Dynasty Player Profile: Javonte Williams (2022 Fantasy Football)

Career Contextualization

Javonte Williams came into the 2021 season with plenty of hype behind him. Plenty viewed him as the best tailback in the 2021 draft class. Williams delivered, for the most part. The North Carolina rookie finished as the RB17 in half-PPR leagues, accounting for 903 rushing yards along with 43 catches for 316 yards and seven total touchdowns.

Williams could be the real deal. He displayed the speed, power, and vision necessary to develop into a complete, three-down back at the next level. All three of those traits were on display in this single highlight.

JAVONTE WILLIAMS ?

?: #BALvsDEN on CBS
?: NFL app pic.twitter.com/88aqDlawBb

— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2021

Williams’ rookie season was even more impressive when you remember he was essentially in a 50/50 timeshare with veteran Melvin Gordon. In fact, the two had the exact same amount of rushing attempts. Williams was also tasked with finding room to run on an offense with the mediocre Teddy Bridgewater taking the bulk of the snaps under center.

All in all, 2021 was a successful season for Williams. And all signs point to an even better 2022.

Current Situation

Williams is positioned to be the lead back on what should be a vastly improved offense. For starters, Gordon is out of town, leaving Williams on a depth chart with only Mike Boone and Damarea Crockett. You couldn’t open the door any wider for Williams to become a full-time, three-down back.

Denver also made a sizable upgrade at quarterback, jettisoning Bridgewater out and trading for Russell Wilson. The Broncos also fired Vic Fangio and replaced him with former Packers offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett. Denver’s offensive line could use some improvements, as the unit ranked just 18th in adjusted line yards, but it’s a serviceable enough unit to pave plenty of running lanes for Williams.

It’s safe to say Williams’ situation has dramatically improved. Denver’s offense could evolve into one of the best in the league, if everything goes right. At the very least, it should be an above-average unit. The opportunity to lead Denver’s backfield couldn’t have come at a better time for Williams.

General Prediction for 2022 and Rest of Career

Javonte Williams will finish as a top 10 running back in 2022. His talent is evident. The backfield is his. And his new quarterback will force defenses to respect Denver’s passing game. All of the ingredients are in place for Williams to explode next season. If you have the opportunity to buy him in dynasty leagues, I’d absolutely take advantage. I’d gladly give up first-round picks in this year’s draft and next year’s to get Williams on my roster.

I’m not someone who blows smoke and willingly buys into fantasy football hysteria. But I’m confident the stars are aligning for Williams, which means the sky could be the limit in 2022 and beyond.

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Matt Barbato is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Matt, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter at @realmattbarbato.