Chiefs RB Damien Williams Could Make A ‘Big Jump’
A lot of focus has been placed on a different Chiefs running back other than Damien Williams heading into the 2020 season. Kansas City used the No. 32 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to select former LSU standout Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He is expected to play a significant role immediately.
With Edwards-Helaire now in the running back room, Williams has seemingly gone under the radar. A committee approach appears to be the most likely scenario for Kansas City with a balance between Edwards-Helaire and Williams since they both can be receivers out of the backfield.
During a recent interview with Nate Taylor of The Athletic, Chiefs running backs coach Deland McCullough highlighted what he has heard from Williams throughout the offseason. He believes Williams could make ‘a big jump’ in 2020.
“Just listening to the way Damien spoke about himself and the things we’re doing and the things he’s going to do to improve, I think his maturation in this offense is going to be a big jump this year,” McCullough said, via Nate Taylor of The Athletic.
For whatever it’s worth, ESPN’s league-wide projections for each offensive player for the 2020 season anticipate Williams having a smaller role. The projection features a significant drop across the board, most notably with his carries going down from 111 in 2019 to 72.
The projection for Edwards-Helaire from ESPN is significant right out of the gate. They expect him to receive 188 carries resulting in 832 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns in addition to hauling in 43 catches for 363 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.
With more talent in the Kansas City Chiefs’ backfield, a decline in involvement in the Chiefs’ offense appears inevitable for Damien Williams. What will be crucial to watch will be his efficiency with the opportunities he does end up receiving.
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