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ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper released the 2.0 version of his 2017 NFL Mock Draft. After originally having the Eagles taking cornerback Quincy Wilson in version 1.0, Kiper now has Philadelphia selecting another big position of need: wide receiver. Here’s the pick at No. 14 overall, via ESPN In$ider.
“Mike Williams, WR, Clemson - 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 does have good size at 6-3, 205 pounds. The 22-year-old was a productive player for Clemson; he finished his senior season with 98 receptions for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns. But, as with most prospects, there are some concerns with Williams. He missed most of his junior season with a neck injury.
BGN highlighted more concerns with Williams earlier this offseason.
Mike Williams is a high variance player, meaning that he is inconsistent, but his big plays make him worth going back to. While this is a valuable asset in an offense, Clemson trying to run their offense through him made them predictable and his inconsistency hit the flow of the offense at times. The issue with Williams this season is that he rarely had the speed to separate and he was inconsistent contesting catches he was often asked to make in the offense.
In terms of ability and polish, it was hard to see an elite player many make Williams out to be. He is not a naturally agile or explosive player, but he also does not compensate with savvy route running. His game is very much predicated on his size (6-3, 225), strength and overall physicality. Williams may be inconsistent, but he is anything but passive. He consistently fights for the ball in the air and once he has secured a catch, he does a good job transitioning to a runner, finding yardage and fighting for it.
I’m not opposed to Williams, but I do find myself liking Corey Davis more when I watch the two pass catchers. Mike Mayock also has Davis about Williams in his rankings. In Kiper’s mock, Davis goes off the board at No. 27 to the Chiefs.
Watch Williams’ highlights in the video below. Find more of his tape at Draft Breakdown.
Do you like this pick? Here's who came off the board before Philadelphia's pick at No. 14.
1 - Cleveland Browns - DE Myles Garrett
2 - San Francisco 49ers - QB Mitch Tribusky
3 - Chicago Bears - DL Jonathan Allen
4 - Jacksonville Jaguars - S Jamal Adams
5 - Tennessee Titans - CB Marshon Lattimore
6 - New York Jets - RB Leonard Fournette
7 - San Diego Chargers - S Malik Hooker
8 - Carolina Panthers - DE Taco Charlton
9 - Cincinnati Bengals - LB Reuben Foster
10 - Buffalo Bills - QB Deshaun Watson
11 - New Orleans Saints - DE Solomon Thomas
12 - Cleveland Browns (from Eagles) - CB Tre’Davious White
13 - Arizona Cardinals - LB Jarrad Davis