NY Jets: Analyzing signing of Dominique Williams

The NY Jets made several signings of players to future/reserve contracts. One that stood out from the pack was running back Dominique Williams.

In an early move by general manager Mike Maccagnan, the Jets signed former Minnesota Vikings’ running back Dominique Williams. I usually just browse through these early signings, but took a closer look as Maccagnan has been busy signing 17 players to future/reserve contracts for the Jets so far this off-season.

As I have already said, these signings are usually just browsed through. The first group is normally the players that spent the season on the practice squad and are already known to fans. The rest, players that didn’t play in 2015 or guys signed after being released off another team’s practice squad.

They usually turn out to be camp fodder, if they make it that far, but every once in a while lightning strikes. It’s rare, but when it happens it is magic.

I’m hoping that the Jets can get lucky with Williams. He is a small back from a small school that caught my eye leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft. Williams is a local player, having played his high school football at Bridgetown High School in New Jersey. Gaining no interest from major Universities, Williams played his college football at Wagner.

Small school players often get overlooked at draft time and Williams was no exception, the Vikings signed him as an undrafted free agent following last year’s draft. Williams is a small guy, standing only 5’9″ and only tipping the scales at 202 pounds. He surely isn’t going to be an everyday back in the NFL, but he could be an intriguing project for the Jets.

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Williams spent 2015 on the Vikings’ practice squad after having an impressive career at Wagner.

For his college career, Williams amassed 4,443 yards rushing and scored 42 touchdowns. He accounted for 5,444 all purpose yards in his years at Wagner and displayed a good set of hands in the passing game.

Williams also has experience returning kicks on special teams, he returned both kickoffs and punts at the college level. His experience might give him a shot at making the Jets’ roster, as the team will likely be looking to replace Jeremy Kerley this summer. Williams is small, but he’s a strong runner.

He posted a 4.65 at the NFL Combine last year, but was plagued by a back injury at the time. Williams is a strong player, his work ethic is reportedly high and at 23 years old, he’s young enough to hang around if he can stick.

He’s not the answer at running back for the Jets, but Williams could develop into a change of pace back. He’s small and could get lost behind the big guys upfront, he has good cut back ability and can break a run open when he gets in the open field. It’s just my take, but I think he’s a player to be watched this summer.

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The Jets have a shortage of running backs and will have a void on special teams for a returner. If you watch any kind of film on Williams, its hard not to be impressed. He’s a project at running back, but if he can contribute on special teams and hang around, he may just develop into something down the line. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey will find a way to use his versatility if he beats the odds and makes the final roster.

Best of luck to Williams on starting his career in Green and White. I for one will be rooting for him as I’d love to see what he brings. Leave us a comment below and Let’s Talk Jet Football!!

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