Mike Williams Declares

[DeToxRox]

got it off espn.com..

You have to think he, Fitzgerald and Manning are the consensus top 3 now..

INDIANAPOLIS -- Barring an unanticipated change of heart, Southern California wide receiver Mike Williams will become the first underclass prospect to enter the draft since the NFL was forced by the Maurice Clarett case to alter its eligibility rules.

Several sources here for the league's annual predraft combine workouts told ESPN.com that Williams, who would be regarded as one of the top receiver prospects, has decided to forego his remaining two seasons of college eligibility. He has not, however, filed the required paperwork yet with the NFL and will meet this weekend with his parents to discuss his decision.

In two college seasons, Williams has 176 catches for 2,570 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Williams, 20, is actually 2½ months younger than Clarett, who challenged the league's eligibility rules and was admitted to the draft when a U.S. District Court judge in New York ruled the NFL guidelines in violation of anti-trust laws.


The NFL is appealing that decision but, because of the ruling, the league re-opened its draft deadline and players now have until March 1 to petition for early entry into the 2004 lottery April 24-25.

Because he is not yet three years removed from his high school class graduation date, Williams would not have been eligible under the NFL's former rules. Williams said after the Clarett ruling that he had no intention of leaving the Trojans, the defending co-national champions. But several general managers and personnel directors surveyed here Friday said they were not surprised by the news that Williams would be a part of the '04 draft pool.

Since he is not yet included in the draft, team officials and coaches cannot discuss Williams and his NFL potential. On Thursday, league officials told ESPN.com that no college or high school players had yet applied for inclusion in the draft under the new guidelines.

Some team officials acknowledged they have been contacted by USC coach Pete Carroll, attempting to have them phone Williams and offer their assessments of where he might fit into this year's draft.

[Poli]

Wow.

[dawgfan]

Mike Williams is very good, but I'm not yet convinced he's better than the other Williams at WR (Roy and Reggie). We'll see what kind of numbers he puts up at his pro day, but I don't think he's a lock for the top 3. I'm not even sure if Fitzgerald is yet either - if his 40 time comes up slower than expected (4.5) then he might slip a bit.

That said, has there ever been a better draft pool of WR?

[DeToxRox]

This is such an incredible WR pool, its unreal.

I think though, that Rashaun Woods will end up being the steal of the draft, especially now as he'll be a second, or even possibly third round pick.

[JeeberD]

Shit, that really sucks for SC...

[General Mike]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

That said, has there ever been a better draft pool of WR?

No one really knows how good any of these WRs are gonna be as pros. Everyone though David Terrell was gonna be the 2nd coming when he came out of college and what has he done? What did Yatil Green do. Then you have guys like Lavernaues Coles, Joe Horn, Marty Booker who dont get drafted until the 3rd, 4th and 5th round. Its all a big crap shoot. I do think Mike Williams is the real deal tho, because he has the size and the speed to be an instant impact player. If San Diego's not gonna take a QB, hes the even money bet to go #1.

[ISiddiqui]

I think Mo Clarett can easily say "Apres moi, le deluge". It'll be interesting to see who else declares.

Williams will be an early 1st round pick, and many have said that he is physically able to play in the bigs.

[Capital]

And now it all starts...

Thanks Maurice...

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by General Mike

If San Diego's not gonna take a QB, hes the even money bet to go #1.

I seriously doubt this. Mike is very good, but he's only slightly bigger and not any faster than Reggie Williams. Roy Williams is a little more slender than Mike, but faster. Both Roy and Reggie are more polished than Mike. Mike might end up having a little more room to improve than either Roy or Reggie, but I can't see how people think he's a top-3 pick at this point.

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

I think Mo Clarett can easily say "Apres moi, le deluge".

I don't think he stayed around long enough to finish his dissertation on the Sun King and the French Revolution.

[BigJohn&TheLions]

So when does the NFL draft become the NBA draft?

The sad thing is that kids will keep thinking the're gonna be the next great player even if all the kids with potential come out and get their dicks knocked off...

