Editor’s Note: This article was previously published on February 28th on our sister NFL site as part of their draft profile series.
Miyan Williams NFL Draft Overview
Weight: 229 pounds
Position: Running Back
School: Ohio State
2024 NFL Draft: Miyan Williams Scouting Report
Coming to Ohio State as a three-star in-state product, Miyan Williams was expected to be a rotational piece behind the high-caliber recruits the Buckeyes bring in. After appearing in just four games as a true freshman and showing a little promise, Williams took 2021 by storm.
The first Ohio State touchdown of the 2021 season was a 71-yard touchdown run by Williams, the majority of a 125-yard, one-score day where he split time with four other backs. On the year, Williams finished with the second-most rushing yards on the team with 508 and three touchdowns. He did lead the way with 7.2 yards per carry.
With Henderson battling injuries in 2022, Williams became the lead back. He broke out with 825 yards and 14 touchdowns on the year, again leading the way with 6.4 yards per carry among the three 100+ carry running backs. Unfortunately, that was the last bit of high-level play from Williams. In 2023, his share of the rush offense fell and his season ultimately ended six games in with a knee injury.
Williams was rarely the feature back but was able to step up when called upon. He was a great change-of-pace, bruising running back for the Buckeyes and is currently projected as the same in the NFL.
Strengths
- Downhill runner, absolute bruiser
- Great vision and able to make decisive cuts to get upfield
- Willing and able pass blocker; can win against bigger players
- Strong runner, great in short-yardage situations
- Will fight for every yard
Weaknesses
- Not a pass-catching threat
- Does not have breakaway speed
- Season-ending knee injury in 2023
- Best between the tackles, not as effective stretching the run outside
Player comparison: Mo Ibrahim
Round projection: Seventh Round
Best fit: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos
Bottom Line on Miyan Williams
The NFL still does not overly value its running backs but even if it had, Williams’ path to NFL stardom would be difficult. Coming off of that knee injury, his already decent-not-great speed will take a hit. Williams was not the shiftiest of backs with the Buckeyes, either. He will likely be drafted as a late-round, “see what you got” type of player.
What he has, however, is potential. Other than that injury, there is plenty of tread left on the tires. In three years, Williams ran the ball 248 times. Compare that to guys like Trey Benson (310 carries in two years) or even Blake Corum (649 in three years), Williams has plenty left to give. He has good vision and often trusts his offensive line to open the holes. His best quality is that he’s a physical, downhill runner who welcomes contact and tries to fight for every last yard.
There is going to be a late-round back who makes the team from his work ethic and hardnosed mentality, it’ll be Williams. NFL teams will value his ability to convert short-yardage situations. He won’t be used to catch passes out of the backfield, so Williams will have to have a specific role on Sundays.
