Draft Analysis: Seth Williams

March 8, 2021 /
  • Height: 6’3″
  • Weight: 211lbs
  • College: Auburn
  • Tape watched: Tennessee 2020, Arkansas 2020, Alabama 2019
  • NFL Comparison: Legedu Naanee

Pros

  • Hands
    Seth Williams has a huge catch radius with great hands. He high-points passes in the air, but is also able to pluck balls from hitting the ground too. Consistency with high contested catches would make Williams a bigger threat in the NFL.
If Williams can capitalize on these type of plays more often he will be a redzone machine in the NFL.
  • Size/Body Control
    Williams checks the box for a big man. He shows a great ability to react at passes thrown high, contorting his body to come down with the ball. He is a natural back shoulder weapon. He is a good jumper, and his wingspan allows him to win 50/50 balls. He did damage across the middle into tight spaces.
  • Strength
    Williams moves well for his height and weight, and is tough to tackle at the third level. He is not elusive, and won’t run by defenders, but he is a force with the ball in his hands.

Cons

  • Blocking
    Seth Williams is up there with the worst blocking receivers in the class. A huge disappointment for a large receiver, Williams just doesn’t show technique or strength in blocking. He is run over or lunges and misses on most of his reps.
  • Lateral Agility
    Williams is a very stiff mover. He struggles to drop hips in route breaks and gives a big target to defenders when shown press coverage. He can help his release significantly with better hand fighting.
  • Separation
    It is difficult to create separation when receivers are less athletic and can’t run routes deceptively. This is where Seth Williams falls. He won’t run by NFL corners, and doesn’t possess great route running abilities. He will have to rely on his size and jumping prowess to win contested catches at the next level.
  • Route Running
    There could be a lot more in terms of fluidness in his route breaks, as Seth Williams runs very tall. He relies on rounding most of his route breaks as well. The Auburn offense contained a lot of two-way screens and deep routes for Williams, so it will be determined if he can develop into an NFL route tree.

Overview

Failing to amass 850 yards and 9 touchdowns in any of his three seasons at Auburn, Seth Williams will need to prove he is more than the stats show. He has the traits to be a true X receiver in the NFL, he just needs polish. Route running, catch consistency, and blocking work could elevate Williams into a top-four receiver on an NFL team. Until then, he may have to make an impact on special teams.