[sooner333]

He's better than Roy Williams right now. Roy is one of those guys who is good, but never seemed to give it his all in college...I don't trust those people in the pros. They are more worried about themselves than the team. But, you know someone will pay good money for him.

[The_herd]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

I seriously doubt this. Mike is very good, but he's only slightly bigger and not any faster than Reggie Williams. Roy Williams is a little more slender than Mike, but faster. Both Roy and Reggie are more polished than Mike. Mike might end up having a little more room to improve than either Roy or Reggie, but I can't see how people think he's a top-3 pick at this point.

Several NFL scouts have said Mike Williams could be the #1 player in the draft if he declared this year, and is certainly a top 3. The guy's route running, body control, and hands are incredible. Add to that the size he has, and he's a more intriguing prospect than Fitz, Roy, or Reggie. I also don't agree that Roy and Reggie are more polished. Did you watch those 2 play? Reggie isn't exactly the hardest working player out there, and his route running is sloppy. Roy Williams has always been considered lazy by many, and he never dominated the game the way he should have. The only possible knock you can put on Mike is the fact that he has average speed, which puts him in the same boat as Fitzgerald and Reggie. Roy Williams has better physical tools than all 3 of the other guys, but it hasn't made him a player that can dominate a game the same way Mike and Fitz did.

[cthomer5000]

This is great for the hopes of a solid WR slipping to the Jets in round 2.

[Leonidas]

I think Mike Williams is the best college WR I've seen since Michael Irvin. I left Randy Moss out because I only saw his highlights, never a full game. The man is a huge playmaker with good size. I think he will be really, really good.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by The_herd

Several NFL scouts have said Mike Williams could be the #1 player in the draft if he declared this year, and is certainly a top 3. The guy's route running, body control, and hands are incredible. Add to that the size he has, and he's a more intriguing prospect than Fitz, Roy, or Reggie. I also don't agree that Roy and Reggie are more polished. Did you watch those 2 play? Reggie isn't exactly the hardest working player out there, and his route running is sloppy. Roy Williams has always been considered lazy by many, and he never dominated the game the way he should have. The only possible knock you can put on Mike is the fact that he has average speed, which puts him in the same boat as Fitzgerald and Reggie. Roy Williams has better physical tools than all 3 of the other guys, but it hasn't made him a player that can dominate a game the same way Mike and Fitz did.

Agreed.

Mike Williams was a key part of a national co-championship team as well. I think that will help his draft position as he has proved to be able to make impact plays on a winning team. As said above, he has great hands and body control. His route running is above average. I think he will be a top 3 pick. I'm glad USC had an excellent recruiting class (rated #1 in the nation by TSN) as this is definitely a big loss for the team.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by The_herd

Reggie isn't exactly the hardest working player out there, and his route running is sloppy.

You're kidding right? His route-running isn't Steve Largent level, and he has some room to improve there but to call it sloppy is a big exaggeration. I don't get the hard-working criticism either - the guy is a gamer. He's no Randy Moss, taking plays off on a routine basis. Mike Williams might be a little bigger than Reggie (though Reggie is no slouch at a legit 6'4", 220lb) but Reggie is a better blocker.

I haven't seen much of Roy Williams, just a couple games, but I've seen around 30 of Reggie's games, so yeah I've seen him play.

You talk about Mike's size, but the reports I've heard put him at 6'5", 230-235; in other words, just 1" taller and a little heavier. Reggie, Mike, Roy and Larry Fitzgerald are all large, physical receivers. They all have phenomenal body control and hands. After Reggie dropped the first 2 passes thrown to him as a freshman, I don't think he dropped more than 2 the rest of his career, and he made some of the most amazing, Lynn Swan-like catches I've ever seen.

As for his speed, he may not be Darrell Green fast, and will probably test somewhere between 4.45 and 4.5, but I never saw him caught from behind in college, and he turned a large number of short crossing routes and hitches into long touchdowns.

Listen, I've seen Mike play 2-3 times, and I'm very impressed, but I didn't see enough to convince me he's any better than Reggie (or Roy).

