The Philadelphia Eagles are going to be adding wide receiver Jameson Williams, according to sources. They’re presumably targeting him as a potential replacement for their former WR Alshon Jeffery who signed with the Bears in free agency earlier this year.
The 2022 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, which means Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is busy fielding calls about moving up or down in the first round. The Super Bowl-winning CEO enjoys making a splash on draft night, so it’s possible he’ll trade his No. 15 or No. 18 choice depending on how the board shakes out.
The Eagles, on the other hand, are expected to target an Alabama wide receiver in the first round for the second year in a row if they remain silent on Thursday night. At No. 15, would Jameson Williams be a good choice for Philadelphia?
Jameson Williams is the finest wide receiver prospect in the NFL Draft in 2022.
The Alabama Crimson Tide’s Jameson Williams runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bearcats | Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
The wide receiver position in the NFL Draft in 2022 is stacked with talent. There might be as many as six or even seven wideouts picked in the first round alone, so the No. 1 slot on every team’s draft board will be fiercely contested.
Garrett Wilson of Ohio State and Drake London of USC seem to be the consensus top two players in the class, but Williams is likely more gifted than both. He would have been a top-10 choice if he hadn’t injured his ACL in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Georgia.
The junior erupted for 79 receptions, 1,572 yards, and 15 touchdowns after moving from Ohio State to Alabama last spring. Last season, just seven NCAA Division I players averaged more yards per reception than Williams (19.9).
Every time Williams touches the ball, he poses a threat to score. In the wide field, he’s a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare, and on long routes, he can dust even the quickest cornerbacks. With 11 touchdowns of at least 30 yards in 2021, the Alabama product led DI. That’s the sort of home-run talent that NFL evaluators seek for in a first-round choice.
If the Eagles are fortunate, enough teams will be frightened away by Williams’ ACL injury, allowing him to drop to No. 15 on Thursday night.
The Eagles’ “choice” at 15 is allegedly Jameson Williams.
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The Eagles’ two first-round choices might be used in a variety of ways. They could fortify the trenches by drafting offensive and defensive linemen (something Roseman like doing), double down on defense by drafting a cornerback and a front-seven guy, or gamble on a wide receiver once again.
They would apparently pull another wideout from Nick Saban’s endless fountain of youth if they had the option.
According to ESPN’s McShay, Todd, Philly is expected to pursue Williams with the No. 15 overall selection.
“According to many executives I talked with, the Philadelphia Eagles favor Alabama wideout Jameson Williams at No. 15. If not the Philadelphia Eagles, the New Orleans Saints may be his No. 16 option. If any club wants Williams, they’ll have to move up to the No. 14 spot on the Baltimore Ravens’ roster.”
McShay, Todd
So, at No. 15, would Williams be a good pick?
The advantages and disadvantages of the Eagles selecting Williams
For years, the Eagles have been looking for a WR with game-breaking speed, and Williams would undoubtedly provide it. To add a more explosive aspect to this passing game, Jalen Hurts would have a lot of success hitting his newest weapon on crossing routes and deep balls.
Williams’ ACL injury, though, is a major issue. By Week 1, he should be fit and ready to play, although his enticing speed may not be what it was before the injury. He’s also like DeVonta Smith in that his 179-pound body and lanky stature might put him at risk for injuries in the NFL.
Williams’ big-play talent, though, doesn’t come along very frequently. Even if Roseman has to move up a few places to get him, the Alabama star should be the Eagles’ first-round priority.
Sports Reference provided all stats.
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