4 Players to Stash in Fantasy Football From the AFC East

Jonathan Williams, RB, Buffalo Bills

The Player

Perhaps my favorite running back in the 2016 class not named Ezekiel Elliott or Kenneth Dixon, Jonathan Williams slipped all the way to the fifth round of the draft after missing the entire 2015 season after undergoing foot surgery. While his talent certainly justified a higher draft profile, his injury history kept his value deflated until the Buffalo Bills grabbed him to be the fourth back on their depth chart.

Williams totaled 1,190 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior while splitting carries with Alex Collins, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and demonstrating an old-school running style that reminded you of a more creative Cedric Benson or a faster Marion Barber. And at 5'11" and 220 pounds, he certainly has a build that generates power with the toughness to generate yards after contact.

While his 4.63-second 40-yard-dash time is functional (although certainly nothing to write home about), it is worth noting that he was coming off a foot injury and likely wasn't at full strength when running. He did impress with his 6.97 three-cone time, demonstrating that foot quickness and creativity that helped become one of the best running backs in the SEC.

It is worth noting that Williams was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated earlier this year, although it looks unlikely that he will face any suspensions in 2016. A 2017 suspension is more likely.

The Opportunity

Just one month ago Jonathan Williams seemed like a long shot to be anything more than the fourth running back on the depth chart behind LeSean McCoy, Mike Gillislee and rookie standout Karlos Williams. But then the latter Williams ate his way to getting cut, a shocking move that moved the former Razorback up the depth chart and into starting reps during training camp.

Unfortunately, injuries to McCoy and the release of Karlos Williams led the team to sign Reggie Bush, which placed Jonathan back to fourth on the depth chart. A rib injury will prevent him from playing during the final preseason contest, but he has already impressed on the field with 103 yards and 2 touchdowns on 27 preseason carries.

While it might not be enough to get him onto the field early this year, it is worth remembering that McCoy battled injuries last season and missed four games and has battled hamstring and foot issues this spring and summer. While he is the likely workhorse when healthy, an injury would open the door for Williams to sneak onto the field.

The Bills likely don't see Bush as a lead back at 31 years old, and he hasn't seen major touches since 2013. Gillislee has shown flashes of ability in limited touches, but the Miami Dolphins gave up on him quickly after making him their fifth-round pick in 2013, and he may be nothing more than an average player.

While Williams will need to climb the depth chart, don't be surprised if by the end of the season his value has shot up, especially as the Bills look towards their 2017 backfield.