Fantasy Football Rankings 2021: Top rookie running backs

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers receives the opening kickoff against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers receives the opening kickoff against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Javonte Williams (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Javonte Williams (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2021 Fantasy Football Rookie Running Back No. 3: Javonte Williams

Michael Carter isn’t the only North Carolina running back to make a substantial leap in both productivity and on-film growth. His backfield mate Javonte Williams tallied 1,140 yards on the ground in 2020, significantly raising his yards per carry average from 5.6 to 7.3 in the process.

In the montage below, Williams demonstrates a nose for the end zone, impressive contact balance, and decisiveness at the line of scrimmage, not to mention impressive breakaway speed. Not only does he hit holes quickly, he possesses that extra gear and agility to leave second-level defenders in his wake.

As a tough inside runner who also has the ability to produce in RPO and outside zone schemes, Williams offers the skill set to be a legitimate, three-down back in the NFL, and should be highly productive in just about any offense that gives him an opportunity to see the field.

We won’t be the least bit surprised to see the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, or Miami Dolphins call his name during Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft.