FanPost

This Year's Mike Wiliams

I have thought, in the past, about how great it might have been if the Rams had drafted Mike Williams last year, rather than Mardy (or Aaron Hernandez, for that matter). Sam is twice the QB Josh Freeman is--although Freeman is good--and look how good Williams made Freeman look. Anyhow, I was thinking... which 2011 WR fits the talented-but-troubled mold who will probably fall a bit in the draft as a result of said troubles? So, I peeked over at CBS's draft page for an answer. This is what I found:

A) Mike Williams 6'2" - 221 - 4.53 40yd

Per CBS Profile:

"This very talented receiver had a bumpy ride at Syracuse, missing 2008 due to academic suspension and then quitting the team halfway through the 2009 season in anticipation of being suspended again.

A highly touted prep prospect, Williams stepped in as a true freshman to post the best numbers (24 receptions for 461 yards and four TDs) of any first-year Orange wideout since 1983. A year later, despite inconsistent quarterback play, Williams was one of the best wide receivers in the Big East, ranking ahead of future first-day NFL draft picks Kenny Britt and Harry Douglas with 10 touchdowns among his 60 receptions for 837 yards.

Before his junior year, however, Williams was accused of cheating. He spent a semester as a junior college and was re-enrolled at Syracuse last fall. After serving a one-game suspension for violating team rules early in the year, Williams led the team with 49 receptions, 746 yards and six touchdowns in seven starts before leaving the team for undisclosed reasons.

There's no doubting Williams' combination of size, strength and speed. But NFL scouts have serious concerns about his character and maturity. It seems unlikely he'll be a top 50 pick because of those concerns, but a team could get a good find in the second or third round if he decides he's ready to contribute. "

B) Greg Little 6'3" - 231 - 4.51 40yd - 27 Bench Reps (More than DaQuan Bowers, Aldon Smith and Cam Jordan)

Per CBS Profile:

"Suspended for the entire 2010 season by the NCAA for maintaining an inappropriate relationship with an agent, NFL teams will be sure to check into Little's background.

What doesn't require much checking is Little's talent. Originally signing with North Carolina as a wide receiver, Little also saw time at running back and even quarterback in certain Wildcat formations as a freshman.

He remained at running back early in 2008 and rushed for 339 yards and three scores on 78 carries for the season. Little was moved back to wide receiver due to injuries depleting the position, catching 11 passes (146 yards) in limited duty.

Little showed what a little patience and consistency can do in 2009. In starting all 13 games at wide receiver, Little had 62 catches for 724 yards and five scores as a junior - the fifth-highest catch total in Tar Heels history. He was at his best in big games, including catching seven passes for 87 yards and two scores against Pitt in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, including a dazzling catch over two defenders for his first score that earned ESPN's No. 1-rated play of the Bowl season.

Having been moved around throughout his career, Little is understandably rough around the edges as a receiver. He possesses rare athleticism to go along with his prototypical frame, however. He is an intriguing physical specimen whose best football may be ahead of him."

Sound similar? Perhaps. The latest Walter Football mock draft has Little going in round 6, which I think is a bit pessimistic. Would it be worth it for the team to kick the tires on Little? Could he be this year's version of Mike Williams? I was looking over FanPosts, and I realize this is not the first time this idea has been offered, but I was curious about reaction to this specific topic. Many have suggested that any receiver other than Julio or AJ is a waste, but if a WR with this upside can be had with a late round pick, therefore saving the top picks for other "needs", is it worth a look?