2022 NFL Draft: Chris Mortensen reveals new intel on Jameson Williams' draft stock

Former Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jameson Williams could still be shooting up 2022 NFL Draft boards even after suffering a torn ACL in the National Championship game. But even with his injury and many expecting Williams to be selected in the middle of the first round, he could still wind up going even higher.

In ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper’s most recent mock draft, he had Williams being selected 19th overall by the New Orleans Saints. When discussing that pick on a SportsCenter special, Kiper and fellow ESPN experts Chris Mortensen and Todd McShay suggested Williams could crack the top ten.

“Here’s Jameson Williams sitting there, and if he is, and we can debate if he’ll be there or if somebody will jump up and get him,” Kiper said. “Kansas City with two picks at the end of the first round may. But Jameson is going to top off a defense every game. Not just once in a while, every game he did it. The question is how high will he go in round one.”

Williams began his career at Ohio STate, bringing in just 15 receptions over his first two years. After the 2020 season, Williams transferred to Alabama and immediately became a focal point in the Crimson Tide offense. Last season, Williams caught 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 19.9 yards per reception. He was a likely top ten pick before his ACL injury, but Mortensen has heard that’s still a realistic possibility on draft night.

“Here’s what the word is. Jameson Williams is going to get taken in the top ten,” Mortensen said. “It may be at No. 10, that’s certainly what people believe because of his medical re-checks in Indianapolis this weekend. They figure so far so good. He could be a guy you bring in November and he’s ready to play. That’s why if there’s a trade up, or the Jets take him at 10, or if the Chiefs decide they want to go up and get him, they have 12 picks I believe. I don’t think he gets to 19. That’s the word I’ve gotten. Maybe a smokescreen, but Jameson Williams is definitely a guy who could slip into the top ten.”

McShay: Williams is the best receiver in this draft class when healthy

In addition to Mortensen’s suggestion of Williams going in the top ten on draft night, McShay followed up by saying that he has hear similar things. Williams might not be available until the middle of the season, but be might be worth the wait with what he can bring once he returns to the field.

“I’ve been hearing the same things,” McShay said. “I’ve had teams starting to ask if the Jets could take him at 10, could Jameson Williams go to Washington? Teams are worried about where he’s going to go for a reason. Let’s look at this big picture. If you look at this by the money being spent right now, the second most important position in the NFL is wide receiver. You’ve got to have multiple weapons and dynamic weapons.

“Who’s the best wide receiver in this class when he’s healthy? Jameson Williams, it’s really not up for debate. Speed, taking the top off, averaged 19.9 yards per catch. Ability to start-stop, ability after the catch is breathtaking at times. Nick Saban calls his name 10 times as a kick returner, he takes two to the house. He is the most dynamic offensive skill player in this draft when he’s healthy. I’d wait six-eight games until he’s healthy if I have to to get that guy knowing that I’m going to have him for five years.”