Every NFL team’s most underrated offensive weapon entering 2020

Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Williams

The Indianapolis Colts are known for their run game and highly-touted offensive line. While Andrew Luck’s retirement caught the entire team off guard this past season, their run game carried the load in his absence. The Colts ranked seventh in rushing yards per game and 11th in yards per carry. While multiple backs were able to contribute to this high rank, one stands out as a possible sleeper to break out next season.

Jonathan Williams, the former fifth-round pick by Buffalo, joined the Colts in purely a reserve role in 2019. After Marlon Mack and Jordan Wilkins suffered injuries, Williams was inserted into the starting lineup for two games. In both of those contests, Williams surpassed 100 yards rushing and averaged over four yards per carry.

When Williams was given the lead role, he was able to operate as a power-back who could also catch out of the backfield. He only caught five balls during 2019, but he averaged nearly twelve yards per reception. While we’ve seen multiple backs succeed behind the Colts offensive line, Williams’s performance was shocking given he had just returned to football after a lengthy absence.

Williams will likely not overtake Mack or Wilkins for the starting role any time soon, as he did not receive another touch after Week 13. Yet, he could be a solid change of pace option that will allow Mack to keep his legs fresh. I wouldn’t be surprised if Williams has a couple of solid performances in relief of Mack, who has yet to play a full season in his three-year career.