By Adam Aniba
During the pre-draft process, the receivers have pulled ahead as the deepest position in the class. We've seen some of the fastest WR forty times in recent memory, but also a wide array of talent from the FBS to the HBCU level.
It's all but certain, Washington will select a receiver with one of their top two selections in this draft. The consensus WR1 during the process has been OSU's Garrett Wilson (CLICK for scouting report). If not for an injury, his former OSU teammate Jameson Williams would have been a slam dunk as the top receiver and still could be selected as the first receiver this week.
The Alabama receiver's ability on go routes, contested jump balls and quick outs, display just how impactful he can be on the next level. His burst and ability to kick it into another gear, when he hits the open filed is fun to watch. Williams does it all and would be an ideal compliment to Terry McLauirn.
After years of focusing on the offensive side of the ball, drafting a weapon in the receiving game to help Carson Wentz and his transition makes a sense,
Williams started his career at Ohio State, but after 10 career games with only 3 TD's in a two season span, he made the decision to transfer to Alabama to play for Nick Saban. Williams quickly emerged as Saban's WR1 and prior to his ACL tear, he recorded 1,572 and 15 touchdowns earning 1st-Team All-SEC honors.
His overall production and 19.9 yards per reception average during his only season at Alabama, led to him declaring for the draft. The ACL tear took place in the early stages of the 2nd quarter, during their National Championship loss to UGA.
Prior to his injury, Williams was leading all receivers with 65 yards on 4 catches. His injury certainly changed the defensive strategy of the highly coveted Bulldogs defense and allowed for more risk taking.
Williams did not participate during the NFL Combine or Alabama's pro day, but his representatives have maintained that he's ahead of schedule with a potential return to action in July-August. Williams understands he's ahead of schedule, but must be smart during his recovery process and had the following to say during Alabama's pro day.
"That's what I'm shooting for. What overrules that is just making sure I'm 100% before I do anything. That would be my time frame, but I'm just going to make sure everything is 100% before I come back just so I can be right."
Williams has been rehabbing and participating in agility drills for nearly a month with no setbacks. William's had a relatively clean injury history prior to going down, which should be taken into account.
His ability to line up in the slot or outside, where he can utilize his explosiveness, make him an even more valuable asset in the passing game. As a quick twitch WR, he understands how to manipulate DB's during his route development. Although Williams is viewed as a true deep threat, he's also a technician when running short-intermediate routes, where he takes advantage of his speed and elusiveness. Williams can truly do it all and is the premier receiver in this class.
Final Thought
Washington has invested a ton of 1st round draft capital on the defensive side of the ball, deepening on how the board falls, this draft should be different.
Notre Dame FS Kyle Hamilton (CLICK for scouting report) will be the wildcard in the mix, but getting past the Jets at #10 would be surprising. In this scenario, the decision could be between Wilson or Williams. On pure talent alone, Williams gets the nod, but that''s not to say Wilson's ceiling isn't high.
Investing on a prospect that's only months removed from major surgery, will concern teams picking in the op 10. If he slides, drafting a prospect such as Jameson Williams would give Washington the luxury to ease in an explosive weapon into their passing game slowly. Getting Curtis Samuel healthy and ready to go is key for the offense, along with seeing how much Dyami Brown and Cam Simms can provide in the downfiled passing game.
If this scenario plays out and Williams falls to #11, Ron Rivera would be wise to draft a prospect that has the highest ceiling of any offensive player in this class.