UNC Football: Is Javonte Williams' roster spot with the Denver Broncos in jeopardy?

After a strong rookie season in 2021, Javonte Williams suffered a rather large setback.

Just four games into the 2022 season, Williams tore his ACL, an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. He returned in 2023 but wasn't as productive as his rookie year, as he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry and 774 total rushing yards on 217 carries.

Heading into the 2024 season, there's some questions regarding his future with the Denver Broncos, as he may ultimately be competing for his roster spot over the next few weeks.

Troy Renck of The Denver Post spoke in-depth regarding the Broncos running back room, as he believes that Williams could ultimately be battling with Samaje Perine for one available roster spot.

"It’s hard to believe that Williams’ career in Denver could hinge on a strong camp. But he is entering his fourth season and averaged 3.2 yards per carry over the final 10 games last year. That number won’t work as the starter. It doesn’t seem fair given his discipline and work ethic to overcome a brutal knee injury in 2022. The declining returns can be rationalized as fatigue from rehab, recovery and workload. He looked bigger and stronger this spring, but it must translate to breaking tackles.

Rookie Audric Estime is making the team. And if he shows up and shows out, Williams’ footing becomes slippery. The room sets up as Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin and the music humming with one chair remaining for Williams and Perine."

As Renck noted, it's hard to believe that Williams' roster spot is in jeopardy. However, the Broncos are in the process of a complete overhaul, as the goal is to get the franchise back on track as quickly as possible.

The franchise used a draft pick on Notre Dame running back Audric Estime, a bigger back that is very versatile (especially for a player of his size). His production this summer heading into the fall might play a major role in the team's backfield situation, as they ultimately will choose between Williams and Perine as to which running back compliments Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin the best.

If Williams' time in Denver is set to come to an end, he should receive plenty of interest from other NFL teams. Ultimately, he may become a steal on the waiver/free agent market if he does become available, as a perspective NFL squad may even be willing to trade for him to ensure they land him on their roster.