Your expectations should be high for Javonte Williams. Here's why

What if I told you that trends since the year 2000 reveal that second-round Javonte Williams has better than a 50-50 chance of averaging at least 70 yards from scrimmage per game in his rookie campaign — which would translate to 1,190 yards from scrimmage over the course of a season?

Last month, Williams became the 20th running back taken in the first half of the second round since 2000 — a selection range from the 33rd overall pick through the 48th. And a majority of those running backs were reasonably productive as rookies; 63 percent (12 of 19) averaged at least 60 yards per game in their first NFL seasons.

There are no guarantees, but consider this: the running backs taken in this draft range since 2016 are Derrick Henry, Joe Mixon, Dalvin Cook, Ronald Jones II, Nick Chubb, Kerryon Johnson, D’Andre Swift and Jonathan Taylor. Henry, Mixon,

Cook and Chubb are among the NFL’s most productive backs in recent seasons, Taylor appears set to join them after a season in which he racked up 1,468 yards from scrimmage, averaging 97.9 yards per game.

It’s fair to expect outstanding play from Williams, given his skill set and his draft position. Posting multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons is a fair expectation from Williams over the four years of his rookie contract.

It’s just a question of when the Broncos see it — or when the opportunity for him to display it arrives.

That said, when asked how focused he was on making an immediate impact in his first pro season, he wasted little time in responding, “Definitely.”

“With them trading up to pick me in the second round, I feel like I have to return the favor,” Williams said. “Just come in every day, work hard and show them what I can do.”

The variable for Williams is when he gets on the field. Barring injury, Melvin Gordon is expected to take the first snap of offseason team-period practices, training camp and the regular season. Gordon’s experience gives him an edge, particularly his proficiency in pass protection.

But Williams said last week that one potential obstacle of a rookie — the playbook — is not an issue for him.

“I don’t think it’s too hard,” he said. “It’s pretty much like college. We’ve got inside zone and outside zone. The hardest part is just getting used to the terminology and key words. I feel like that’s going to be the most challenging part.”

If he navigates that as well as he expects, the rest should eventually fall in line. But at first, he might have to wait in line behind Gordon.