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Ten NFL rookies who are diamonds in the rough

Desmond King is one of the NFL rookies set that is a diamond in the rough

Joe Williams, running back, San Francisco 49ers

Joe Williams Utah San Francisco 49ers

There has been some chatter that this former Utah star could unseat Carlos Hyde as the starter in Kyle Shanahan’s offense this year. That’s probably a bit far fetched if Hyde stays healthy. But we can’t imagine the rookie head coach not plugging his hand-picked guy into the lineup at least in sub packages right out of the gate.

“I’m telling you right now: If we don’t get him, I’ll be sick. I will be contemplating Joe Williams all night,” Shanahan told Peter King of The MMQB the night before the 49ers drafted Williams in Round 4.

Clearly, Shanahan is enamored with what the former Ute brings to the table. And it’s not hard to see why.

Despite playing in just nine games last year (he quit the team while dealing with mental health issues), Williams gained 1,514 yards from scrimmage and scored 10 touchdowns. He’s a quick, agile back with plenty of raw speed who catches the ball naturally — a perfect fit for what the 49ers will do offensively now that Shanahan is running things.

Even if Hyde does hang onto his job, Williams will be a dynamic change-of-pace back who’ll see plenty of action as a rookie.

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