Speed Jameson Williams has elite level field-stretching abilities. His speed turnover is incredible to watch. With a longer stride, it is noticeably impressive how Williams churns through his gears to reach top speed. Williams can immediately make an impact on NFL rosters.
Williams effortlessly pulls away from defenders.“Why is Jameson Williams WR1?” Williams not only pulls away from a corner (who was unable to get hands on in press technique) that is in a desperation sprint while he’s tracking the football over his shoulder, he also runs by a safety with around 60 yards of angle on him.
Release Jameson Williams was near untouchable when pressed. He is so sudden off the line of scrimmage if a defender misses a punch, or opens slightly the wrong way, it could mean a touchdown. He will need to diversify his options of attack at the next level, but with how many tools and traits Williams possesses, his release will be a positive.
Hands No drops witnessed in five games analyzed for Jameson Williams. He has good hands in all situations. He isn’t afraid to highpoint the football, either.
RAC Williams’ catch and run abilities are a major strength. While he won’t break a lot of tackles, or juke a ton of defenders, he is able to disappear if given the smallest of room. His speed alone makes him valuable with the ball in his hands.
Midline
Route Running Williams has a high level of understanding of spacing and defender flow. He reads the defense well and makes good decisions on choice routes. Where he falls towards the midline is his tendency to show his cards with his body language. There are times he does not square to a defender, or challenge the leverage he’s shown. These are all small, fixable details that could elevate his game further.
Williams identifies the right safety rotates down into the box post-snap. He snaps down his route in the middle of the field and completes the catch. The previously disguised cover 2 coverage would have allowed his route to be open at the sideline.
Cons
Blocking NFL teams aren’t drafting Jameson Williams to block. However, it will matter to some extent at the next level. Williams shows poor technique, and the occasional effort lapse while blocking. He can and will get by in the NFL with running-off corners, however.
This run looks like outside zone the entire way, but Williams releases inside and never gets into a blocking stance.
Injury The biggest question Jameson Williams will face through the draft process is the status of his torn ACL that occurred in the National Championship game. While one of the most devastating injuries possible for an athlete of Williams’ stature, it also could not have happened at a worse time. Williams will now fight to be available for the first half of the NFL season, possibly redshirting his rookie year.
Overview
Jameson Williams shaped up to be a no-brain top-ten NFL draft pick before his season ending knee injury. He was a near consensus choice as the top receiver in the 2022 draft class. Williams offers a unique blend of athleticism with his game changing speed and favorable height. He has reliable hands that pair with an impressive understanding of route running. He also has the highly coveted Ohio State and Alabama receiver pedigree. If he can return to full-health, he will be a true difference maker in the NFL.