The 4 Best NFL Draft Landing Spots for the Alabama Crimson Tide’s Star WR
As the 2022 NFL Draft inches ever closer, former Alabama Crimson Tide receiver Jameson Williams is a wanted man. The 2021 All-American selection is widely expected to be selected within the first 20 picks even after tearing his ACL in January’s National Championship Game.
So, which teams should select Williams in the upcoming draft? For this list, we weighed everything from the current receiver situation to the overall fit. Also, teams are ranked alphabetically over preference.
Finally, although we did reference the possibility of teams moving in the draft, we did not create detailed trade packages involving other organizations.
Based on consideration of the aforementioned prerequisites, we believe the following teams should target Williams in next week’s draft.
Honorable mention: Green Bay Packers
Honestly, I believe the Packers might be the best fit of any team on this list. The problem is I don’t know if the organization will trade up to acquire Williams in large part because Green Bay hasn’t used a first-round pick on a receiver since 2002.
Williams was 13 months old at that time.
If the Packers intend on using one of their two first-round picks on a receiver, I feel like they’d go for someone like Arkansas’ Treylon Burks or Ohio State’s Chris Olave. With respect to both players, it’s unfortunate that we’ll likely miss out on the sight of Aaron Rodgers throwing touchdowns to Williams and terrorizing the rest of the NFC North.
Houston Texans
By all accounts, the Texans will not reach on a quarterback in the upcoming draft. Instead, they’ll use their two first-round selections and nine total picks to rebuild a roster that went a dismal 8-25 over the last two seasons.
Although veteran wideout Brandin Cooks will return for the 2022 campaign, the Texans desperately need other receivers. If Williams is cleared for Week 1, he could have an excellent opportunity to open his rookie season in the starting lineup and immediately make an impact.
Besides, the Texans have to turn things around eventually … right?
New Orleans Saints
I personally believe the Saints should use the 16th overall pick (barring a trade) on Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral, which could put New Orleans out of the running for Williams. However, stranger things have happened, and all it takes is one phone call to get back in a position to add the reigning All-SEC receiver.
Whoever starts at quarterback for the Saints next year, whether it’s Corral or Jameis Winston, will need an explosive young wideout. Williams, who carved through LSU’s defense for 10 catches, 160 yards, and three touchdowns last November, might want to start looking for real estate in Louisiana.
Philadelphia Eagles
Although the Eagles love their Alabama prospects, we must note that Williams never played with quarterback Jalen Hurts or wideout DeVonta Smith in Tuscaloosa. Both were already in Philadelphia when the former Ohio State receiver transferred to Alabama in the spring of 2021.
So, while this wouldn’t be a reunion, it would be the Eagles continuing the Alabama-to-Philadelphia pipeline. The Super Bowl 52 champions have two first-round picks (No. 15 and 18), and one might be used on a receiver given 2020 first-round pick Jalen Reagor’s struggles. If the Eagles do target a receiver in the first round, Williams makes perfect sense for the Birds.
Washington Commanders
Although the Commanders have a talented young defense, they need more offensive firepower; Terry McLaurin, who left Ohio State a year before Williams first enrolled with the Buckeyes, cannot do it alone. And, of course, new quarterback Carson Wentz will need as many weapons as possible if he’s to restore his reputation and return to the playoffs.
Washington holds the 11th overall pick, and the Commanders are widely expected to select a receiver at that time. Assuming Williams doesn’t go within the first 10 picks, he’d make excellent sense for the three-time Super Bowl champions.
Of course, that requires Washington to make the right decision. Whether we’re talking football or politics, you should always expect to be disappointed in that scenario.
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