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RB DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

HT: 5-10, WT: 217, Born: 4-25-1983, College: Memphis, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 27

2008 Projections

Best Case

DeAngelo Williams could win the coming camp battle with Jonathan Stewart for the top job in Carolina, and prove that he deserves to be the primary ball carrier during 2008. The team is remaking the offensive line to become a more power-running unit, and the talent level looks upgraded with the addition of OT Jeff Otah via the draft. Assuming that Williams keeps the rookie in a secondary role and that he elevates his game in the face of the challenge that the selection of Stewart represents, Williams could surprise fantasy owners and become a top-20 RB this season.

Worst Case

If Stewart is indeed NFL-ready once his toe heals, and he earns the top job in Carolina, Williams will once again be the junior member of the backfield. Williams could conceivably lose touches on the ball compared to last season, and fall below 100 carries and 20 receptions, putting him well outside of fantasy-worthy numbers.

Outlook

Currently, it looks like Williams will post numbers similar to last year, with ~700 yards rushing and ~200 yards receiving, throwing in a handful of TDs to his credit. That'll likely spell a mid-30's finish in fantasy football terms - making him a marginal RB3 or a decent RB4/depth selection in leagues with large benches. Obviously, Jonathan Stewart owners will want to add Williams to their rosters if possible as an insurance pick (and vice-versa, if you happen to believe Williams will be the starter).

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Williams didn't start the game but he had the bulk of the carries in the second half. He finished the game with 15 carries for 62 yards. The Panthers gave him the ball on red zone carries after Foster fumbled inside the five yard line. Williams had just one catch for 13 yards. In the fourth quarter, Williams carried the ball ten times including their final six plays prior to the final John Kasay field goal.

Week 2 - Williams had eight carries for 31 yards. Williams pulled in five passes for 20 yards. Williams fumbled on a pass play to start the fourth quarter. His fumble led to a Houston field goal.

Week 3 - While Foster picked up the tough yards, Williams was the speed back. He carried the ball 11 times for 47 yards. He wasn't targeted in the passing game though. Williams picked up a couple of first downs in the game. Of note was when Carolina got inside the Atlanta 15 yard line, Foster was the featured back.

Week 4 - Williams scored the only touchdown for Carolina. It came with just 23 seconds left and prevented a shutout. Williams carried the ball just two times for five yards. He also caught three passes for 37 yards. His touchdown reception was on a screen and he picked up 24 yards for the score.

Week 5 - Williams only saw action in the relief of DeShaun Foster.

Week 6 - Williams was kept in check for most of the game, but did bust a 75 yard run down the left sidelines late in the fourth quarter. Two plays later, Williams went off the left end and scored on a 13 yard run. He ran with good determination and hit the holes with determination. Williams did return one kickoff for 21 yards as well.

Week 8 - Williams carried five times for 14 yards and he added six catches for 11 yards. Williams had a couple of carries in the red zone on the opening drive. He carried down to the Colts eight yard line but then he came out of the game for Foster.

Week 9 - DeAngelo Williams carried the ball four times for 15 yards. He also caught two passes for ten yards.

Week 10 - Williams carried the ball seven times for 27 yards. He was thrown to once but the pass was incomplete.

Week 11 - Williams carried the ball six times for 22 yards. He was thrown to twice and had one catch for 18 yards. He got a carry at the six yard line and picked up four yards down to the Green Bay two. Testaverde threw a touchdown to Fauria on the next play.

Week 12 - Williams ran the ball four times for 19 yards. He did not have any red zone carries in the game. Williams had a 14 yard run brought back due to a holding penalty.

Week 13 - DeAngelo Williams carried the ball 17 times for 82 yards. He caught one pass for 30 yards. Williams also received a lateral from Steve Smith behind the line of scrimmage that he was able to take down to the San Francisco 14 yard line for 22 yards. In the first quarter, Williams ran the ball for six yards down to the 49ers eight yard line. In the fourth, Williams got three straight carries from the 15 yard line. On the third play he was stuffed at the one yard line. Testaverde hit Jeff King for the score on the next play. Williams had 11 carries in the fourth quarter when the Panthers were looking to burn up clock time.

Week 14 - Williams carried the ball just three times for seven yards. He was targeted four times but caught just two passes for five yards. In the fourth quarter, Carolina tried to pick up two fourth downs going to Williams. He picked up the first one on a seven yard run. The second one was an incomplete pass.

Week 15 - Williams ran the ball 15 times for 61 yards and a touchdown. Prior to his touchdown he had only gained 26 yards on 14 carries. After Carolina recovered a Hasselbeck fumble, Williams carried the ball three straight times including the long run for the touchdown. His score sealed the victory for Carolina. He also caught two passes for 11 yards.

Week 16 - Williams provided the biggest highlight of the night for the Panthers, breaking through the right side of the line for a thirty nine run to help set up Carolina's touchdown. Williams led DeShaun Foster in touches by an eleven to five margin, gaining 66 yards to Foster's seven on the night, likely earning more touches in the final game of the season.

Week 17 - Williams received more work as the game went on and finished with 20 rushes for 121 yards and touchdown runs of one yard and 32 yards. While he was a non-factor in the passing game with zero targets, Williams showed strides in the rushing attack and may have showed enough to warrant at least a position battle with Foster in training camp.