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Colts Sign Former ACC, SEC Running Back
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- Colts Sign Former ACC, SEC Running Back
(Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts OC Jim Bob Cooter discussed what he's seeing and looking for in the QB2 battle between Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard. (Video via Jake Arthur/ColtsRoundtable)
WESTFIELD, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts are beyond settled at the top of their running back depth chart, as Jonathan Taylor is one of the best players in the world at what he does.
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However, behind him is a no-man's land where several players are vying to be the next man up, without anyone individually yet snatching the confidence of coaches and onlookers alike.
On Friday, the Colts added another player to the mix to spark the competition in undrafted rookie Roydell Williams. He didn't participate in Friday's practice, but he did spend his time glued to Taylor's hip.
Williams (5'10", 223, 24 years old) was a four-star recruit out of high school who began his career at Alabama (2020-23) before transferring to Florida State for the last two seasons (2024-25).
A torn ACL after 10 games in 2021 ended his season, but he was able to return in 2022 and play 13 games.
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In 56 career games for the Crimson Tide and Seminoles, Williams carried the ball 275 times for 1,264 yards (4.6 avg.) and 13 touchdowns, and caught 28 passes for 217 yards (7.8 avg.) and two touchdowns.
Williams has also contributed to special teams, playing 509 snaps throughout six college seasons.
Williams' pre-draft measurements at Florida State's pro day included a 4.71-second 40-yard dash (1.59 10-yard split), with a 34.0" vertical, 10'01" broad jump, and a 7.08-second three-cone.
Williams' Fit in Indianapolis
Although Taylor is coming off his second career season leading the NFL in both carries and touchdowns, the Colts would like a complementary player to step up and take some of the load off him .
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The Colts drafted DJ Giddens in the fifth round last year, but he was active for just nine games, as he doesn't play special teams and isn't much of a contributor on third downs as a pass-catcher or blocker.
The Colts then drafted Seth McGowan in the seventh round this spring, and they're optimistic about his potential in the rotation.
Both Giddens and McGowan will be inserted into special teams in some manner this summer to see if they can pick it up enough to contribute regularly. Being useful in that regard, and showing they can contribute on third downs will go a long way toward establishing themselves as necessary members of the offense.
Outside of Taylor, Giddens, and McGowan, the Colts have Ulysses Bentley IV and Anderson Castle. Bentley was a rookie UDFA last year who is a well-rounded player that stuck to the practice squad. Castle is a rookie UDFA this year who's known to be a battering ram in short-yardage situations.
