In the past two seasons, the Arizona Cardinals have been the subject of scrutiny due to their consecutive post-November collapses. 2020’s team was on pace to make the postseason and fell flat on their face. Last year’s, albeit partially due to the injuries to DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt, embarrassed themselves in the first round of the playoffs.
In both instances, it appeared the offense took a further step back than the defense. Kliff Kingsbury’s offense started off electric in both instances, but failed to keep that momentum into the winter.
The Cardinals have a glaring need at their Z receiver position, the one played by A.J. Green last season. While Green has a good chance of returning, the Cards need to find a young, electric playmaker to pair with Hopkins and Rondale Moore for the foreseeable future.
Alabama’s Jameson Williams was an explosive weapon for the Crimson Tide throughout his college career. In 15 games last season, Williams totaled 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. He previously played for Ohio State, but struggled to find playing time behind Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, both of whom will be selected in the first round later this month.
Williams suffered a torn ACL in January’s National Championship game, which puts his availability for the regular season in doubt. He recently spoke with NFL Network, giving a cautious, yet optimistic outlook on his near playing future.
“Oh yeah, for sure that’s what I’m shooting for,” he said at Alabama’s Pro Day. “But what overrules that is just me making sure I’m 100% before doing anything.”
Former Alabama WR Jameson Williams, two months removed from surgery on his torn ACL, is not participating in Alabama’s Pro Day today. But here here he is last week, continuing to progress, with the expectation being that he’ll be running by the draft, per @Alliance_Sports. pic.twitter.com/Z4cP9J1mbR
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 30, 2022
Some have voiced concerns over Williams being unable to beat Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson out during his time at Ohio State. Many view the latter two receivers as better prospects than Williams. It’s a fair argument, but Jameson sounds like a player who thrived and developed under Nick Saban, and the challenge of practicing against the Crimson Tide defense every day.
Per Pro Football Focus, Williams leads the SEC in 20+ touchdowns since 2020 with 12. He did not play in the SEC until 2021.
TouchdownWire’s Doug Farrar gives an excellent breakdown of Williams’ game and compares him to the newest Miami Dolphin, Tyreek Hill. That sort of consistent speed threat would do wonders, particularly opposite DeAndre Hopkins.
For the Cardinals, Williams would be too good a prospect to pass up. Should A.J. Green return, the Cards could rely on him as the week one starter while Williams likely continues his rehab. When he was ready to go, he could battle for his starting spot.
There are injury concerns, but the Cardinals should rush to the podium to stop Williams’ draft fall if he makes it to pick 23. Most of the premier teams in the league today have two elite receiving options. Williams would give the Cardinals their second for the next five years.
Jameson Williams easily has the best speed/movement skills combination of any WR in this year's class. pic.twitter.com/Uj4ni8vTbf
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) April 1, 2022
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