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2018 NFL Draft: 5 sleepers in the class

By Joe Romano

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Wake Forest defensive back Jessie Bates III (3) celebrates his interception with Wake Forest defensive back Amari Henderson (4) during an ACC match-up between the Boston College Eagles and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on September 9, 2017, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The Demon Deacons beat the Eagles 34-10. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Wake Forest defensive back Jessie Bates III (3) celebrates his interception with Wake Forest defensive back Amari Henderson (4) during an ACC match-up between the Boston College Eagles and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on September 9, 2017, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The Demon Deacons beat the Eagles 34-10. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 01: LSU Tigers running back Darrel Williams (28) runs for a first down during the Citrus Bowl between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and LSU Tigers on January 1, 2018, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 01: LSU Tigers running back Darrel Williams (28) runs for a first down during the Citrus Bowl between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and LSU Tigers on January 1, 2018, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Darrel Williams, RB, LSU

A year ago, a back-up in college burst onto the NFL landscape and took home rookie of the year. The New Orleans Saints’ were wise enough to grab Alvin Kamara despite his limited role in Tennessee and he rewarded them with a fantastic season. This year there is another collegiate back-up that could be a strong contributor in the NFL.

Darrel Williams of LSU has sat behind two potential first round picks in Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice. Being a back-up was not for a lack of skill. Williams is a powerful back at 6-foot-1 and almost 230 pounds. However, he is not a plodder that his size may suggest. In fact, Williams showcased a well-rounded game every time he would spell either Fournette or Guice.

A slow 40-time hurt Williams’ stock entering the league, but he more than showcased his skills during the two games he was able to start for the Tigers. His best bet for making a roster is as a power back. He also showed the capability to catch the ball out of the backfield, something not typically asked of the running backs in Baton Rouge.

There will be a team who gambles on Williams and it pays off. This is a deep running back class and Williams will likely be a forgotten man. He can be a back that spells a work-horse type back or simply a change of pace back for a team that’s looking for more physicality out of the position.

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