:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69135669/1192226099.jpg.0.jpg)
Williams was a Top 10 high school athlete in Alabama, as he played basketball and football. He ended up choosing football and going to Auburn over Alabama as a wide receiver. He also had plenty of praise as a safety and his coaches wanted him to continue on as a defensive player. But Williams did end up excelling as a receiver at Auburn, as he caught 132 passes for 2,124 yards and 17 touchdowns in 33 games.
Scouting Report
Williams has the physicality, height and long arms to be a monster in the red zone, as seen by his strong touchdown numbers in college. And some of those receptions are just ridiculous. There’s no doubt he can make the tough catches over, around and through defenders. The trouble is, why is he always covered so well?
And there is the rub. Williams has trouble gaining separation. His routes are one speed and predictable, while his technique off the line and in cuts are pedestrian. He will need to show a big leap in the NFL when it comes to his route running to be able to consistently get open.
What are scouts saying?
Williams was the go-to guy at Auburn the past two seasons and showed consistent improvement in his game. He’s a solid possession receiver who will be a good red zone threat, but his inability to separate through routes or speed limits him. — Pro Football Network’s Oliver Hodgkinson
Mock Draft landing spots
Williams’ draft stock took a hit over the last year, as he didn’t improve the way many had hoped he would. If you look at mocks from a year ago, he was going in the first round. Over the last month, mocks have him in the third, fourth and fifth rounds. At this point, he’ll likely be considered a developmental player with a lot of great attributes.
Fantasy impact: Rookie year
Williams likely won’t have the draft slot to be considered for a starting or rotational job his rookie year. Just hanging with a team will likely be a nice accomplishment to start his career in the NFL.
Fantasy impact: Career
There is upside in Williams’ game. There’s no doubt he has the size and ability to make receptions in the NFL, but he’ll need to be coached up and show significant improvement at getting open. He’ll remain a waiver wire play in dynasty unless a team falls in love with him and spends significant draft capital.