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Dexter Williams could ascend in NFL with Chicago Bears

By Parker Hurley

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 10: Dexter Williams #2 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish breaks a tackle on his way to a 58-yard touchdown run against the Florida State Seminoles in the second quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 10, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 10: Dexter Williams #2 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish breaks a tackle on his way to a 58-yard touchdown run against the Florida State Seminoles in the second quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 10, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Could the Chicago Bears add a big play running back in Dexter Williams?

Dexter Williams did not get on the field much for Notre Dame in his first three seasons. After putting up 99 carries for 541 yards and 8 touchdowns in his first three years combined, Dexter Williams ran 998 yards on 158 carries, racking up 12 touchdowns.

This is impressive considering his line lost Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey last season. After watching Williams he is a player who could be ready to ascend in the NFL if he is put in the right spot. That spot could be with the Chicago Bears.

Measurables:

Dexter Williams tested as an above average athlete, increasing his ceiling. The promise he showed in his last season and the added athleticism have his arrow pointing up heading into the NFL draft. Where do his strengths and weaknesses lie?

Strengths?

Dexter Williams is a big play breaker. It is interesting to note that he did not test above average in the 40, but did test explosive in every other drill. That shows as he is a patient runner behind the line of scrimmage. He waits for his moment, but when he gets a lane, he takes it and explodes past his defense.

Pro Football Focus rated him 9th in explosive play rate last season, proving that he could pull away and break long runs.

Williams caught 16 passes as a senior, and showed well after the catch with the ball in his hands.

Dexter Williams has good size, patience and explosion to add to a limited workload that could lead to his best football to come ahead of him.

Weakness

It has to be worth wondering why his workload was so limited for three seasons. As a junior he failed to get more carries than Josh Adams, who went undrafted. Adams proved to be an NFL runner last season, but his limited workload is questionable.

Adams has had a drug arrest and a suspension in his career, according to NFL.com. Is he a player that coaches have a hard time trusting?

This can show in his boom-bust ability as a runner. While he breaks big runs, he also can be caught in the backfield.

Williams showed well as a pass catcher, but it was a limited sample size. He also did not grade well in pass protection.

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Skinny

Dexter Williams would be a strong fit in the Chicago Bears offense. His patience behind the line to read his run lanes and quick hit ability down hill would fit what they need in between the tackles.

Mike Davis would serve for power, Williams could serve for explosion, and Cohen would add in the passing game and as a lateral runner. They could mix and match the group and make it work.

There are obvious questions that come with Williams that will need to be answered. However, these decrease his draft status, and put him in a position where the Bears can take advantage.

In the fifth round, Williams would be a great addition that could help immediately, and see his best days as a runner in the NFL.

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