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

This is great for the hopes of a solid WR slipping to the Jets in round 2.

Dear God I hope its Rashaun Woods. He is going to be the 2nd best WR in this draft. Maybe 3rd with Mike Williams, that guy is one hell of a player.

[The_herd]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

You're kidding right? His route-running isn't Steve Largent level, and he has some room to improve there but to call it sloppy is a big exaggeration. I don't get the hard-working criticism either - the guy is a gamer. He's no Randy Moss, taking plays off on a routine basis. Mike Williams might be a little bigger than Reggie (though Reggie is no slouch at a legit 6'4", 220lb) but Reggie is a better blocker.

I haven't seen much of Roy Williams, just a couple games, but I've seen around 30 of Reggie's games, so yeah I've seen him play.

You talk about Mike's size, but the reports I've heard put him at 6'5", 230-235; in other words, just 1" taller and a little heavier. Reggie, Mike, Roy and Larry Fitzgerald are all large, physical receivers. They all have phenomenal body control and hands. After Reggie dropped the first 2 passes thrown to him as a freshman, I don't think he dropped more than 2 the rest of his career, and he made some of the most amazing, Lynn Swan-like catches I've ever seen.

As for his speed, he may not be Darrell Green fast, and will probably test somewhere between 4.45 and 4.5, but I never saw him caught from behind in college, and he turned a large number of short crossing routes and hitches into long touchdowns.

Listen, I've seen Mike play 2-3 times, and I'm very impressed, but I didn't see enough to convince me he's any better than Reggie (or Roy).

What it comes down to is more than numbers though. Size and speed don't tell the whole story. I watched Reggie play, I watched Fitz play, I watched Roy play, and I watched Mike play. I would take Mike Williams over all the other guys, with Fitz 2nd, and Reggie Williams 3rd. Moss is the only reviecer I've seen in college that was more impressive. All 4 have top level NFL talent and each could be a very special player, but I promise you Mike Williams doesn't fall out of the top 5.

[The_herd]

Originally Posted by Samdari

Dear God I hope its Rashaun Woods. He is going to be the 2nd best WR in this draft. Maybe 3rd with Mike Williams, that guy is one hell of a player.

Unfortunately, Woods is coming out the wrong year. He's going be no better than the 6th WR on most teams boards. With the depth at the reciever position this year, he may be a steal for some team in the 3rd round.

[Chief Rum]

I am not biased toward one Williams or another, like dawgfan and Eaglesfan. I am just a neutral observer whom has seen both play a lot.

And I think Mike Williams is the better all around receiver. Anyone remember that terrific one-handed catch against Oregon State? Same weekend as Marvin Harrison's great catch, what do you know?

He's just a wonderful player. I am very happy to see him leave the Trojans.

CR

[rexallllsc]

From a totally unbiased perspective, I'd rank them like this:

1. Mike Williams
2a. Reggie Williams
2b. Rashaun Woods
3. Larry Fitzpatrick
4. Roy Williams

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Anyone remember that terrific one-handed catch against Oregon State?CR

I've seen Reggie make a number of remarkable catches that rival this one, but given that the Huskies haven't had nearly the success the Trojans have had the last 2 years, they haven't received nearly as much TV time.

Obviously I'm biased since I'm a Husky fan and have seen either in person or on TV most of his games. I will say this - Cody Pickett was not right this year, and it cost both the team in victories and Reggie in stats. Cody was never real good throwing the deep ball, and was awful at it this year. Very nearly all of Reggie's long gains were the result of breaking a short pass into a long TD. There were a few times Cody lofted the ball in the air close enough to Reggie for him to fight for it and come down with it (2002 Apple Cup being a great example) but most of Reggie's stats came from quick slants, hitches or crossing routes, passes that Cody was much better at throwing than the longer routes. If the UW had a QB that could throw the deep ball, I think we'd see a lot more Randy Moss-like catches out of Reggie.

