Overview

Williams' excellent athleticism and NFL body may make him a potential playmaker at the next level, but his inconsistent production makes scouts wonder what type of player he will become. His 40 catches for 451 yards and three touchdowns in 2008 are not those of an elite receiver. However, he also ran for 226 yards and three scores and returned 655 yards and three touchdowns on the year, earning first team All-Big 10 honors. Williams showed that all-purpose game throughout his four-year career and should continue it at the next level. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Williams fashioned a tremendous career for Coach Rick Houchens at Eleanor Roosevelt HS in suburban Washington, D.C. He was a consensus All-American and was named the Rivals.com and G&W Recruiting Report National Player-of-the-Year. An All-USA Today selection, Williams also was an All-Met choice by the Washington Post. Parade magazine honored him as an All-American as an all-purpose player. During his senior season of 2004, Williams was 56-of-91 for 972 yards and 13 touchdown passes, ran for 1,123 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 203 yards and two more scores. He also accumulated 479 punt return yards and added another score. As a defensive back, he had four interceptions and 34 tackles. In his junior year, he rushed for 1,350 yards and 28 touchdowns and threw for 700 yards and five scores. Williams also recorded 46 tackles, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 2003. He also gained 760 return yards. In 2004, Williams was the subject of a series of stories in the Washington Post on his senior season and recruitment. Williams also was an accomplished sprinter on the track and field squad.

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Analysis

Positives:

Good height with a strong upper body. Quick off the line, reaching top speed within a couple of steps. Uses moves and his hands to get off press coverage. Lines up in the slot and outside. Finds holes in the end zone and presents a target. Typically solid hands, catching the ball away from his frame. Cognizant of the sidelines, can tightrope or tiptoe to stay in-bounds. Good hands on returns, catching punts over his shoulder if necessary. Retains the catch after a big hit. Excellent straight-line speed and quickness, able to make the first defender miss. Takes direct snaps and handoffs, and is willing to run tough inside. Shows nice vision and toughness after the catch, as a returner and getting the occasional carry as a running back. Very willing blocker downfield, using his strength, good angles and sound technique to keep safeties and corners out of the play. Team captain as a senior, vocal leader in practice and during games. Deflects credit to his teammates after big games. Stayed positive leader while not putting up huge numbers.

Negatives:

Was never "the guy" at Penn State, so it's not clear if he's a elite receiver. Is not have the short-area quickness or elusiveness as most of the top NFL returners. Needs to work a bit on his footwork coming in and out of routes. Does not always separate from defenders as his timed speed would indicate. Concentration lapses occasionally when trying to make a move after the catch.

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