Andre Williams, RB New York Giants Rookie Fantasy Spotlight
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

In terms of legitimate NFL-caliber talent, the rookie running back crop goes at least ten players deep this year. The margin between one and ten is thin, and a strong argument can be made for all of them. Much depends on system fits and style preferences.

Such is the case with Andre Williams out of Boston College. A Heisman finalist and a 300-carry, 2,000-yard rusher on a team that hadn’t mastered the modern art of the forward pass – Williams was arguably the best running back prospect in this year’s rookie class. Or, at the very least, arguably, the best of the “big backs.” He offers a good combination of production, physicality, and character.

The knock on Williams is that he’s not explosive. In some ways, he reminds us of Alfred Morris. His build, and running style are similarly effective. At 230 pounds, Williams is more of a bruiser than a fast-twitch guy. He runs with violent shoulders and hands, using them as weapons.

His current value in Dynasty Rookie drafts is astounding at RB8 with an ADP of 3.01.

Right next to Bishop Sankey in Tennessee, Andre Williams to the New York Giants is in the best possible situation for a rookie running back. David Wilson has a Frankenstein neck. We will admit that we like what Rashad Jennings did in Oakland last year, and thought he was a pretty good fit in free agency. Let’s face it though, at 29, Jennings is a former seventh-round pick who has been a career journeyman back up.

Other highly rated rookies whom we really like, namely Carlos Hyde and Jeremy Hill, have landed in situations that are bit murkier in San Francisco and Cincinnati- and are being drafted much higher than Williams. Of course, that’s not to say we don’t like them because we do. But, we like Andre Williams and the superior fantasy value he offers.

The Giants are a team that desperately needs to re-establish the run for their red-nosed, sad-faced quarterback. New York has produced some big-time fantasy RB contributors in recent years with Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. We believe Williams fits that mold, and has the chance to contribute sooner than later. Facing little competition, he’ll also have a chance to earn a workhorse role and goal line duties.

*Update 8/14

After closely monitoring this situation throughout training camp, we’re pretty happy with the accuracy of the predictions we made above back in May. For the most part, it’s all unfolded accordingly for Andre Williams. Unfortunately, his ADP has risen accordingly in recent weeks, as well. But, with a 9th Round ADP he’s still a guy you can afford to draft as an RB4 who has upside to be an effective RB3 or flex-play this year as a rookie. Obviously, if Rashad Jennings ever goes down- Andre Williams becomes absolute fantasy gold. Williams is a must-own in all Dynasty formats.