Lost in the crowd of a polarizing 2025 NFL Draft class is one of the most interesting player evaluations of recent memory. TCU wide receiver/running back Savion Williams is a player who a majority of draft media and fans alike have severely misdiagnosed.
The first trait that pops when watching Williams’ film is his absurd movement skills at 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds. While his 4.48 40-yard dash is nothing to scoff at, his speed on tape seems even faster.
The Horned Frogs offense primarily used Williams as a screen target and running back out of the backfield, only allowing him to play a true receiver role sparingly.
After seeing Williams’ alien athletic profile, it’s understandable why TCU would pencil him in as a “gadget player” and create designed plays to get the ball in his hands. This understanding quickly runs out after seeing the scarce opportunities where Williams was permitted to play a true receiver role.
While he found adequate success in the role he was asked to play, Williams excelled in the limited reps he was given at outside receiver. The blend of athleticism and YAC ability may entice the NFL to continue this gadget role, but it would be a tragic waste of receiving talent.
Similar to Missouri’s Luther Burden III, Williams’ lack of receiving production (60 receptions for 611 yards and 6 touchdowns) is clearly due to a mixture of sub-par quarterback play and a fundamental misuse of his talent in the offensive scheme.
Although extremely limited, the times Williams played a true receiver role in TCU’s offense were some of the more impressive reps in this receiver class.
While Williams often gets a rep as a “raw” and “unpolished” prospect, the upside is undeniable. The “raw” label often describes his separation and route-running ability. Despite this narrative among national draft media, he flashes elite separation ability.
Williams’ footwork, combined with his ability to hand fight at the point of attack, allows him to smoke press man coverage at the line.
For a “raw” prospect, Williams has a unique understanding of leverage, salesmanship in his routes at the top of stems, and a rare ability to sink his hips on stop routes. All of these traits give him a much higher floor than he is often given credit for.
In addition to his separation ability, Williams also excels in contested catch situations. While stats often lack important context, and film is required to tell the whole story, it’s impossible to ignore his staggering 88.9% contested catch rate (per PFF).
The tape reflects this number. Williams uses every bit of his 6-foot-4 frame to “play basketball” and box defensive backs out at the catch point. He’s also a master of extending his hands late as the ball arrives.
While the nature of Williams’ “rawness” as a prospect can be oversold at times, that’s not to say he’s a perfect prospect. The biggest red flag on his scouting report is a consistent plague of drop issues.
The drop issues are concerning, but the unmistakable catching ability in contested situations makes it clear that Williams’ drop issues are focus-related, not a fundamental inability to bring in the ball.
Despite the ramblings of this piece, there’s still a more than real chance that the NFL will see Williams just like TCU did, and immediately plug him into a gadget-player role. In the dream scenario that whatever NFL franchise selects him allows him to play receiver, the question becomes what role he will play.
Williams’ size, athleticism, and immediate separation ability allow him an easy transition into a typical X receiver role. Although, in the modern NFL landscape, he absolutely has the skill set to play a Z role as well.
In summary, Williams is a top-end athlete who can succeed in his collegiate-assigned gadget role, but deserves a chance to play a true X receiver role.
While draft media often plays fast and loose with Cordarrelle Patterson comparisons, and campaigns for a switch to running back, Williams warrants a deeper look. Limiting him to the backfield would be a disastrous waste of a unique receiving skillset.
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