More and more NFL rookies are expected to contribute early in their careers. However, for them to make an impact they need to beat out a veteran player. We are going to analyze the situation of specific rookies and determine the likely hood of them winning a position battle.
Rookie Depth Chart Battles: Ryan Williams
Player: Ryan Williams
Team: Arizona Cardinals
Position: Running Back
Competition: Tim Hightower, Beanie Wells
Chance of winning the battle: 40 percent
Thoughts: Initially when the Cardinals selected Ryan Williams I felt that the pick was a waste. Looking at their depth chart they had Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower, and LaRod Stephens-Howling. However, that group combined for the lowest rushing total in the NFL thus making it a must evaluate position.
Arizona used a 1st round pick in 2009 on Beanie Wells and he has yet to live up to that draft status. His career has been plagued by injuries and an inability to take carries away from Tim Hightower. Hightower is a nice looking back that brings a little bit of everything to the table. He is a hard runner and can catch the football out of the backfield. His play has limited Wells’ carries. However, Hightower has 12 career fumbles which is something that could put him on the bench as coaches hate turnovers.
Ryan Williams is coming off an injury plagued season but has shown the ability to be productive. His hard running style will give him the opportunity to gain yards in tight spots. With an unsettled quarterback spot, the Cardinals will need a running back that can create on his own. Williams has a great chance to break camp as the starting running back and maybe more so than Wells and Hightower.
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