Rookie Spotlight: Jameson Williams, Alabama
Height: 6’ 2”
Weight: 179 lbs
Hands: 9 1/4”
Arm: 32 1/8”
40 yard dash: N/A
NFL Comparison: Will Fuller

College Production (Final Season)
21% team receptions
31% team receiving yards
31% team receiving TDs

Breakout Age: 20

Pros
– Elite long speed
– Able to change gears with ease
– Long strider
– Good contact balance after-catch and through traffic
– Incredible acceleration off the line
– Long-limbed with wide catch radius
– Changes direction without losing speed
– Excellent kick returner
– Terrific vision
– Will only be 21 as a rookie

Cons
– Only one year of elite production
– Coming off of ACL tear
– May struggle with press on the outside
– Very lean
– Inconsistent play strength

Scouting Notes:
Williams would be in a lot of pundits’ top 5 WRs in this year’s draft, if not for the ACL tear he suffered in Alabama’s title game, and it’s easy to see why. In just his first three steps off the line, you’re introduced to his blazing speed as he creates instant separation and blows by any cushion that he’s afforded. With long strides and sharp vision to spot his angles, Williams stretches defenses and offers a downfield threat that can break open a game in an instant. Long and lean for a 6’2” player, he doesn’t offer much physicality in the trenches or at the catch point, but what Williams lacks there he makes up for with an expansive catch radius and adroit ball tracking skills, often catching the ball in stride. He’s able to change directions without losing momentum too, which is a boon to his RAC potential. With the ball in his hands, Williams isn’t exceptionally elusive, but he has an uncanny ability to change his tempo, lulling defenders to sleep just long enough to burst into warp speed and leave them panting. A transfer from Ohio State, where he got lost in the shuffle with Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Williams didn’t really flash until he got to Alabama in 2021, where he ended up 5th in the FBS in receiving yards(1,572) and 3rd in TDs(15). It was only one year of impressive production, which is suspect, but it’s hard to ignore Williams’ potential even so. He showed up on a weekly basis against the toughest secondaries in the nation and thrived.

Fantasy Outlook:
It’s possible that a few teams are wary of Willaims, considering that he may not be up to game speed until several games into the season, but I think they would be remiss to do so. Williams will only be 22 in 2022, so his chances of recovering fully from his ACL injury are strong. Whenever he’s ready to go, he’ll be able to contribute immediately, as he’s an ace kick returner in addition to his every down receiver role. Built to play in the slot or at the Z position, due to his slightness, Williams has the potential to be an every week fantasy monster, as he doesn’t need a ton of volume to make his hay, but he could still see a slew of targets out of the slot anyway. I’m all for taking a chance on WIlliams early in dynasty drafts, if you miss out on Olave, Wilson or Burks – His upside is on par with all of those guys.