Baker Mayfield Talks Silent, “Sneaky” Weapon Josh Williams
July 24th, 2025
Undrafted rookie running back Josh Williams (No. 37).
Joe has been telling fans there’s a quiet excitement at One Buc Palace for a rookie running back.
Baker Mayfield kicked that up a huge notch this morning.
Asked for an under-the-radar name on the Bucs offense, Mayfield noted rookie seventh-round pick receiver/returner Tez Johnson but had most to say about undrafted rookie running back Josh Williams.
“The sneaky one is Josh Williams,” Mayfield said. “Doesn’t say a word. I think he might be mute. But he does all the right things. Explosive. And he was fun to watch in college so I think once we get the pads on, he’s going to be really fun to watch.”
Longtime Bucs fans remember when an undrafted rookie running back shocked the NFL and ran for 1,000 yards in just 13 games: LeGarrette Blount. Of course, the bumbling Bucs got rid of Blount after the 2012 season and he proceeded to become a Patriots hero.
As for Williams, the Bucs don’t need him to do much with their strong running backs stable, so whatever he might add would be a huge bonus. Man, Joe can’t wait to see this guy hit the field in preseason.
July 24th, 2025 at 11:20 am
We’ve seen 4WR sets before, but the new 4RB set the Bucs are going to roll out will be a throwback to 1925. Baker under center Irving behind him, Tucker and Williams offset left and right, White split out wide. The Bucs had success with screens before so this set gives them plenty of screen options! (Only 85% joking here)
July 24th, 2025 at 11:24 am
I believe Buck & Tuck with a side of Josh Williams is where this running game is headed! Rachaad’s production can come from WRs!! A tougher running identity is needed in the red zone🚩🏴☠️🚩💥💣💥‼️
July 24th, 2025 at 11:26 am
I like Josh Williams lot, he’s similar to Bucky, but with more speed
We should keep 4 RBs, and 3 TEs
If they place Josh on the Practice squad , some team will pluck him
July 24th, 2025 at 11:36 am
“Joe has been telling fans there’s a quiet excitement at One Buc Palace for a rookie running back.” Yup. Me too.
July 24th, 2025 at 12:06 pm
Joe, who do you think has more upside of the 2 Williams’ RB’s?
July 24th, 2025 at 12:51 pm
LOL got me with the 4RB set
July 24th, 2025 at 1:35 pm
“Doesn’t say a word, is sneaky, and explosive.” Definitely exciting!
July 24th, 2025 at 2:05 pm
Licht keeps getting these undrafted guys signed. I think this Jake Majors, center from Texas, is another guy he stole. If Mayfield is picking out this Williams kid then he’s no doubt a player. Sounds like today there was some ugly football going on. That’s what it should look like 2nd team practice with tons of competition. Man, we’re going to have some awful good football players that won’t make the 53 man roster. We’re going to lose a few games. But not many.
July 24th, 2025 at 2:15 pm
Jake Majors stood out today among the OL group – small guy. A very small guy, but he can’t be too bad since he started so much at Texas. He was the long snapper today so maybe he will have a future there?
July 24th, 2025 at 2:29 pm
The last 2 years Tampa has been a UDFA dream. Come to a winning, respectable club with sunny beaches where depth is weak in a number of spots.
July 24th, 2025 at 2:39 pm
With a strong RB room right now and the emergence of Williams looks as if Rashad White is going to be trade bait since this is his last year of his contract.
July 24th, 2025 at 3:33 pm
Its going to be very hard to keep 4 RBs on the roster – because Culp is not much of a blocker so you need to keep a 4th TE who can actually block in case something happens to Otton or Durham… that and the amount of talent in the WR room almost necessitates holding onto 6 WRs…..
Its a bit of a conundrum really with Josh Williams if he is indeed as good as coaches and teammates seem to think.
Do you showcase the kid in pre-season games and allow him the opportunity to GRAB that roster spot because his play on both offense and special teams demands it?
Or do you keep him a bit more under-wraps and try to slide him onto the practice squad as quietly as possible?? Attempting to ‘stash’ him for next year or in case injuries hit the RB room this year?
Definitely a good ‘conundrum’ to have though….
Licht’s team and the coaches who participate have done an amazing job of pulling in high quality UDFA talent post draft the last few years….
Izien and Tucker standout – but numerous other talented contributors like Merriweather, CJ Brewer, Mike Green, Markeez Watts, Rakim Jarrett, Kameron Johnson and Ryan Miller have all made contributions in regular season games.
This year’s crop of UDFAs is just brimming with talent! Including:
RB Josh Williams (LSU) – C Jake Majors (Texas) – CB Roman Parodie (Ohio) – LB John Bullock (Nebraska) – OT Benjamin Chukwuma (Georgia State) Safety JJ Roberts (Marshall) – Safety Shilo Sanders (Colorado) – and perhaps even NT Desmond Watson (Florida) can be molded into a serviceable player to help plug up the middle – if he manages to lose another 60 lbs or so….
July 24th, 2025 at 5:34 pm
I don’t see any way Dez Watson makes the team, not with so much other talent
July 26th, 2025 at 12:37 am
The dwarf toss must be a viable play or the smurf is cooking burgers in September.