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If this guy can stay healthy, his impact on the Jets could be huge.
Mike Williams is a rare talent.
You see Williams is one of those unique receivers, who can beat you with speed, but also beat you with power on jump balls, outpowering corners for the football.
So often you see the speed guys being a little smaller, like Garrett Wilson, who is 6-0, 192.
And you often see the big receivers, the power forwards at that position if you will, will go up and snatch the ball away from overmatched, smaller corners.
But how often does a guy bring both those skill sets – speedy receiver who can run by you, and also a guy who is a big, powerful guy who can grab the ball with power?
Williams is one of those duel-threat guys, at 6-4, 218 pounds, but also runs 4.5.
“[Williams] can run by people vertically, but is also going to big boy guys outside – go up and get the ball,” said Jets GM Joe Douglas.
Williams is so good on 50-50 calls, that we might need to change the percentages when describing this guy on jump balls.
“I think Tyrod (Taylor) calls it 70-30 balls, instead of 50-50, maybe 80-20,” Douglas said. “He’s a big strong outside presence.”
Obviously Williams needs to stay healthy, with some injuries in his past, including suffering a torn ACL last year.
He should be fine coming off this. Torn ACL surgeries and rehabs are so effective now, you can come back just like new.
This guy is really talented, going back to high school when he picked Clemson over Georgia and Alabama.
In 2016, his last year with the Tigers, he helped Deshaun Watson get picked high, 12th overall, in the 2017 draft, by hauling in 98 catches and 11 touchdowns. Williams was sensational that year.
Williams was picked 7th overall in the draft by the Chargers in that same draft.
If Williams can stay healthy, this could be a sensational signing for the Jets.
He’s an excellent talent, and keep in mind, he’s never played with a QB as good as Aaron Rodgers.
Watson is very good, not great.
Justin Herbert is very good, but not great, yet. Maybe he will become that under Jim Harbaugh.
Rodgers is going to “throw this guy open” more than the receiver ever seen, throwing it to him when it looks like he is covered, and Williams will go up and get it.
Rodgers ball placement on 50-50 balls is high-level.
And playing opposite Wilson, he’s going to get some really good matchups, as will rookie receiver Malachi Corley and Tyler Conklin, an underrated tight end.
Once again, the caveat with Williams is “if he stays healthy.”
It would probably behoove the Jets to keep Williams on a pitch count over a 17 game, season, and spell him with another big-bodied receiver Allen Lazard, who should be much better with Rodgers, who knows how to bring out the best of the Iowa State product.
You don’t want to wear Williams out by playing too much, especially after some of the maladies he’s had over the years.
But if he can stay healthy, man this could be a tremendous signing for Gang Green.
This guy is a unique talent.
May 13, 2024
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