Patriots

A rare big back with speed, it’s easy to see LeGarrette Blount when watching Karlos Williams and thinking about what type of back he could become.

2014 STATISTICS

Rushing Attempts: 150
Rushing Yards: 689
Touchdowns: 11     

FINAL GRADE: 5.40/9.00 (Quality Backup)