CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) - It appears the Carolina Panthers will have their first-round pick for the start of training camp on Saturday.
The Charlotte Observer is reporting that Panthers have reached an agreement with running back DeAngelo Williams on a five-year contract.
The third running back selected and 27th pick overall, Williams will likely serve as a backup to DeShaun Foster.
The Panthers cut power runner Stephen Davis in March and are unsure if the oft-injured Foster can carry the load. They used a second-round pick on running back Eric Shelton last year, but he spent the 2005 season on injured reserve.
The 5-9, 214-pound Williams led the nation in rushing with 1,964 yards last season and scored 19 touchdowns for Memphis. Williams is the NCAA all-time record holder in all-purpose yards
with 7,573.
A three-time Conference USA Player of the Year, Williams set an NCAA record with 34 100-yard rushing games.
With a low center of gravity, Williams is at his best running counters and misdirections and can also be used as a kick returner.