As part of our coverage leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft we will provide profiles of 200 prospects, including what the scouts around the league are saying and video interviews with each player.
Karlos Williams (RB) Florida State
6'1" | 230 lbs.
2014 stats:
150 ATT, 689 YARDS, 11 TD; 29 REC, 265 YARDS, 1 TD
Projection:
5th-6th round
NFL
What scouts are saying:
"Exciting combination of size, straight-line speed and power. Looks the part of an NFL athlete with a tapered, well-built frame. Possesses speed, cutback ability and power, and demonstrated improved vision over the course of his collegiate career at running back. Williams has light feet and flexible ankles to make strong cuts and redirect his momentum quickly. While decisive and smooth, he also runs with forward lean and a physical style that makes him a tough guy to slow down once he gains steam." - Dane Brugler and Derek Stephens, CBSSports.com
"Former safety with aggressive, physical temperament. Taller and longer than most running backs, but has exceptional burst to trim the corner and go. Angular running style. Makes subtle changes of direction without gearing down. One-cut daddy on outside zone plays. Has good top-end speed. Can be a factor on swing passes and will body up in pass protection. Lowers pads and delivers a blow on the move. Falls forward and is a pile mover when pad level is right. Natural footwork for an inexperienced back. Slams it between tackles when asked and doesn't look to bounce outside. Shows patience and uses head fakes to freeze defenders in space. Hard to tackle and keeps feet churning at impact." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Upright runner. Has issues playing with leverage when challenged suddenly in the hole. Needs to see contact coming to get pads low enough. Has just two years of running back experience. Instincts and feel are very hit and miss. Runs himself into trouble and might not fit all running schemes. Doesn't make many defenders miss on second level. "Explosive Rushes" (15-plus yards) fell off substantially in 2014. Gained additional weight preseason, which appears to have slowed him. Lost starting job to freshman. Was investigated by Tallahassee police in domestic battery case, but no charges were filed. Character will be combed over carefully." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Fit for the Bears:
It's no secret the Bears will spend most -- if not all -- of their first few picks in the 2015 NFL Draft to fix up a defense that ranked one of the worst last season. But what will the Bears do in the later rounds? With Matt Forte in a contract season, finding a running back for the future may be something Ryan Pace & Co look at. The Bears signed former Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers to a one-year deal to provide some depth behind Ka'Deem Carey, who was drafted in the fourth round last year. However, a downfall for Karlos Williams is that he only has two years of running back experience, transitioning from a cornerback freshman year.