Andre Williams knows how to earn more playing time in Giants' offensive scheme
Despite being selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, New York Giants running back Andre Williams was thrown right into the fire as a rookie after starter Rashad Jennings got injured in Week 5. Following Jennings' injury, Williams played at least 50 percent of the team's snaps in seven games including a Week 15 contest where he saw 92 percent of the snaps. Williams' biggest weakness coming out of college was his ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. He understands that in order to see an expanded role in 2015, he will need to prove that he has improved in that area.
Despite only being targeted on 28 passes in 2014, Williams hauled in just 18 receptions and finished with two dropped passes, according to Pro Football Focus. In Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo's offense, catching the ball out of the backfield is more of a necessity than a luxury.
"That's how the offense works," Williams told Nick Fierro of GoErie.com. "Coaches can see that's been something I've been working on and improving on. I feel more comfortable catching the ball. Now that they know I can do it, they're going to expect me to do it and I'll expect myself to do it."
With the addition of Shane Vereen and the return of a fully healthy Rashad Jennings, the Giants' backfield is quite crowded. If Williams convinces the coaches that he is no longer a liability as a pass catcher out of the backfield, he could siphon some early down work from Jennings.
(h/t Go Erie)
Photo Credit: Jim Brown/USA TODAY Sports
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