The New York Giants selected Boston College running back Andre Williams in Round 4 of the 2014 NFL Draft. The pick was the 13th in Round 4 and the 113th overall.
Williams, at 5'11, 230 pounds, is a power back who finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2013 after rushing for 2,177 yards and 18 touchdowns on 355 carries (6.1 yards per). For his career, Williams finished with 3,739 rushing and 28 touchdowns on 704 carries (5.3 yards per).
Aside from being a strong power rusher, Williams has exhibited strong vision and an ability to accelerate past defenders at the end of runs. He's a solid pass-blocker, and while he wasn't the most natural receiver at Boston College, he did improve in that regard at his pro day.
Scouting Report
Williams is also known for being a particularly cerebral player, as his nickname at BC was "Edgar," given his affinity for poetry and Edgar Allan Poe. Sports Illustrated wrote a nice profile on Williams back in November, labeling him "The Renaissance Heisman candidate."
There's a striking paradox to Williams, who is as soft-spoken off the field as he is punishing on it. He carries a 3.0 GPA, will graduate in three and a half years with a degree in applied psychology and human development and hopes to one day open a foundation using sports to better kids' lives. Boston College's offensive linemen nicknamed him "Edgar," as in Edgar Allan Poe, because of his writing proclivity. Williams admits that if he wasn't set to pursue a career in the NFL, he'd consider moving to Madagascar.
"If it wasn't for football, I would probably invest in a couple cows and chickens," he said, "and go live in the bush and make my own cheese and live a simple life."
Williams joins a Giants backfield with free agent signee Rashad Jennings, Peyton Hillis and David Wilson, if healthy. Given Hills' struggles with injuries, too, Williams' workhorse ability should be valuable in New York.
The Giants' next pick will be the 12th in Round 5, 152nd overall. New York also has a compensatory pick at 174th overall.