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NFL breakout candidates for the 2019 season

By Eric Robinson

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts to a broken pass play during the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts to a broken pass play during the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Mike Williams #81 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Mike Williams #81 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams

For most receiving prospects out of the collegiate level, success is not necessarily met until year three. Ironically, year three for Williams appears to be coming at just the right time.

The former 2017 first round pick had a rookie season that was forgettable with just 11 receptions in 10 games of play and one start. Granted, a back injury in rookie minicamp played a significant part in that. However, a bounce back 2018 season presented a nice glimpse of what Williams can provide to the lethal Chargers offense. A unit that was sixth in the league in points per game.

Williams posted three games during the 2018 regular season where he recorded two touchdown receptions. One of those games was a key road win against their rival, Kansas City Chiefs, where Williams caught the game-winning touchdown and two-point conversion. Overall, Williams was tied for fifth in the league in touchdown catches with 10.

Even with an offense that features a solid #1 receiver in Keenan Allen, a 1,000-yard rusher in Melvin Gordon, and a talented tight end in Hunter Henry, Williams has a prime opportunity to distance himself from the rest. A Pro Bowl season could be on the horizon for the former Clemson Tiger.

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