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RB Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

HT: 5-11, WT: 204, Born: 4-21-1982, College: Auburn, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 5

2008 Projections

Best Case

Cadillac Williams could complete the rehabilitation on his knee (patellar tendon) injury with flying colors, and be 100% ready for training camp. If he returns to his 2005 form (290/1178/6 rushing with 20/81/0 receiving), he'd be a top-20 fantasy running back in most league formats.

Worst Case

Cadillac Williams could never set foot on a pro football field again if his injured knee doesn't come around. He hasn't proven to be durable, with 2 consecutive seasons wrecked by serious injuries (a foot injury in 2006 and the patellar tendon injury in 2007). In addition, the team found a durable, determined runner in Earnest Graham last season - even if Williams gets well enough to stick with the Buccaneers, he could be the 3rd running back on the depth chart during the coming season, with very few opportunities to run the ball on his plate.

Outlook

Williams is a long shot to return to fantasy stardom this year - he is definitely a guy we're waiting to see in action during the preseason. As of early preseason of 2008, Williams looks undraftable from where we sit.

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Williams had a steady first half totaling 56 yards on 11 carries, and showed flashes of his brilliant rookie year. He ran extremely hard, and on one play right before the half seemed to carry the whole Seattle defense on his back for about seven yards as time expired. Unfortunately he was hurt on his next carry early in the third quarter on a hit by Seattle LB Lofa Tatupu. He seemed to get a helmet right to the ribs, and was forced to the locker room. Following the game, there was no word on his injury or his status for next week. Williams caught two passes in the game, one of which he fumbled on Tampa Bay's first possession of the game, turning the ball over to Seattle.

Week 2 - Williams played the game with a flak jacket to protect his bruised ribs, and rewarded owners with a nice game. He finished with 61 yards rushing on 24 attempts, including two rushing scores from one yard out. Williams averaged less than three yards an attempt, but his 24 carries are enough to show owners his ribs are well enough for him to carry the load.

Week 3 - Williams ran for just six yards on four attempts in the first half, but came out strong in the second half, shouldering the load on the first drive of the third quarter that he capped off with a seven yard touchdown run. However, Williams did have a fumble that could have been costly for the Buccaneers, and while he did return on the next series, he was on the field for just one play and then did not return for the remainder of the game. He seemed to aggravate his rib injury on the fumble, but his absence in the game seemed to be more of a message being sent by coach Jon Gruden. Williams did catch a pass on his only target of the game for a three yard gain.

Week 4 - Williams was having a very good start to the game before he was injured on an 18 yard run. He went down awkwardly on his knee and had to be carted off the field. Early reports are that it's a season ending injury. Prior to leaving the game, Williams carried the ball six times for 41 yards.