Kyren Williams will start the 2025 season at just 25 years old, and despite finishing as the RB7 last season, he is currently listed as the RB11 in early redraft rankings. Part of the reason he finds himself with a 3rd round ADP is due to concerns regarding a lack of explosive runs in 2024. Also, it’s wise to expect Blake Corum to have an increased role in his second year.

Williams was outside the top 10 in rushes that went for over 10 yards in 2024. He also had the fewest yards per carry (4.1) of any of the top 12 rushing leaders. He overcame his lack of explosiveness with insane volume and red-zone usage. If Williams can increase his explosiveness, it will help him stave off competition from Corum and this year’s 4th-round rookie, Jarquez Hunter.

At this point, Williams is a steal if he goes off the board as RB11, though I personally have him as my RB11 as well. I’m less concerned with his lack of explosiveness or increased competition and more concerned about coming off a 389-touch season (including playoffs). That’s a lot of wear and tear on a back his size. If he can stay healthy, however, I don’t see him finishing below his current ADP, and he has top-5 upside.

–Blake Stachel (@bllakkay)