Premium Content Sign Up

PFF scouting report: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

ATHENS, GA - AUGUST 30: Mike Williams #7 of the Clemson Tigers runs with a catch against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on August 30, 2014 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Name: Mike Williams
School: Clemson
Position fit: Wide receiver
Stats to know: Caught 51.9 percent of deep targets, good for sixth in the nation

What he does best:

  • Dominates at the catch point, uses his giant frame to tower over defensive backs
  • Huge catch radius and wing span facilitate spectacular grabs
  • Deep threat, uses his size to box out defensive backs
  • Tracks the ball exceptionally downfield, a constant threat on fades and back-shoulder throws
  • Effective over the middle, made a number of catches in traffic
  • Uses his length to separate at the line of scrimmage, consistently moves the chains on third down
  • Difficult to defend running the slant, makes tough conversions in key games situations
  • Strong hands – dropped only 5.77 percent of opportunities in 2016 (18th in FBS)
  • Physical option on bubble screens and other quick throws

Biggest concern:

  • Occasional concentration lapses resulted in a couple of simple drops
  • May not create enough separation to fit with every quarterback style. Needs aggressive passer to allow him to win at the catch point in contested situations
  • Not the most dynamic, unlikely to convert short gains into big plays underneath – averaged only 4.0 yards after catch per reception in 2016
  • Suffered a season-ending neck injury in 2015

Player comparison: Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears.

Like Jeffery, Williams is physical at the catch point and capable of turning off-target throws into completions. Both receivers can win in the short game while providing a downfield threat in contested situations.

Bottom line: Mike Williams was possibly the deciding factor in Clemson claiming revenge against Alabama in a rematch of the 2015 National Championship. He displayed all the qualities that make him such an exciting prospect against NFL-caliber defensive backs. As well as presenting opponents with a matchup problem, Williams also represents a reliable target underneath. He projects as a receiver capable of using his body to move the chains while adding a downfield component to the passing game due to his ability to win at the catch point with strong ball skills.


Exclusive content for premium subscribers

WANT TO KEEP READING?

Dominate Fantasy Football & Betting with AI-Powered Data & Tools Trusted By All 32 Teams

Subscribe now

Already have a subscription? Log in

Safety worth way more than 2 points. Help protect your family with fast, free will.
Sponsor
NFL Featured Tools
Subscriptions

Unlock the 2024 Fantasy Draft Kit, with Live Draft Assistant, Fantasy Mock Draft Sim, Rankings & PFF Grades

$24.99/mo
OR
$119.99/yr