2014 NFL Draft: Prospect Profile -- Andre Williams, RB, Boston College

The last time the New York Giants drafted a Heisman caliber running back, it really didn't work out so well for them. It's unfortunate because I really liked Ron Dayne. Is Andre Williams any different? His production is tremendous. How tremendous?

Try 2,177 yards and 18 touchdowns at a 6.18 yards per carry clip. Yeah.

Can he be the new bell cow of the Giants running corps, though? Let's explore.

Big Blue View NFL Draft Hub Page

Everything you need to know about the Giants heading into the 2014 NFL draft.

Pros

- Runs with authority. He laughs at those arm tackle attempts.

- Strong vision. Not as good as Carlos Hyde and Ka'Deem Carey, but well above average. Finds those hard to see creases.

- Excellent balance. Stays low to the ground and has a great, powerful, thickly built frame that he can use to stay upright.

- Already an accomplished pass protector. Blitz recognition and ability to pass protect best in this class outside of Carlos Hyde, although Williams does have some lapses.

-Difficult to bring down in between the tackles.

- All accounts have him as a high character individual and team captain.

Cons

- Acceleration is average. Needs a bit of time to warm up the jets.

- Has no ability to catch the ball whatsoever. Has 10 career catches, and his showing at the NFL combine was nothing short of awful in the pass catch drills.

- Lateral mobility is limited. You don't see him doing jump cuts out there. Limited as a one-cut-and-go runner.

- Some fumbling issues.

- Not really a "con" in his game, but it should be noted that some of his production was deceptive. BC's run blocking was very good and you see him running 10-15 yards untouched on some plays.

Does He Fit With The Giants?

Yes. The best comparison I have for him is an upgraded Andre Brown. While Brown is faster, he plays with that same one-cut, no nonsense, downhill style. Williams doesn't "look" for contact per say, but he welcomes it and protects the ball.

Also, just think about it. A runner that has great character, well spoken, insanely productive, from Boston College, that knows how to pass protect already seems like a guy right out of Tom Coughlin's dreams.

Prospect Video

Andre Williams (RB Boston College) vs NC State 2013 (via Aimal Arsalla)

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - Not in top 100

Mocking The Draft - 83

CBS Sports - 129

Draft Countdown - 99

Draft Tek - 97

Final Thoughts

There's a reason why Williams is rated this low despite how impressive he looks. There are some serious questions about whether or not his ability can translate at the next level. He doesn't have the suddenness that you need, nor does he have that second gear that you look for.

When you look at power backs, one guy comes to mind and that's Marshawn Lynch. Look at how violently he hits the hole. He has that acceleration you want out of a big man. What was Brandon Jacobs when he lost that ferocity? I have some concerns that Williams doesn't have the burst and the lateral agility of a true starting caliber running back.

Of course, I could be wrong, and I've been wrong lots of times, but I definitely think that's the reason why he might be available on Day 3. If he is, there's no way he isn't under heavy consideration by the New York Giant front office.