NFL coaches, scouts praise Alabama receiver Jameson Williams ahead of 2022 NFL Draft

Even though former Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jameson Williams is rehabbing a torn ACL that he suffered in the National Championship Game, he is still finds his stock rising ahead of this weekend’s 2022 NFL Draft. Ahead of NFL Draft night, some NFL scouts and wide receiver coaches had some serious praise for Williams.

When The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman posed the question of who is the best wideout in this draft class to coaches and scouts, the clear consensus was Williams.

“Jameson Williams,” one wide receiver coach said, via Feldman. “To me, it’s not close. There’s a big drop after him. He’s blazing fast and you can’t replicate that top-end, and his play speed is different – like Tyreek Hill different – he’s running away from SEC guys. His explosiveness after the catch is rare. His quickness at the line of scrimmage is just different. He’s a hand catcher not a body catcher. I think he’s a good catcher, not a great catcher.”

Williams began his collegiate career at Ohio State, playing in ten games over two seasons for the Buckeyes. There, he totaled 15 receptions for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Following the 2020 season, Williams transferred to Alabama, where he established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the entire nation.

This past season at Alabama, Williams caught 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 19.9 yards per reception. He also returned ten kickoffs for 252 yards and two touchdowns, showing off his explosiveness in all aspects of the game.

Williams’ stock is rising at the right time ahead of the NFL Draft

Without his injury, Williams would likely be the clear top available receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft. Instead, he is in consideration to be the first wideout off the board alongside a few others. One scout told Feldman that Williams impresses not just on the field, but at practice as well. That’s something that should attract NFL teams.

“Love Jameson Williams,” the scout said. “He’s competitive as hell, not only in games but at practice. I haven’t seen a wide receiver compete at practice like he does since Michael Thomas was at Ohio State. I do worry about his maturity, though.”

Williams is known for his downfield ability, paired with his great speed. He is a tough player to defend, but his game goes beyond just beating guys over the top.

“I wasn’t sure what to think of Jameson Williams,” another wide receiver coach said to Feldman. “I thought he was just gonna be a deep threat, but he’s more than that. He’s got a really good skill set. It’s not just speed, it’s his acceleration, but he can get back to full speed really quick, like very few guys can do. He is a little bit of a smaller guy, but he’s not afraid to do some of the dirty work.”

ESPN’s Matt Miller released a full seven-round NFL mock draft on Tuesday, and he had the Kansas City Chiefs trading up to the 13th overall pick to select Williams.