Jamaal Williams
RB, BYU · 2017 NFL Draft, Round 4, pick #134 (GNB)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 117 of ~132 possible regular-season games from 2017 through 2024 (~89%). Last NFL season: 2024.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #143 (#12 at his position), close to where he went (#134). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
BYU: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.59 40-yard dash at 212 lbs: faster than 31% of RBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
RB (RB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 46.1% of the time (501 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 117 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 3 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 33 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 33.0 |
| Rushing | 1069 att, 4,122 yds, 32 TD |
| Receiving | 187 rec, 1,310 yds, 8 TD |
| Defense | 8 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2024 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2017 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2017 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position RB | 46.1% n=501 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 0", 212 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.59 s |
| Vertical | 30" |
| Broad jump | 123" |
| 3-cone | 7.25 s |
| Shuttle | 4.53 s |
| Arm / hand | 30.25" / 9.13" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #143 overall (#12 RB) |
Picked around him 2017 redraft
| 131 | Deatrich Wise Jr. | redraft #37 |
| 132 | Donnel Pumphrey | redraft #238 |
| 133 | Ryan Switzer | redraft #178 |
| 135 | Joshua Dobbs | redraft #134 |
| 136 | Sean Harlow | redraft #162 |
| 137 | Zach Banner | redraft #187 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.