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Anatomy of a prospect: Penn State WR Derrick Williams
11:00 AM Wed, Apr 08, 2009 | Permalink
Rick Gosselin E-mail News tips
Wide receiver is generally not an instant impact position in the NFL. There were 35 selected in the 2008 draft and only one finished in the league's Top 30 in receiving -- Denver's Eddie Royal with 91 catches. He was a second rounder by the Broncos. Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson was the only other season-long starter at wide receiver from the Class of 2008.
So it helps if a receiver entering the NFL can offer more than just an ability to catch the football. Contributions on special teams -- either covering or returning kicks -- help a rookie pay off a team's initial investment in him.
That's what makes Penn State wide receiver Derrick Williams attractive in the 2009 draft. A four-year starter at wideout, Williams caught 161 passes in his college career. But he's also one of the elite return men in this draft with five career touchdowns, three on punts and two on kickoffs. He was the only player in the nation last season to score touchdowns on a reception, run, kickoff return and punt return.
Williams projects as a mid-round pick and could have an impact on an NFL team in 2009 without ever catching a pass. Versatility translates into value on draft day.
11:00 AM Wed, Apr 08, 2009 | Permalink
Rick Gosselin E-mail News tips
Wide receiver is generally not an instant impact position in the NFL. There were 35 selected in the 2008 draft and only one finished in the league's Top 30 in receiving -- Denver's Eddie Royal with 91 catches. He was a second rounder by the Broncos. Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson was the only other season-long starter at wide receiver from the Class of 2008.
So it helps if a receiver entering the NFL can offer more than just an ability to catch the football. Contributions on special teams -- either covering or returning kicks -- help a rookie pay off a team's initial investment in him.
That's what makes Penn State wide receiver Derrick Williams attractive in the 2009 draft. A four-year starter at wideout, Williams caught 161 passes in his college career. But he's also one of the elite return men in this draft with five career touchdowns, three on punts and two on kickoffs. He was the only player in the nation last season to score touchdowns on a reception, run, kickoff return and punt return.
Williams projects as a mid-round pick and could have an impact on an NFL team in 2009 without ever catching a pass. Versatility translates into value on draft day.
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