The Falcons have traded their early second-round choice to the Broncos. With the No. 35 overall pick, the Broncos have selected UNC running back Javonte Williams.
Here’s the breakdown of the trade:
Broncos Receive
- No. 35
- No. 219
Falcons Receive
- No. 40
- No. 114
The Broncos needed backfield help after letting Phillip Lindsay walk in free agency, and Williams was widely considered the top running back left. Williams, Najee Harris, and Travis Etienne were universally regarded as the top three backs, with many teams having them ranked in different orders.
As Mike Garafolo of NFL Network tweets, there were strong rumors that the Dolphins wanted Williams at 36, so Denver wanted to leapfrog them to get their guy. Williams broke out as a sophomore in 2019 with 933 yards and five scores, but took his game to a new level this past season.
He was electric for UNC in 2020, rushing for 1,140 yards (7.3 YPC) and 19 touchdowns. He added 25 catches for 305 yards and another three touchdowns. He’ll immediately start pushing Melvin Gordon for touches.
The Broncos are picking well, reloading
FU Atlanta and Denver- Hope you lose every game!
Don’t hate because ur team got screwed over and ATL and Denver won out of this. I hope you lose in life…
Great pick. Miami is probably pissed
Denver just got themselves a workhorse. He just bounces off tackles. Can’t wait to watch this guy run in the NFL.
Best RB in the draft in per pro football focus. Still may not be worth the draft capital spent.