Pick #77: Damian Williams, WR, USC

Oh, I was just saying that cuz Harper's gone.

 

#19

kj/usc

 

Anyway- I love finding things like this:

http://www.jetsinsider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205924

Read where people watching Williams expected him to go last year. Google search Damian Williams Underrated, and you'll be entertained for quite a while with good reads.

 

This is pretty funny, actually.

 

My guess is that Nate Washington loses his slot spot to Williams by week 1. And he'll return for us. This could turn out to be a good pick.

 

Damian should become the returner right away and #4 WR. I'm hoping by the end of the year our depth is: Britt - Gage - Williams - Washington - Hawkins. Then next year Williams will be #2.

 

This guy is a great, great pick...I'll tell you why.

1) He runs exceptional routes. He ends up where he's supposed to be and he will get seperation from even the best corners. This will compliment Vince's average accuracy. I don't know why some of you think that speed equates with a reciever being able to get open. It helps but when everybody can run, you have to create seperation through great routes.

2) His catching ability, jumping ability, and body control allows him to become a very wide target. This again compliments Vince's accuracy. Couple that with his route running ability and you've got a great reliable target. Check out the sports science video somebody posted earlier.

3) He understands the route tree and has shown that he can adjust quickly to a QB. His numbers actually improved with a QB change. That means he's a great talent who can adjust to different throwing styles, etc. Vince won't have to put the ball on the money everytime, he'll just have to put it in his area and Williams will do the rest. He'll also be able to contribute immediately because he'll pick up the offense quickly.

4) He has return abilities. Great returners aren't always the fastest. And since when is 4.4 slow? Returning is a lot about instincts and reading your blocks. Some players have it and some don't.

I'm really, really excited about this pick. The reason Britt excelled while the other recievers didn't...he ran great routes and could get open. Imagine another option like Britt on the opposite side of the field. Two recievers who can get open, don't drop the ball, can adjust to catch the wild pass, and have enough speed to be deep threats as well. A perfect combination for Vince.

 

Williams is ranked as the 6th receiver on scout.com 5 out of 5 stars

 

I really think people look too much into combine results and don't pay attention to production and intangibles. I'm glad this draft we valued true athletes over workout warriors.

As much as we've learned in the past that workout warriors don't transition into great football players, I've seen a lot of complaining on the boards. How much do you hear about the guys with the fastest 40 times after the combines and drafts? Usually not much.

 

I like this pick a lot. Like I said about Britt last season, come late October and we'll have our starter. I feel the same towards Williams. Give him 5 or 6 games, and I think he'll emerge as our No. 2 WR beating out Washington and Gage for playing time.