Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Mike Williams (Clemson) - 2017 NFL Draft Pick #7 by LAC

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Pre-Draft Analysis: Mike Williams (Clemson)

Overview:

Mike Williams was widely regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects heading into the 2017 NFL Draft. After a standout career at Clemson, where he played a pivotal role in the Tigers' national championship victory, Williams showcased a unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism that made him a coveted prospect.

Strengths:

• Physical Attributes: Standing at 6'4" and weighing around 218 pounds, Williams possessed the ideal frame for an NFL wide receiver, allowing him to win contested catches.
• Catch Radius: His large wingspan and leaping ability enabled him to catch balls outside his immediate reach, making him a dangerous target in the red zone.
• Route Running: Williams demonstrated the ability to run crisp routes, combining agility with his size to create separation from defenders.
• Production: In his final season at Clemson, Williams recorded 98 receptions for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns, showcasing his capability to perform at a high level in critical moments.
• Strong Hands: He exhibited reliable hands, rarely dropping passes and making difficult catches in traffic.

Weaknesses:

• Injury History: Williams had previously dealt with a significant neck injury in 2015, which caused some concerns about his durability moving forward.
• Consistency: While capable of making big plays, there were moments in his college career where he struggled to maintain consistency in performance against top-tier defenses.
• Separation Speed: Although he was fast for his size, there were questions about whether he could consistently separate from faster NFL cornerbacks.

Overall Assessment:

Mike Williams was viewed as a potential top-10 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft due to his combination of physical tools and production at Clemson. His ability to make contested catches and his experience in high-pressure situations made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps. While there were concerns regarding his injury history and consistency, many analysts believed that with the right coaching and development, Williams could become a standout wide receiver in the NFL.