Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at fourth-year running back Javonte Williams, No. 33.
Before the Broncos: Williams (5-10, 220 pounds) spent three seasons at North Carolina, totaling 2,836 yards from scrimmage and scoring 33 touchdowns in 35 games. He earned second-team All-American recognition as a junior in 2020 after rushing 157 times for 1,140 yards and 19 touchdowns while adding 25 receptions for 305 yards and three more scores.
Broncos tenure: Denver picked Williams in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. He began his pro career in a shared backfield with Melvin Gordon, rushing 203 times for 903 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. Williams then started the first four games of the 2022 campaign before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He was back on the field last fall but never quite returned to his rookie form, rushing 217 times for 774 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games (13 starts). Williams averaged 3.6 yards per carry in 2023, a notable drop from his 4.4 YPC average as a rookie.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Near-lock. Now fully healthy, Williams seems poised to make the team and serve as the Broncos’ top running back this fall. Entering a contract year, the 24-year-old running back will look to get back on track this season before hitting free agency in 2025.
