The Cincinnati Bengals selected running back Trayveon Williams out of Texas A&M in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 182nd overall.
Williams enjoyed a prolific college career, and led the SEC in rushing with 1,760 yards and 18 touchdowns a year ago. He entered the draft following his junior campaign rather than return to the Aggies for his final season of eligibility.
The 21-year-old will join a Bengals backfield headed by Joe Mixon. Cincinnati also has seventh-year veteran Giovani Bernard in its backfield.
Prospect profile
School: Texas A&M
Height: 5-8
Weight: 206 lbs
Strengths
- Very productive against tough competition
- Calm runner who thrives with running room
- Explosive second gear in the open field - resulted in a number of long runs
- Good balance to avoid being tackled at first contact
- Displayed good hands as a check-down option
- Uses sharp cuts in space
- One of the better pass-blocking running backs in this class
Weaknesses
- Doesn't possess ideal size
- Not overly athletic or powerful as a runner
- A bit stiff when changing direction
- Not very effective on short-yardage/goal-line plays
- Doesn't always make the best decision on which hole to hit
Bottom line
Williams is an intriguing back that thrived in college despite matching up with some tough SEC opponents. He's a breakaway rusher that may not be big or athletic enough to be a bell cow, but he has the opportunity to thrive in a secondary role due to his receiving potential and pass-blocking prowess. Williams will be targeted as a thrasher for a team looking to complement a starter.