Anyway, they're all quite good and it will be very interesting to track their progress in the NFL. I did find it a bit interesting that Larry Fitzgerald measure out at 6'0.5" instead of the 6'2" Pittsburgh was listing him at. Reggie came in at 6'3", 229 (!). It'll be interesting to see if he comes in under 4.5 in the 40 like he's promised he can do...

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by The_herd

Unfortunately, Woods is coming out the wrong year. He's going be no better than the 6th WR on most teams boards. With the depth at the reciever position this year, he may be a steal for some team in the 3rd round.

no way he makes it past the 2nd round. I think 7-8 receivers are going be taken in the first 55 or so picks.

EDIT: and i agree, he and Roy Williams missed out on a lot of cash by staying another year.

[tucker342]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Anyone remember that terrific one-handed catch against Oregon State?

CR

That was an incredible catch, one of the best I've ever seen...

[tucker342]

I still say Fitzgerald is the best though.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by tucker342

I still say Fitzgerald is the best though.

I would say he's obviously the most ready to start. Long-term... who knows? This is the best receiving class I ever recall.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

I am not biased toward one Williams or another, like dawgfan and Eaglesfan. I am just a neutral observer whom has seen both play a lot.

And I think Mike Williams is the better all around receiver. Anyone remember that terrific one-handed catch against Oregon State? Same weekend as Marvin Harrison's great catch, what do you know?

He's just a wonderful player. I am very happy to see him leave the Trojans.

CR

Actually, I didn't make any comment on who the best receiver was, although I did agree with the quote in my post . My main point was that the exposure he got on a national championship team would help push him into one of the top draft slots (specifically top 3.)

[Young Drachma]

Actually, the only reason Coles fell so far is because if you recall he had some character issues or whatever back then at Florida State, messing around with Peter Warrick and all that.

He was really thankful to the Jets for drafting him and I think he made them happy they took a chance on him. So, I dunno if you can so much attribute his falling to a perceived lack of skill as much as it was media attention to that whole theft thing or whatever it was that happened.

Nonetheless, the underclassmen declaring will make the draft more fun, no doubt about it.

[Tigercat]

Whoever gets Clayton or Woods is gonna get them a serious football player at WR for a steal of a price. Sure you never know how WR will pan out in the pros, but any other year and teams would love to have first round picks out of the WRs who will be going from the late 1st to early 3rd this year.

[AgPete]

Originally Posted by rexallllsc

From a totally unbiased perspective, I'd rank them like this:

1. Mike Williams
2a. Reggie Williams
2b. Rashaun Woods
3. Larry Fitzpatrick
4. Roy Williams

And Roy Williams continues to drop. He should have gone pro last year.

[rexallllsc]

Originally Posted by AgPete

And Roy Williams continues to drop. He should have gone pro last year.

To me, Roy is prob. the best pure athlete of all of them...but he just doesn't always bring it.

[IMetTrentGreen]

"He's better than Roy Williams right now. Roy is one of those guys who is good, but never seemed to give it his all in college...I don't trust those people in the pros. They are more worried about themselves than the team. But, you know someone will pay good money for him."

oh my god this is the dumbest thing i have ever read. roy williams is one of the few longhorns that gave it his all his entire career

you seriously need to go stand in traffic and rid the world of this ignorance

[IMetTrentGreen]

im gonna go bald if i keep yanking my hair out reading all this stupidity. im reminded of why i dont come back here much anymore

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Actually, the only reason Coles fell so far is because if you recall he had some character issues or whatever back then at Florida State, messing around with Peter Warrick and all that.

He was really thankful to the Jets for drafting him and I think he made them happy they took a chance on him. So, I dunno if you can so much attribute his falling to a perceived lack of skill as much as it was media attention to that whole theft thing or whatever it was that happened.

Nonetheless, the underclassmen declaring will make the draft more fun, no doubt about it.

Yeah, basically Coles took the fall for the off-field shit that Warrick has every bit as involved in. The dude was obviously worth the 3rd round pick, and I was furious when the Jets didn't match the offer sheet.

