Joe Williams - RB, Utah

The only thing that scares me is he ran though some huge holes in college. Didnt 2 OL get drafted and another 2 were draft eligible?

Originally posted by miked1978:

The only thing that scares me is he ran though some huge holes in college. Didnt 2 OL get drafted and another 2 were draft eligible?

That's not a good way to look at it. Lol I'm pretty sur opposing defense sent players to the NFL also. I think he was able to read the blocks and used his athletic ability to juke or break away from the defense.

Originally posted by miked1978:

The only thing that scares me is he ran though some huge holes in college. Didnt 2 OL get drafted and another 2 were draft eligible?

It wasn't like he was playing against garbage competition either. He went up against NFL caliber defensive players often.

Originally posted by miked1978:

The only thing that scares me is he ran though some huge holes in college. Didnt 2 OL get drafted and another 2 were draft eligible?

4 got drafted. So he definitely had a talented line. But check out thl's post:

Originally posted by thl408:

Checked him out on film. Excellent ability to find and fit through small holes. Burst is there. He got a lot of earned yards, meaning runs were not mainly from huge holes where vision is not needed. Knows how to set up blocks. Fumbles a bit it seems.
Where would he have gone if it wasn't for the off field stuff?

Originally posted by Lobo49er:

Originally posted by miked1978:

The only thing that scares me is he ran though some huge holes in college. Didnt 2 OL get drafted and another 2 were draft eligible?

4 got drafted. So he definitely had a talented line. But check out thl's post:

Originally posted by thl408:

Checked him out on film. Excellent ability to find and fit through small holes. Burst is there. He got a lot of earned yards, meaning runs were not mainly from huge holes where vision is not needed. Knows how to set up blocks. Fumbles a bit it seems.
Where would he have gone if it wasn't for the off field stuff?

I overlooked thl's post but he's spot on. I saw the exact same thing. The burst, the breakaway speed, the patience, lateral quickness, ability to squeeze through small holes. This guy has a chance to be an absolute monster in the outside zone scheme. Fits it to a T. For anyone doubting that, pull up the tape on any game from Oregon State on and you'll see everyone of those traits.

Not gonna lie, im a little nervous about Williams mental health. I really hope we give him a fantastic support system because what happened to him is understandable. Seeing your sister, someone who is supposed to grow up with you, die in your care, is something I dont think I ever want to experience. Putting myself in that situation with my sister gets me teary eyed so hopefully as a fan base, we give him our full support!

edit: also nice to see him be the first rookie to agree to terms. Man even as a 4th rounder, he gets more money in his signing bonus that some will make in 10 years

Originally posted by English:

This boy is keen! Liking him more and more.

Freaking Brits.

Originally posted by NorthBay49er:

Originally posted by DaDivaRecieva15:

Originally posted by Lobo49er:

Originally posted by Dr_Bill_Walsh:

Yes, love it.

Is that his official number?

nah that's tim hightowers #

this could be williams tho if they cut harris tomorrow

Hightower --> #43 or #32 if Harris gets cut

J. Williams --> #26

Hightower was #34 most of his career, but he can't have that here as it's retired (Joe Perry), so easy "flip" to 43 or better yet #32 once Harris is cut (vet RBs look better in a 30's # IMO)

J. Williams obviously can't have his college #28 for the present, but #26 fits well with his name and someone mentioned his body size recalls another #26 in the Shanahan system: Clinton Portis

Originally posted by Dr_Bill_Walsh:

Originally posted by Tru2RedNGold25:
Hopefully he didn't sign so quick just to get a quick payoff N decide to hit N run (retire) again. I'd be super pissed if that's the case.

Paraag probably put a clause voiding any guaranteed $$$ should JW contemplate that

Hope thats the case i want him to stick around N have successful career but with his personal problem who's to say those demons wont show their ugly face down the road.

Originally posted by mayo49:

Originally posted by English:

This boy is keen! Liking him more and more.

I think this kid is going to be special and might replace Hyde if they don't re-sign him.

Actually, I'm confident he will replace Hyde next year as starter and Hyde will hit FA. GM Lynch don't mess around with often injured and under-performing players.

No news yet on contract $$ amount and terms?

he is going to be a fine fine player for us and we will be everything we thought hunter would be for us till he got hurt. i really think this guy will force hyde out. i hope i am wrong cuz we are stronger with two good backs than just one but i just have a good feeling about him.. no not like i had with marlon moore and thanks for bringing that up cc

Originally posted by Willisfn4life:

Originally posted by Lobo49er:

Originally posted by miked1978:
The only thing that scares me is he ran though some huge holes in college. Didnt 2 OL get drafted and another 2 were draft eligible?

4 got drafted. So he definitely had a talented line. But check out thl's post:

Originally posted by thl408:
Checked him out on film. Excellent ability to find and fit through small holes. Burst is there. He got a lot of earned yards, meaning runs were not mainly from huge holes where vision is not needed. Knows how to set up blocks. Fumbles a bit it seems.
Where would he have gone if it wasn't for the off field stuff?

I overlooked thl's post but he's spot on. I saw the exact same thing. The burst, the breakaway speed, the patience, lateral quickness, ability to squeeze through small holes. This guy has a chance to be an absolute monster in the outside zone scheme. Fits it to a T. For anyone doubting that, pull up the tape on any game from Oregon State on and you'll see everyone of those traits.

When JW came back from "retirement", he had lost his Center to a broken leg. And while he did run behind OLmen that got drafted, I'd urge anyone to check out the film for themselves to see what I mean. And if anyone only feels like watching one game, make it the Washington game. It's not easy to get a gauge for how big the holes are from a broadcast view, much prefer endzone camera for analyzing the run game, but you can tell he was squeezing through holes that weren't gaping in size. He has a Gore-like ability to hide behind his OLmen, get lost, then re-appear at the second level. Holes will appear and disappear faster in the NFL so it's impossible to know if he can adapt to NFL speed until he hits the field.

Everyone will watch film in their own way, but when watching a RB, try not to put too much stock into their explosive plays. Watch the 2-5 yard gains and see how they got those yards. Are they slippery and fall forward for additional yards? Did they miss the opportunity for more yards whether it be picking the wrong hole, too much hesitation, not enough patience?

Originally posted by gold49digger:
Not gonna lie, im a little nervous about Williams mental health. I really hope we give him a fantastic support system because what happened to him is understandable. Seeing your sister, someone who is supposed to grow up with you, die in your care, is something I dont think I ever want to experience. Putting myself in that situation with my sister gets me teary eyed so hopefully as a fan base, we give him our full support!

edit: also nice to see him be the first rookie to agree to terms. Man even as a 4th rounder, he gets more money in his signing bonus that some will make in 10 years

If he really is suffering from bipolar disorder then there will be the possibility, even with medication and good medical support, that he can slip into a fairly severe down mood. He may not have any problems that way but I won't be surprised if there is a time or two when he needs to step back from the game for awhile to get himself squared up again. That doesn't mean he won't be a great addition to the team overall, still, though.