2021 NFL Draft: Six sleeper wide receivers to watch

Pooka Williams, Kansas

Kansas running back Pooka Williams was one of the top running backs in the Big 12 in 2018 and 2019 when he rushed for over 1,000 yards each season. Williams then decided to sit out most of the 2020 season, which hurt his 2021 NFL Draft stock. Despite this, he is still a player who could be a sleeper in this year’s draft.

However, the position I think he offers the most value at is wide receiver. This is due to his lack of ideal size as he is only listed at 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds. This is way too light for a running back in the NFL and if he sticks at this position he will be more of a gadget player. If Williams were to switch to wide receiver though he could be a very solid slot receiver in the NFL.

One of the things that make me think he could easily make this transition is his soft hands. He shows a natural ability to catch the ball coming out of the backfield and record over 25 receptions in both 2018 and 2019. Another trait that makes me think he could make this transition is his quickness. As a runner he showed the ability to accelerate quickly in a short area while running the ball, this is a trait that could definitely transfer over to the slot position.

While I like the idea of him switching positions he will obviously need some time to make this transition especially when it comes to running routes. While refining his game the same traits that could make him a good slot receiver could allow him to be a good return man.

Any way you look at it I like the potential he shows for someone you could probably pick up as a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.