Buffalo Bills: 5 players that could surprise everyone in 2017

HB Jonathan Williams

Jonathan Williams is getting a pretty good opportunity in 2017 to start making a name for himself — much like Mike Gillislee did while he was in town. He will step into training camp as the favorite to be the Bills’ backup running back this season. Competition remains, but it’s unlikely that any of them beat him out.

Entering his second year in the league after being drafted by Buffalo last season, Williams will be in the best shape he has been in a while — as well as being more prepared than he was last season. He was thrust into the NFL after sitting out his senior year of college due to injury.

Because of that, he wasn’t used a whole lot and was put in the backseat to Gillislee. Williams only saw action in 7 games his rookie year.

Now with Gillislee in New England, Jonathan Williams will look to take his place and earn some respect in the locker room. There are certainly a few things that need to be worked on, but he has been transparent in making sure those get done. He recently spoke about working on his ball security:

"“Before every rep where I know it’s a run play called or a pass play where I could get the ball, just in my head I’m thinking, ball security high and tight and put two hands on it in traffic,” said Williams. “That ball is everybody’s money out there. I’ve made a conscious effort to work on my ball positioning.”"

It’s good to see Williams is ready to step up to the plate and take advantage of an opportunity to be a staple in what could be the No. 1 rushing attack in the NFL for a third straight season. There’s belief that new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison’s offense will work in Williams’ favor — much like it will for LeSean McCoy and Tyrod Taylor.

If those three can get it done on the ground this season, I see no reason why this team can’t three-peat.

Either way, expect a much better year from Jonathan Williams, who will be distraction-free entering 2017.