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Mike Williams, WR, Clemson: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Erik Lambert

Dec 29, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) avoids a tackle by Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jordan Thomas (7) during the second quarter of the 2014 Russell Athletic Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) avoids a tackle by Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jordan Thomas (7) during the second quarter of the 2014 Russell Athletic Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Optimism is high for the wide receiving class of the 2017 NFL draft. A big reason for that is due to the immense potential harbored by Mike Williams.

The Clemson standout has flashed dominance for the Tigers ever since he first stepped on the field. Expectations are that if he’s healthy he will be one of the top targets come next April in the draft. Here is his early scouting report.

Position: WR

School: Clemson

Year: Senior

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 210 lbs

STRENGTHS:

  • Plenty of size that will make him an inviting target. Long arms help provide a wide catch radius in the red zone.
  • Has that twitchy quickness in and out of his breaks on routes to help create space from the defensive back.

The video shows an array of the things he does well from running sharp routes and always making sure to use his hands rather than his body to catch the ball. There is also the acceleration out of his stance and the solid speed, making him difficult to jam due to his obvious size advantage.

  • Not afraid to lay out for the football. Has a pair of strong hands to make tough catches look easy.
  • Doesn’t shirk his blocking duties. Show proper technique, if not overpowering.
  • While not a burner, he has enough speed to get vertical and make a play down the field. Especially adept at running the double move.
  • Does a good job coming back to the football on screen rather than waiting for it.

WEAKNESSES:

  • Missed most of 2015 with neck injury after a scary collision with the goal post.
  • Though he has speed and athleticism, he’s not especially adept at breaking tackles once he has the ball in his hands.
  • Despite his size, struggles to consistently win in 50-50 situations. Gives defender a reasonable shot at the ball.

Pro Comparison:  Josh Gordon

This is based just on the physical skill set, not the ridiculously long list of off-the-field problems. Gordon was a dominant player for one season in Cleveland, demonstrating that oh-so-rare mix of size and speed which he was able to use in tandem at times to create big plays. Williams has the same skill set without the heavy baggage to go with it.

Projection:  1st Round

There have been no signs that his rehabilitation has gone off track. Mike Williams should be fully recovered from the neck injury and if that’s the case, the only thing standing between him and going in the 1st round of the 2017 NFL draft is rust. How quickly can he regain the form that helped him dominate some pretty good teams in 2014? Best not to bet against him.

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