Ryan Williams - Ellington's backup for 2014?

[CFLredzoned]

I thought BA's comments on Doug and Wolf yesterday were real interesting: http://www.arizonasports.com/?nid=244&a=303200&p=15&n=February+28,+2014+-+Hour:+3

Wolfley asks him about his comments at the combine, where he talked about building an offense around Ellington. BA then talks about what a unique talent he is: "I've never coached a running back who can just walk out and play wide receiver as good as any wide receiver on your team." He talks about the mismatch Ellington gives you.

Then BA goes on to say: "The big problem is, you build an offense around a guy like that, you better have somebody who's kind of like him in the backup role…"

It kind of got swept under the rug. Could that be why they've been keeping Ryan Williams on the backburner? Is that too convenient of a jump to make? RW is very similar in terms of raw talent and quickness. But could he handle the multiple roles, the receiver aspect of it? If not, who else? I can't wait to see this offense BA's talking about!

 

[juza76]

why should be the back up--what did he show to get this role

 

[CFLredzoned]

why should be the back up--what did he show to get this role

Well, that's what they have the preseason and training camp for.

 

[cardncubfan]

Well, that's what they have the preseason and training camp for.

& practice.

 

[Cardiac]

I thought BA's comments on Doug and Wolf yesterday were real interesting: http://www.arizonasports.com/?nid=244&a=303200&p=15&n=February+28,+2014+-+Hour:+3

Wolfley asks him about his comments at the combine, where he talked about building an offense around Ellington. BA then talks about what a unique talent he is: "I've never coached a running back who can just walk out and play wide receiver as good as any wide receiver on your team." He talks about the mismatch Ellington gives you.

Then BA goes on to say: "The big problem is, you build an offense around a guy like that, you better have somebody who's kind of like him in the backup role…"

It kind of got swept under the rug. Could that be why they've been keeping Ryan Williams on the backburner? Is that too convenient of a jump to make? RW is very similar in terms of raw talent and quickness. But could he handle the multiple roles, the receiver aspect of it? If not, who else? I can't wait to see this offense BA's talking about!

I posted this in another thread and didn't think about RW as filling that role. He has (had?) the cutting ability of Juke, don't believe he ever had his speed and we haven't seen his receiving skills but I highly doubt they are close to Jukes.

If RW makes the team this year it will be mostly for the reason you posted. BA has stated he needs RW to show he can put it all together so that could be about his receiving skills. RW better be at Fitz's camp and in our QB's ear about practicing together as much as possible.

 

[Finito]

Who's this Ryan Williams guy you people are talking about? I've never seen him play

 

[Mitch]

Good post (CFLRedzone) about BA's comment!

My first reaction to what BA said is that he is going to add a FA RB or draft one...I did not take his response to mean Ryan Williams, but that's an interesting question.

That said---what UFA RBs and 2014 Draft prospects fit the Ellington mode of quick feet, burst inside and out and when used as a receiver can run great routes and catch with ease?

Maurice Jones-Drew---for his carrer he's averaged over 70 ypg rushing and over 25 ypg receiving.

Donald Brown---quick feet (0 lost fumbles)----good receiver---102/537/5.3/6td rushing in 2013 with 27/214/2tds receiving.

Dexter McCluster (a couple of years ago he had a 500+ yard season (4.5 ypc) rushing when Jamaal Charles was out---and his receiving yards have gone up every year: 209, 328, 452, 511).

Joique Bell (RFA---Lions---likely gets 2nd round tender)---over 1,200 yards rushing and receiving combined last year: 650 rushing, 547 receiving)

Draft:

Tre Mason, Auburn (2013: 1816/5.7/23td---rushing; 12/163/13.6/1td---receiving)

Brandin Cooks, Oregon St. (2013: 32/217/6.8/2td rushing; 128/1,730/16td receiving)

Lache Seastrunk, Baylor (2013: 158/1177/7.4/11td rushing)

De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon (2013: 96/594/6.2/8td rushing; 2011: 46/605/13.3/9td receiving)

Robert Herron, Wyoming (2013: 72/937/13.0/9td receiving; 2011: 40/235/5.9 rushing).

Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma (2013: 61/729/12.0/8td receiving; 2010: 19/166/8.7 rushing)

Josh Huff, Oregon (62/1140/18.4/12td receiving; 2010: 12/214/17.8/2td rushing).

Tevin Reese, Baylor (2013: 38/867/22.8/8td receiving; 2011: 5/102/20.4 rushing).

Dri Archer, Kent St. (2012: 159/1,429/9.0/16td rushing; 39/561/14.4/4td receiving)

 

[GatorAZ]

Contract year!

