Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Brian Robinson Jr.

Monday, January 20, 6:15 PM

The Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson writes that the Denver Broncos are not expected to re-sign impending free-agent running back Javonte Williams this offseason. Williams, a former second-round pick in 2021 out of North Carolina, entered the 2024 season as the team's unquestioned lead back, but poor efficiency on the ground led to the Broncos going with a committee approach in the backfield halfway through the year that also involved Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime. The 24-year-old came into the NFL as a bruising, tackle-breaking lead-back option for Denver, but since suffering a torn ACL in his sophomore season in 2022, he has not been the same, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry while combining for 1,287 rushing yards and only seven rushing TDs the last two seasons. Despite leading Denver with 513 rushing yards in 2024, Williams will likely struggle to find a lead-back role on the open market.

Sunday, January 26, 6:40 PM

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. tallied just 36 yards on 11 rushing attempts in the NFC title game. The Commanders played from behind throughout the game as the Eagles got out to an early lead. As a result, this put Robinson out of the game plan. However, when given the ball, the Alabama product was ineffective, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. Last weekend, Robinson tallied 77 yards and two scores on 15 carries in their upset victory over the Detroit Lions. After averaging a solid 64 rushing yards per game during his first 10 games, Robinson saw his production decline over the back half of the season. Over his final seven games of the 2024 season, Robinson eclipsed 60 rushing yards in just two games and scored just two touchdowns. Given his inconsistent production, the Commanders will likely address this position in the offseason.