Linebacker 40 Yard Dash: Does It Matter? A Comprehensive Analysis
12/21/2024
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For part 37 of our “Does It Matter?” series, we attempted to find whether a linebacker’s 40-yard dash time can predict their
Kyren Williams made waves in his sophomore year with an impressive performance. His 1,144 yards rushing, 12 touchdowns, 206 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns is nothing to joke about. Despite these numbers, there are compelling reasons to consider selling Williams in dynasty fantasy football leagues. Below, we explore the factors that contribute to this rationale.
At first glance, Williams’ on-field production seems to overshadow any concerns regarding his physical attributes. However, upon closer inspection, Williams’ frame and Relative Athletic Score (RAS) raise significant red flags. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 194 lbs, Williams falls below the ideal size metrics for an NFL running back. In addition to his smaller stature, Williams’ RAS stands at a troubling 3.47 out of 10. This further emphasizes the physical limitations he faces at the professional level. Such metrics are instrumental in predicting a player’s ability to sustain high performance and durability over time in the NFL.
Speed is a critical attribute for any running back in the NFL. Speed influences their ability to escape defenders and execute long runs. Williams’ 40-yard dash time of 4.65 seconds further casts doubt on his abilities. This slower 40 yard dash time could hinder Williams’ effectiveness in playmaking, especially against the increasingly fast-paced defenses across the league.
Despite Williams’ standout sophomore season, the Rams’ positioning in the upcoming NFL draft suggests possible changes in their backfield. Holding four picks in the top 100 (#19, #52, #83, #99) presents the Rams with an opportunity to either find a replacement for Williams or to seek a running back capable of shouldering most of the workload. Such a move could significantly impact Williams’ future and role within the team. Thus affecting his value in dynasty fantasy leagues.
Williams’ commendable sophomore year performance cannot be ignored. However, when analyzing his overall profile, including his physical attributes, speed, and the Rams’ future drafting strategy, it becomes difficult to dismiss the idea that his sophomore success may not be sustainable. The combination of his smaller frame and the potential for the Rams to bolster their running back roster pose considerable risks to Williams’ long-term prospects in fantasy football.
Kyren Williams’ situation is a classic example of where dynasty fantasy football managers must look beyond surface-level statistics. While his sophomore year was undeniably impressive, the underlying concerns about his physical attributes, speed, and the Rams’ draft capital signal potential challenges ahead. As such, Williams emerges as a prime sell candidate for dynasty managers seeking to optimize their rosters for the long haul, understanding that the early bird often gets the worm in making strategic moves.
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