From now until the 2017 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#7 Mike Williams / WR / Clemson: 6’4”, 218lbs
The Good:
– Great body control and catch radius
– Nearly uncoverable on back-shoulder fades
– Excellent red zone target with good jumping ability; able to high point the ball
– Varies his speed on routes to keep DBs off-balance
– Strong hands facilitated contested catches
– Showed good strength and ability to break tackles after the catch
– Prototypical physical size
– Great swim-release move to beat press coverage on in-breaking routes
– Fearless when making receptions across the middle
– Good stop/start ability
– Demonstrated a good understanding of opposing defenses: ran hot routes when required and was also able to find soft spots in zone coverages
– Good field awareness and ability to keep feet inbounds when making sideline receptions
The Bad:
– Did not demonstrate elite separation ability on verticals
– Route Running needs some improvement: often rounded his out-routes, rarely utilized head/body fakes before his cuts, and did not consistently stem his routes
– Below average blocker, especially for having such a big frame
– Needs to develop more finesse in his release: he often relied on his physicality to push through press-coverage; however, this strategy will be less effective in the NFL
– Occasionally had inexplicable drops; (to be fair, this was an infrequent occurrence)
Bio:
– Career Stats: 38 games, 177 receptions, 2,727 yards (15.