Matt Waldman’s RSP Boiler Room examines the unconventional and advanced footwork of Washington State running back James Williams, a slippery NFL Draft prospect. 

It’s easy to see the exceptional traits in Saquon Barkley’s game. He has layers of elite qualities that lead to an unusual volume of transcendent plays for an individual player.

.James Williams will never be confused with Barkley. Even so, Williams has a pair of exceptional traits and one of them — his footwork — is unconventional in its expression. It’s easy to miss when watching Williams at normal speed; he looks like a quick, shifty, and slippery back.

Slow the tape down and you see micromovements with Williams’ feet that are unusual and help him earn extra space. This week’s RSP Boiler Room examines several plays from Williams’ performance against Oregon that reveal his unconventionally elite movement.

Williams’ movement won’t make him an elite NFL running back but with the right team fit that uses him similar to the ways the Saints, Patriots, Lions, and Panthers have used Alvin Kamara, James White, Theo Riddick, and Christian McCaffrey, Williams could become a productive contributor in the future.

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