Jason Licht Expects Josh Williams “To Turn A Lot Of Heads In Preseason”
June 9th, 2025
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht envisions Bucs fans enjoying preseason handoffs more than they may have expected.
The GM loves his running backs depth, and he should with Bucky Irving, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker. But Licht sees a deeper unit, highlighted by undrafted free agent Josh Williams out of LSU.
“You know, we added one [running back] this year, he’s probably going to turn a lot of heads in preseason,” Licht told the Pewter Report podcast. “Josh Williams, he’s been really, really good. Smart, real twitchy, quick, catches with his hands well, very smooth and understands protections. So it’s going to be fun to watch this preseason.”
Williams was no overlooked college star like Tucker (also undrafted) and former undrafted Bucs running backs LeGarrette Blount and Earnest Graham.
Through five seasons at LSU, Williams was a very part-time player, but he was productive.
And he shined at his 2025 Pro Day. A shade under 5-foot-9, Williams checked in at 203 pounds and exploded for a 42-inch vertical leap. His 40-yard-dash time was solid at 4.45.
Joe was excited to hear Licht’s take. If Williams can stand out in early practices around hungry dudes like Irving, White and Tucker, then he’s probably got a shot.
June 9th, 2025 at 6:13 pm
We are busting at the seams with RB, WR, CB…..and that’s a giod thing….perhaps a trade or two.
June 9th, 2025 at 6:16 pm
Howdy TBBF. Also at OL evidently. Solid core in most Units. Licht has done a Great job regardless of the myopic haters
June 9th, 2025 at 6:19 pm
“If Williams can stand out in early practices around hungry dudes like Irving, White and Tucker, then he’s probably got a shot.”
Yea – a good shot at being plucked from the practice squad by a team with less RB talent than the Bucs – who won’t have the luxury this year of keeping 4 talented RBs on the roster….
June 9th, 2025 at 6:31 pm
Opens up a trade possibility
June 9th, 2025 at 6:38 pm
If Josh Williams shows anything, this may be Rachaad White’s last year.
June 9th, 2025 at 7:01 pm
I’ve been trying to tell fans to watch out for him since we signed him. He will replace White next year. Looking forward to seeing him this preseason.
June 9th, 2025 at 7:43 pm
+1 to Pickgrin and ABF. Depth is always needed, can’t control if he gets sniped.
However, a 3rd/4th RB needs to play special teams, so he better turn some heads as a blocker or an upback since his kick returns were minuscule at LSU and punt returns non-existent.
June 9th, 2025 at 8:20 pm
Josh Williams is a throwback—he instantly reminds me of Dorsey Levens from those classic Green Bay teams: low center of gravity, compact build, and a punishing, tone-setting mentality. This kid isn’t just running through contact; he’s out there looking to deliver the blow. Once the pads come on, things could get very interesting.
June 9th, 2025 at 9:12 pm
Just watch a 6 minute highlight reel and could see him as a short yardage power back, but not taking carries away from the other 3. I believe we still have DJ Willams too (also more of a power back).
June 9th, 2025 at 10:27 pm
Hide him!
June 9th, 2025 at 11:02 pm
Can he return punts?
June 9th, 2025 at 11:21 pm
Let’s go.
June 10th, 2025 at 12:42 am
White could be traded at the end of preseason if this kids balls out
June 10th, 2025 at 12:57 am
I love LSU and SEC players.
I love this.
We got another RB?
Nice!
Thanks Joe!
June 10th, 2025 at 1:08 am
Hopefully we stay healthy
June 10th, 2025 at 3:43 am
Looking forward to Williams showing us his stuff.
If he can pass protect as a rooikie he has a chance to stick.
Go Bucs!
June 10th, 2025 at 8:39 am
The scouting reports I read consistently say he has a very high football IQ, able to pick up blitzers with strong pass pro. He’s quick but not fast, and very good on screens. I could see him competing for RB4 immediately and special teams guy.
June 10th, 2025 at 10:34 am
Tucker wasn’t overlooked. Without his heart issues before the draft, he would’ve gone much higher.