If ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft proves correct, the Eagles could be adding a game-changing weapon for Carson Wentz in the form of Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Version 2.0 of Kiper’s mock draft was released Thursday and the venerable ESPN analyst projects that the Clemson standout will fall to the Eagles with the No. 14 overall pick:
Wide receiver has been a position of frustration for the Eagles, and it’s imperative they add at least one more reliable pass-catcher next year, or they risk slowing the development of Carson Wentz. This is a spot where the Eagles could be considering another position (tackle comes to mind), but the value isn’t there in some cases, and with Williams it definitely is. He’s a great, big target for Wentz to work with.
Williams hauled in 98 receptions for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns in for the Tigers last season.
Eagles offseason blueprint
Here is a look at several scouting reports on Williams:
NFL.com: Williams is phenomenal at finding the ball and working back to it on comebacks and back-shoulder throws. He’s able to hit the brakes, create some separation with his hands and then square up to secure the catch. Williams’ catch radius is as impressive as any in college football. He can drop all the way down to cradle a worm burner (low throw). Williams is an angular route-runner with sneaky build-up speed to climb over cornerbacks late in vertical routes. Williams has had a second-half surge this season. He’s gained 100 yards or more in 4 of his last 6 games while snaring 7 touchdowns during that span.
Pro Football Focus: 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.
Eagles 7-round mock draft
CBS Sports: Tall, filled out frame with developed muscle tone — has added 40 pounds of bulk since high school. Flexible body control to effortlessly turn and adjust to the ball with a defender on his back. Strong-strider and accelerates well in his routes to trample corners. Large catch radius, using his length to pluck above his head or extend for diving grabs. Quick reflexes and sticky hands to make catches away from his body look easy. Trustworthy in contested situations, showing toughness, focus and finish. Uses his body to shield corners from the ball. Enough hand strength and wiggle at the line of scrimmage to beat the jam, using his upper and lower halves in unison. Functional strength shows as a receiver and as a blocker, eliminating defenders from perimeter run lanes.
Best WR in College Football || Clemson WR Mike Williams 2016 Highlights [?] [?]
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975.
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