The Evolution of Mike Williams

Getty Images

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

It seems the light has come on for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Mike Williams. After being selected as the 10th overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2005 NFL Draft, Mike has done next to nothing. It’s an understatement to say he hasn’t met the expectations that were placed upon him coming out of Southern Cal. In three NFL seasons (two with the Lions and one with the Raiders/Titans), Mike caught a measly 44 balls, 29 of which came in 14 games as a rookie — hardly the stuff of a number one or even number two receiver in the National Football League.

“I’m not a fool to live by anything I’ve done in the past few months. The coaching staff has seen what I’ve done, and hopefully they like it. But I’m going to pretend I haven’t done anything just to make me work harder. And I definitely plan to keep working. I was the No. 10 pick (in the Draft). I’m supposed to look like that. It just so happens that I am finally doing what other teams picked me to do.”

That’s good news for the Titans. But yes, Mike still has a ways to go. A revamped receiving corps includes Justin Gage, Justin McCareins, and undrafted Biren Ealy — all players who spent time ahead of Mike during offseason workouts. And don’t forget Brandon Jones, Roydell Williams, and rookies Lavelle Hawkins and Jason Rivers. They will compete for roster spots as well. Suddenly receiver is not the problem it was for the Titans in 2007.

Head coach Jeff Fisher knows Mike still has work to do despite tremendous offseason improvements. Weight has been a big issue. Mike had ballooned to over 270 pounds earlier this year, but he’s dropped nearly 30 pounds and has opened eyes in OTAs. Looking for a fantasy sleeper? You might want to keep your eye on the evolution of Mike Williams.

Source: The Tennessean