Broncos trade up, select Javonte Williams at No. 35

The Denver Broncos selected running back Javonte Williams out of North Carolina in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, 35th overall.

The Broncos traded the 40th and 114th picks to the Atlanta Falcons to move up for Williams. They also received the 219th selection from Atlanta.

Some prognosticators believed Williams would be the first running back off the board. He wound up going early on Day 2 after Najee Harris and Travis Etienne went in Thursday's opening round.

The former Tar Heels standout will join a backfield that features Melvin Gordon and Royce Freeman. The Broncos parted ways with former Pro Bowler Phillip Lindsay in free agency, vacating a pile of touches that could go to Williams in 2021.

Draft profile

Key stats: 1,140 rushing yards, 305 receiving yards, 22 TDs, 7.3 YPC

Williams probably doesn't crack the top three running backs in his class based on national name recognition. But everything about his all-around game makes him a slam-dunk pick as our top player in this year's talented group. Williams is dripping with upside as a natural runner who can read what's unfolding in front of him and either make defenders miss or effortlessly work through contact. He also offers the combination of receiver skills and pass-protection ability that can keep him on the field as an every-down contributor from Day 1.