Between 1997 and 2017, zero running backs were selected with the 35th pick in the NFL Draft. Three have been taken with that selection during the last four drafts. Denver Broncos rusher Javonte Williams is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Nick Chubb (2018) and D’Andre Swift (2020).
Fun fact, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took Mike Alstott with the 35th pick in 1996, although he was labeled as a fullback coming out of college. Hell, people still argue about if he was a running back or not. But that’s a story for another time.
Retruning our focus to Williams and the 35th pick in the NFL Draft. Those expecting the former North Carolina Tar Heel to come in and dominate have been disappointed to say the least. He’s been unable to unseat incumbent starter Melvin Gordon and the pair are currently locked in a timeshare.
This was the most likely outcome all things considered but how does this compare to other running backs taken with the 35th pick in the NFL Draft?
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How have RBs taken with the 35th pick in the NFL Draft fared after six games?
| Touches | Yards | TDs | Fumbles | |
| Javonte Williams | 79 | 390 | 1 | 1 |
| Nick Chubb | 16 | 163 | 2 | 0 |
| D’Andre Swift | 55 | 310 | 5 | 0 |
Williams, Chubb and Swift may have varying performances through their first six games in the NFL, but all three were drafted into similar scenarios involving timeshares and middling quarterback play. The most interesting takeaway here is the Bronco rusher leading in volume and yards but trailing in yards per touch and touchdowns among the trio.
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What’s the outlook for Javonte Williams based on other RBs taken with the 35th pick in the NFL Draft?
Chubb’s situation was the most curious because the Cleveland Browns were in total disarray during 2018. He sat behind Carlos Hyde on the depth chart for the first six games of the season before the former 49er was shipped to Jacksonville. Head Coach Hue Jackson was fired two weeks later and Chubb became the undisputed lead back on a team committed to the run.
Swift’s volume picked up after week 7 of his rookie year as the Detroit Lions finally phased out Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson. He did miss three contests, but Swift had at least 15 touches in five of his last six games in 2020.
Unlike the other RBs taken with the 35th pick in the NFL Draft, Williams does not have a path to increased volume this season unless Melvin Gordon gets hurt. While Hyde and Peterson were both holding their respective offenses back, Gordon has been serviceable so far. There really is nothing separating either Denver ball carrier at this time.
While Williams does compare favorably to Chubb and Swift after six games, his outlook for the rest of the season is likely to have a lower ceiling.
