Cardinals Running Back Ryan Williams’ Role

October 4, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Ryan Williams (34) carries the ball for a four yard gain during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Running back Ryan Williams will be the wild card this year for the Arizona Cardinals. Williams has a lot to prove as an NFL player, as questions about “can he hold up as a running back in this league?” continue to be asked in a league where running back lifespan is somewhat short.

Williams’ situation is a bit different from his previous two seasons as a Cardinal, when he was drafted he could easily see himself having a specific role in the running game.

The running back that was ahead of him Bennie Wells was also injury prone and had not lived up to his expectations coming out as a high draft pick in the first round in 2009, leaving hope in Williams to step in and add to that spot immediately.

Williams’ chances of being a major piece of the offense this season remains to be seen, even though he is second on the depth chart. Preseason is fast approaching and the pads will be on in training camp and the mystery of Ryan Williams will be revealed.

Is he durable or is he just unlucky? Can he be confident in his knee or is he to weak minded to truly overcome his fears and max his potential. These and many more related questions will be the only questions about Ryan Williams until we see a different end result.

My hope is that he can give this team a second punch at the running back position that could perhaps make the Cardinal running attack versatile to through off opposing defenses during a game.

With Coach Bruce Arians scheme, Williams should be able to shine, but remember there are other well qualified candidates itching to get the same chance to take his spot. Should that happen, where would that leave Williams?

One more point that does not work in Williams’ favor, is that coaches and GM’s draft according to the fit of their scheme. Williams was drafted as part of last year’s scheme and that makes his job of making strides in a new offense that much more difficult.

Where as his competition does not have that problem, as Rashard Mendenhall has played in this system under coach Arians, and the two rookies Stephan Taylor and Andre Ellington were drafted according to the Arians scheme as well.

 This leaves Williams with a tall mountain to climb; I am not sure how much rope that the staff is allowing him to get over to the other side