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Oakland Raiders: Top 10 draft running backs

By Austin Gayle

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott celebrates following the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott celebrates following the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Jonathan Williams (32) rushes during the first quarter as Ole Miss Rebels defensive end C.J. Johnson (10) looks on at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Jonathan Williams (32) rushes during the first quarter as Ole Miss Rebels defensive end C.J. Johnson (10) looks on at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Williams, Arkansas

Though Collins has been considered the top running back coming out of Arkansas, fellow Razorback Jonathan Williams has the potential to outperform Collins at the next level as a versatile, three-down running back.

Unlike Collins, Williams pairs his athletic, agile running style with his above-average ability as both a receiver out of the backfield and pass protector. Though he has an array of moves in space, Williams is most effective when he quickly sidesteps a defender in a way that prevents him from needing to reaccelerate. Williams forced 44 missed tackles in a limited role in 2014, via Zierlein.

In 2015, Williams rushed for a career-high 1190 yards and 12 touchdowns.

At 5’11”, 220 pounds, Williams has great size for the position combined with strong vision and patience with the ball in his hands, but he still lacks experience as a lead back and will need to adjust to the speed of the NFL. Also, Williams has previously struggled with ball security.

Though his foot injury that kept him out of the 2015 season has preserved some of the tread on his tires, Williams will fall down draft boards due to injury concerns and his lack of experience.

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