What to Know: Packers workout former 2019 pick RB Dexter Williams
By Paul Bretl
On Monday, it was reported by Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network that the Green Bay Packers worked out a familiar face, running back Dexter Williams.
Williams was a former sixth-round pick by the Packers in the 2019 NFL draft. He spent a majority of his time in Green Bay on the practice squad until he was released last summer.
During the regular season over his career, Williams has seven carries for 19 yards, according to PFF ($$), along with 17 total snaps. After being cut by the Packers, Williams spent time with the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and the Miami Dolphins.
The Packers would also utilize Williams on kick return attempts last season where he had two returns, averaging 26.5 yards per attempt. This is another area, along with running back currently, where Green Bay could use a boost
This past spring, Williams was a part of the Philadelphia Stars Championship team in the USFL–after being signed not long before that final game. Against the Birmingham Stallions in the league championship, Williams totaled 102 yards with 29 on the ground and 73 through the air, including 34 yards on a screen.
Williams is a strong one-cut back, which makes him a good fit for Matt LaFleur‘s outside zone running scheme. However, he would struggle with pass blocking and inconsistency as a pass catcher— two areas that a running back must be proficient in within the LaFleur system.
With Kylin hill still sidelined recovering from an ACL injury, the Green Bay Packers’ third running back role is very much up for grabs. Competing for that potential roster spot is Patrick Taylor, Tyler Goodson, and BJ Baylor.
Through 11 training camp practices, none of these backs have emerged above the rest. In part, a contributing factor to this is that the Green Bay offense has been going up against a very stout and fast defensive front.
LaFleur would also tell reporters last week that often times these positional battles have a way of working out once the preseason action begins. So there is certainly still time for Taylor, Goodson, or Baylor to take control.
Now, that isn’t to say that Williams will be an upgrade over the aforementioned trio of running backs, but it also doesn’t hurt to add a new name to the mix, given that no one is really standing out.
Williams also provides another player to lean on with Taylor having missed some practice time recently.
If the Green Bay Packers were to sign Williams, they would have to make a corresponding cut as well. Right now, the roster currently sits at the maximum 90-player capacity.