 

[Mainstreet]

I thought BA's comments on Doug and Wolf yesterday were real interesting: http://www.arizonasports.com/?nid=244&a=303200&p=15&n=February+28,+2014+-+Hour:+3

Wolfley asks him about his comments at the combine, where he talked about building an offense around Ellington. BA then talks about what a unique talent he is: "I've never coached a running back who can just walk out and play wide receiver as good as any wide receiver on your team." He talks about the mismatch Ellington gives you.

Then BA goes on to say: "The big problem is, you build an offense around a guy like that, you better have somebody who's kind of like him in the backup role…"

It kind of got swept under the rug. Could that be why they've been keeping Ryan Williams on the backburner? Is that too convenient of a jump to make? RW is very similar in terms of raw talent and quickness. But could he handle the multiple roles, the receiver aspect of it? If not, who else? I can't wait to see this offense BA's talking about!

What a great listen. BA puts it out there and does not tippy toe through the questions. Also BA makes clear he doesn't want to get Ellington beat up which makes me wonder how he will substitute or avoid this happening.

 

[WildBB]

Good post (CFLRedzone) about BA's comment!

My first reaction to what BA said is that he is going to add a FA RB or draft one...I did not take his response to mean Ryan Williams, but that's an interesting question.

That said---what UFA RBs and 2014 Draft prospects fit the Ellington mode of quick feet, burst inside and out and when used as a receiver can run great routes and catch with ease?

Maurice Jones-Drew---for his carrer he's averaged over 70 ypg rushing and over 25 ypg receiving.

Donald Brown---quick feet (0 lost fumbles)----good receiver---102/537/5.3/6td rushing in 2013 with 27/214/2tds receiving.

Dexter McCluster (a couple of years ago he had a 500+ yard season (4.5 ypc) rushing when Jamaal Charles was out---and his receiving yards have gone up every year: 209, 328, 452, 511).

Joique Bell (RFA---Lions---likely gets 2nd round tender)---over 1,200 yards rushing and receiving combined last year: 650 rushing, 547 receiving)

Draft:

Tre Mason, Auburn (2013: 1816/5.7/23td---rushing; 12/163/13.6/1td---receiving)

Brandin Cooks, Oregon St. (2013: 32/217/6.8/2td rushing; 128/1,730/16td receiving)

Lache Seastrunk, Baylor (2013: 158/1177/7.4/11td rushing)

De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon (2013: 96/594/6.2/8td rushing; 2011: 46/605/13.3/9td receiving)

Robert Herron, Wyoming (2013: 72/937/13.0/9td receiving; 2011: 40/235/5.9 rushing).

Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma (2013: 61/729/12.0/8td receiving; 2010: 19/166/8.7 rushing)

Josh Huff, Oregon (62/1140/18.4/12td receiving; 2010: 12/214/17.8/2td rushing).

Tevin Reese, Baylor (2013: 38/867/22.8/8td receiving; 2011: 5/102/20.4 rushing).

Dri Archer, Kent St. (2012: 159/1,429/9.0/16td rushing; 39/561/14.4/4td receiving)

I think we may try to add another vet RB in FA if we can get a good deal.

I really think Brandon Cooks is going to be in the NFC West. Just not with us.

 

[Duckjake]

I thought BA's comments on Doug and Wolf yesterday were real interesting: http://www.arizonasports.com/?nid=244&a=303200&p=15&n=February+28,+2014+-+Hour:+3

Wolfley asks him about his comments at the combine, where he talked about building an offense around Ellington. BA then talks about what a unique talent he is: "I've never coached a running back who can just walk out and play wide receiver as good as any wide receiver on your team." He talks about the mismatch Ellington gives you.

Then BA goes on to say: "The big problem is, you build an offense around a guy like that, you better have somebody who's kind of like him in the backup role…"

It kind of got swept under the rug. Could that be why they've been keeping Ryan Williams on the backburner? Is that too convenient of a jump to make? RW is very similar in terms of raw talent and quickness. But could he handle the multiple roles, the receiver aspect of it? If not, who else? I can't wait to see this offense BA's talking about!

I just can't see Ryan Williams ever doing anything. He's the Kevin Kolb of Running Backs. RW has been hurt every season he's played since 2009. Note I wrote "played" so that doesn't include 2013 when he didn't play at all.

Besides he's a 2nd round selection at RB and those NEVER work out for the Cardinals.

 

[Cardiac]

I just can't see Ryan Williams ever doing anything. He's the Kevin Kolb of Running Backs. RW has been hurt every season he's played since 2009. Note I wrote "played" so that doesn't include 2013 when he didn't play at all.

Besides he's a 2nd round selection at RB and those NEVER work out for the Cardinals.

All true but you got to root for the kid because if he does make it then he will have broken the curse of 2nd rd RB picks for the Cards forever.

 

[desertdawg]

I hope Williams does get some time, he's basically got one shot left, and that's if he even has that. He and Lil Bit do have some similar traits on the field.