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2017 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Dec. 30-31 Bowls

By Shawn Spencer

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Mike Williams
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) during the second half of the ACC Championship college football game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Fiesta Bowl: Mike Williams (WR – Clemson) vs. Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore (CB – Ohio State)

The other national semifinal will also feature an intriguing matchup outside the hashes. Clemson should have success running the football with quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Wayne Gallman, but the Tigers will need to create balance in order to advance to the title game. As the top receiver on the Clemson roster, Mike Williams will have to step up against one of the best secondaries in college football.

Williams hasn’t missed a beat since returning from a serious neck injury suffered in the 2015 season opener. He leads the team with 84 receptions for 1,171 yards and 10 touchdowns, all personal bests as well. Williams enters the Fiesta Bowl on a hot streak, averaging more than eight catches per game over the last seven contests. Ohio State will try to slow down the 6-foot-3 junior with cornerbacks Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore.

Williams will have about a three-inch height advantage over the two corners, however both Conley and Lattimore should have no problem keeping up with Williams from a speed and route-running standpoint. The duo has faced several star receivers throughout the season and has played very well. Heisman finalist Dede Westbrook of Oklahoma managed just 51 yards against the Buckeyes earlier in the year and Michigan’s Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson combined for just 79 yards in the regular season finale.

Conley and Lattimore have combined for seven interceptions, 17 pass breakups and 24 passes defended. Williams may be the best receiver they’ve faced all season, but the pair has proven time and time again that they won’t alter their style of play based on the opponent. Conley could potentially join Williams in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft if he declares, while Lattimore should come off the board at some point on day two.

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