What You Need to Know:

• You’ve probably read or heard some version of new OC Anthony Lynn classifying his RBs. Here’s his full quote (from The Athletic):
  • “Jamaal is what I’d call a classic ‘A’ back. I like to break the backs down into A and B. My ‘A’ backs are normally my bigger backs. They can run between the tackles, block probably a little better than a ‘B’ back. They can also run the perimeter. I can leave those guys in there for all three downs. My ‘B’ back comes in, he’s a guy that sometimes I want to use in space more. He’s my speed-in-space guy. I feel like Jamaal would be an outstanding ‘A’ back. I like his energy, I like his pad level and the way he runs the football between the tackles.”
• In the same article, Lynn credited Williams as presenting surprisingly good route-running and pass-catching ability.
• Williams ranked 20th in Pro Football Focus’ rushing grades last season among 63 RBs with 75+ carries -- well ahead of D’Andre Swift at 46th. Williams’ 2020 rushing grade came in well ahead of his marks from the previous 3 seasons, but he has improved that number each year.
• Swift (19th) beat Williams (32nd) in receiving grade, among 61 RBs with 20+ targets.
• Williams rated near the top of the position as a pass-blocker over his 1st 3 seasons, before earning a poor grade in that area in 2020.
• Football Outsiders rated him 15th in receiving DYAR and 16th in DVOA among 50 qualifying RBs. (Swift checked in 9th and 13th, respectively.)
• Swift also topped Williams in FO’s rushing metrics: 16th vs. 26th in DYAR and 14th vs. 22nd in DVOA. Both backs rated above replacement/average level in each phase.
• The Lions return just 2 players who reached 40 targets for the team in 2020.

Draft Sharks Bottom Line:

Even if you believe D’Andre Swift to be the superior talent -- and we do -- there’s room for both him and Williams to factor heavily into the 2…