SOUTH BEND, Ind. (670 The Score) -- Notre Dame running back prospect Kyren Williams has something to prove.
Williams left the NFL Combine earlier in March upset with how he performed. He clocked a 4.65 time in the 40-yard dash, which was one-tenth of a second more than his runs in training. Williams returned to Miami and channeled his frustration toward improvement.
“It set me off,” Williams said. “But it also put me back on track.”
At Notre Dame’s pro day last Friday, Williams logged a 4.54 time in the 40 and reminded NFL scouts that he’s a dynamic talent. But there’s more to it that he wanted to show.
Williams rushed for a combined 2,127 yards and 27 touchdowns over the last two seasons as the Fighting Irish's lead running back. He also served as a team captain and the beating heart of his team. Now, it’s a matter of how he fits in the NFL.
The 21-year-old Williams wants to showcase himself as a receiving threat in addition to a rusher. After finishing his pro day workouts, he lined up for Notre Dame quarterback prospect Jack Coan and ran passing routes. Williams hauled in short passes in the flats and also deep balls down the sidelines.
“He can play any position on the field,” Coan said. “He can play running back. You can put him in the slot. You can really put him anywhere. And he’s one of the best teammates and football players I’ve been around.”
Notre Dame receiver prospect Kevin Austin agreed.
“He’s a football player,” Austin said. “That’s what he does the best.”
The character and versatility of Williams is why an NFL team seems likely to make a move for him on the second day of the NFL Draft or early on the third day. That team could be the Bears, who are examining their future at running back under the direction of new general manager Ryan Poles.
Poles seems unlikely to offer a contract extension to Bears running back David Montgomery, who's set to become a free agent after the 2022 season. Chicago’s running back depth chart includes Montgomery, Khalil Herbert and Darrynton Evans. The Bears had four scouts present at Notre Dame’s pro day, including new co-director of player personnel Trey Koziol.
Williams is the type of prospect who could make sense for the Bears' new direction under Poles, as he's set to be a mid- to late-round selection with upside and determination.
No matter where he lands for the NFL, Williams will be ready to keep proving himself.
“You’ll see that I’m not just a running back,” Williams said. “And I can do it on all downs.
“I just love football, and I want to play football.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.