Steve Smith (of the Panthers) reminds me a great deal of Coles on-field. They have similar builds and athleticism, and both seem to be giving it 100% effort on every single play - undoutbedly rare in any level of sport.

[The Afoci]

Originally Posted by IMetTrentGreen

im gonna go bald if i keep yanking my hair out reading all this stupidity. im reminded of why i dont come back here much anymore

Because people don't blindly follow what you write and actually offer an insightful opinion? Yeah, I try to aviod that stuff too.

[SteelerFan448]

Some EXCELLENT WRs coming out this year. Fitzgerald, Mike Williams, Roy Williams and Reggie Williams. Those first two are gonna shake up the top 10. It will also allow quality later in the draft at the WR position.

[VPI97]

Originally Posted by tucker342

I still say Fitzgerald is the best though.

Easily... He's the best wideout to enter the draft since Moss.

[SteelerFan448]

Fitzgerald and Williams are 1a and 1b. Fitzgerald has amazing route running and body control skills while Williams is more of the physical specimen. They are they only two sophomores or younger that could make in the NFL this year. I don't blame them for leaving either, there stock can't get any higher.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by The Afoci

Because people don't blindly follow what you write and actually offer an insightful opinion? Yeah, I try to aviod that stuff too.

ok. you're back on my good side again.

[dawgfan]

OK, I'm reasonably sure these height/weight numbers from the combine are correct; I'm getting them from theInsiders.com draft website where they have observers at the combine. I'm not sure where I read that Larry Fitzgerald came in smaller than expected (ESPN?) but that doesn't appear to be the case. The numbers for the top receivers (in alphabetical order):

Michael Clayton		6'2.6"	209lbs
Larry Fitzgerald	6'2.7"	225lbs
Lee Evans		5'10.7"	197lbs
Michael Jenkins		6'4.4"	218lbs
Roy Williams		6'2.4"	212lbs
Reggie Williams		6'3.6"	229lbs
Rashaun Woods		6'2.1"	202lbs

Mike Williams is listed at 6'5", 230 lbs in the USC media guide. We should regard that with a touch of skepticism, since media directors frequently inflate numbers, but I suspect he'll measure out pretty close to this. FYI, Reggie was listed as 6'4", 220 in the Husky guide - pretty much right on target (though he's gained a little bit of weight through intense lifting).

Here's a comment made by one of theInsiders' scouts:

"Devard Darling measured much bigger than expected while Roy Williams, Reggie Williams and Derek McCoy also looked physically imposing."

Take it FWIW, but this was an anonymous comment from an NFL team scout at the combine regarding Reggie, as reported by the Seattle P.I. Seahawk's beat writer Clare Farnsworth:

"Another scout said that 10 years from now, he will have emerged as the best wideout from this year's impressive crop of draft-eligible receivers that also includes Pittsburgh's Larry Fitzgerald and Texas' Roy Williams."

[The Afoci]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

ok. you're back on my good side again.

Does that mean I can come over for the Sunday Night Whip Cream sleep over parties again. I really missed those...

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by The Afoci

Does that mean I can come over for the Sunday Night Whip Cream sleep over parties again. I really missed those...

yes. secretly, I've missed those a well. especially the cuddling.

[Noop]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

Yeah, basically Coles took the fall for the off-field shit that Warrick has every bit as involved in. The dude was obviously worth the 3rd round pick, and I was furious when the Jets didn't match the offer sheet.

Steve Smith (of the Panthers) reminds me a great deal of Coles on-field. They have similar builds and athleticism, and both seem to be giving it 100% effort on every single play - undoutbedly rare in any level of sport.

I feel like I need to say something about that little thing.... Coles was kicked off the team because he had alot of problems while at Florida State and he knew before the season that he only had one chance left. Warrick however this was his first offense so Bobby made him run steps and sit a couple of games while Coles was given the boot. That being said Warrick was the star while Coles was just a good player on a team of stars. Did Coles get a raw deal? Nope he used up all his chances. Warrick got punished for his first offense...all that a side I'm damn proud of both of them as they are both represent the Noles in the NFL.(I know about Coles little stunt but he was one and still is one to me)

[The_herd]

Originally Posted by IMetTrentGreen

oh my god this is the dumbest thing i have ever read. roy williams is one of the few longhorns that gave it his all his entire career

Thats funny, Williams was a guy that didn't show up to offseason workouts until this past season, and really didn't improve as much as he should have while at Texas. He even admitted in a interview that he needed to work much harder this season than he had in the past.

