Running back Kyren Williams is the first Los Angeles Rams player to crack NFL.com’s top-100 players list ahead of the 2025 season.
A year after he capitulated from outside the list to No. 77, Williams dropped to No. 85 in this year’s rankings despite putting together a better overall season. Williams finished the 2024 season with 1,299 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
People keep on doubting Williams, and he just keeps on chugging. Thought to be headed toward a possible committee role after Los Angeles spent a third-round pick on Blake Corum, Williams promptly logged 88 more carries than he did the season prior, accounting for 70.2% of the Rams’ rushing attempts. A hard-nosed runner who plays bigger than his size and possesses the shiftiness to leave defenders empty-handed, Williams is already “Old Reliable” for Sean McVay heading into Year 4.
Williams played 843 offensive snaps in 2024, the most by any running back in the NFL. Since 2023, Williams has played on more than 80% of offensive snaps in 20 games, five more than the next closest RB (Saquon Barkley, 15).
Now, Williams’ drop might have less to do with him and more to do with other players rising. Williams had a marginally better season in 2024 than 2023, but not a tremendous difference that would necessitate a him moving up further.
Williams is very clearly one of the best 100 players in the NFL heading into 2025. That’s no small feat considering he was a fifth-round pick three years ago. However, there isn’t a real consensus as to where he ranks among his peers in his own position. Some think he’s a top-10 running back, while others see him more as a mid-tier player.
The 2025 season will be telling, especially since he’s in the middle of contract negotiations with the Rams.