NFL: One breakout star for each team in the 2018 season
13. . WR, Los Angeles Chargers. . Mike Williams. . team
Los Angeles knew the needed a reliable number two receiver with Keenan Allen, who’d battled injuries for years and was becoming unreliable when it came to availability. With the seventh overall pick, the Chargers continued an early run on wide receivers with Clemson’s Mike Williams.
A mild disc herniation in his lower back forced Williams on the PUP list and held his NFL debut back until week six. A bone bruise in his knee limited production to just 11 catches all season, far from par for a wide receiver taken with a top-10 pick.
Feeling healthy entering camp Williams could play a major factor in the Chargers offense with tight end Hunter Henry tearing his ACL in late May. Williams will likely be the number two receiver behind Allen and battle Tyrell Williams and Travis Benjamin for playing time.
Williams has come back from major injuries before after suffering a neck fracture at Clemson when he collided with the goal post. He put up a career-high 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns a year after the injury. Can he do that in the NFL?