.....and we also wonder why you keep coming back here.

[The_herd]

Dola

Not meant to bash Roy Williams, just pointing out that that isn't quite as dumb as IMTG makes it out to be.

So all the Texas fans can calm down.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

Mike Williams is very good, but I'm not yet convinced he's better than the other Williams at WR (Roy and Reggie).

I've seen Reggie play for 3 years and Mike Williams play for 2. Reggie Williams talked a lot of trash and got dominated by UCLA in the three 3 years. He was good enough to make some plays to get stats, but based on what he was hyped to do, he never lived up to it. Ricky Manning and Matt Ware handled him pretty good. I never feared Reggie at all. Mike I did

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

I've seen Reggie play for 3 years and Mike Williams play for 2. Reggie Williams talked a lot of trash and got dominated by UCLA in the three 3 years. He was good enough to make some plays to get stats, but based on what he was hyped to do, he never lived up to it. Ricky Manning and Matt Ware handled him pretty good. I never feared Reggie at all. Mike I did

I think you're confused - while the Huskies got dominated by UCLA last season, Reggie was never dominated by the Bruins individually, unless you consider 10 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD, 6 catches for 72 yards and 1 TD and 4 catches for 61 yards to be "dominated". Considering how often Dave Ball and the rest of the UCLA D-line were in Cody Pickett's grill in most of those games, I think Reggie did quite well. Had Reggie played with USC's line and QB, I think you'd have feared him just as much as Mike.

Reggie also faced a pretty good NFL corner by the name of Marcus Trufant in college. His numbers vs. him? 23 catches, 372 yards in 2 games.

[The_herd]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

I think you're confused - while the Huskies got dominated by UCLA last season, Reggie was never dominated by the Bruins individually, unless you consider 10 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD, 6 catches for 72 yards and 1 TD and 4 catches for 61 yards to be "dominated". Considering how often Dave Ball and the rest of the UCLA D-line were in Cody Pickett's grill in most of those games, I think Reggie did quite well. Had Reggie played with USC's line and QB, I think you'd have feared him just as much as Mike.

Reggie also faced a pretty good NFL corner by the name of Marcus Trufant in college. His numbers vs. him? 23 catches, 372 yards in 2 games.

I think Williams is the 3rd best reciever in the draft now. Saying he's a bit lazy may or may not be true, I'm going by what I read. I've seen Williams play probably 3 or 4 times, he was impressive overall, but isn't a guy that made watch him on every play. Being the 3rd best reciever in this draft isn't exactly a knock on him, he'd easily be the #1 reciever any just about any other draft from the past few years.

[Chief Rum]

dawgfan:

The second and third sets of yards and stats you posted was for Reggie's freshman and sophomore years,r ight? I mean, they're okay, but for a guy who's supposed to be that good, those aren't really all that spectacular.

I think I recognized the first set, the 10 catches, 105 yd bit. That was this past season. Williams did dominate against a backup corner. Our best corner was on the other side (Lord knows why), and our other starter was hurt or suspended (I forget which). Anyway, Williams did great in the first quarter, but then UCLA switched Matt Ware on him--a third round talent or so, from what I have read so far--and he shut him down almost completely. Williams had maybe 1-2 catches the rest of the way.

And I weould have thought Williams would have put better numbers up against UCLA considering he's the first option in a pass-happy system for a team that, for whatevcer odd reason, constantly found itself down big to UCLA in every game we played against you guys in Williams' career.

Really, I look at those numbrs and I see some decent play. And that's about it.

Mike WIlliams, though, that guy was really scary. He kicked our butts both times.

CR