The Mike Williams thread

Byron2112

Byron2112

4.65...
Joined
Oct 11, 2006
Messages
27,761
Reaction score
33,400
I think we need to get re-aquainted with this guy... some comment ...maybe some profiles from when he was comming out. I don't really know much about him, and have forgotten whatever I did know.

IMO Williams is potentially the biggest sleeper in our draft.

Here's alittle link from another board... pretty exciting stuff...

http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/williams_mike00.html

Anyone know just what the heck happened to Williams in Detroit? What was the problem?
 
Not sure what happened in Detroit. Williams quickly got himself in the doghouse whether it was his weight, attitude or what I'm not sure.

What I remember about him in college is that he was a man child. He abused the corners at the college level and was virtually unstoppable at USC. Even though Crow says the guy should be a TE I'm not buying it. This is another case where a change of scenery and a coaching staff who might believe he can do better might be just what the doctor ordered. However I said the same thing about Giggles the Clown and we know how that turned out. :eek:
 
I didn't really follow the guy in college, but per that link, basically he puts together 175 receptions for 2600 yards and 30 touchdowns as a freshman and sophmore :eek:

Everyone calls him a freakish athlete that catches everthing thrown up to him... a matchup nightmare.

They compare him to Terrell Owens.. a faster Keyshawn.

Man, how sweet it would be if we can make this guy a starting reciever... and what a weapon in the redzone... a 6-5 reciever to match with Miller.

Doesn't sound like Kiff's interested in making him a TE from what he said about not having one dimensional TE's around here...
 
I have a feeling we'll know pretty quickly with this guy.
 
I'm a big fan... What happened in Detroit was a combination of BMW not wanting to be there from the jump and his own unwillingness to adapt IMO... He's now getting the chance to be somewhere he wanted to be playing for a coach (and friend) he wants to play for... There's absolutely no excuse should he fail to make the most of this chance...


The knock on him is he's 'too slow' but he sure had alot of his success at SC running skinny post patterns... I don't think the TO comparison is an apt one since he doesn't have similar after the catch explosiveness... I think Plaxico Buress would be fairer... Both can get in that 10-20 yard area and work effectively behind the LB's and in front of the safeties and while BMW won't blow by deep coverages ala Moss, you can throw it up there and let them him use his size and strength to outmuscle people...


He's only 23 years old with great hands and great size... For what amounts to being half of a fourth round pick, there's not a whole lot of risk involved for the Raiders but there is a lot of reward... I think it's going to be big time reward... with the history between he and Kiff I just don't see him letting Kiff down... Plus Kiff was notoriusly hard on him yet he responded to it..


Mark it down: This trade will be right up there with getting "draft bust" Lincoln Kennedy from Atlanta for a 5th round draft pick... :cool:
 
If anyone can jump start this guy it's definitely Kiffen and it's not like he's been in the league for 5-6 years. BMW is only two years removed from college so he's definitely salvageable. Plus he's got to know that he probably won't see another big payday if he doesn't get his shit together. It's really a no lose situation for us.
 
Hmm... I kinda like the Burress comparison. He doesn't seem to have much trouble frequently getting deep on people and out reaching them.
 
I'm with HB on this one. I was surprised to see him flame out in Detroit, but I'm ecstatic to have a shot at this reclamation project. I sensed a "let's do this" attitude from his first interview in Oakland. I think this will pay big time dividends for Oakland.
 
IIRC, he ran a 4.56 or so at his pro day a few years back, and he carries 230 pretty easily...

Say its a 4.6 right now, that is still plenty enough speed, if the guy gets in shape. I mean the dude was Calvin Johnson, before there was a Calvin Johnson.

Now, don't blow what I said out of proportion (CJ is the best WR prospect ever, IMO) but Mike Williams dominated college DB's for two years, he was an all american, he was a well known freshman who posted astronomical numbers as an 18 year old and he made highlight reel catches. Everyone's favorite guru, Mel Kiper had him as the #1 guy on his board a couple years back.

I actually thought he was pretty lethal after the catch, considering his huge size too...

If we can get anything near the Mike Williams that played for SC, we've got ourselves a bonafide number 2 receiver, with big play potential.

The dude just turned 23 and is younger than Fitz, Boldin, Roy Williams, Andre Johnson, Marques Colston etc. This guy has the upside if we coach him right.
 
You can bet if he'd caught that pass in the end zone at the end of the Dallas game, there'd be enough buzz about him that he'd have cost more than a fourth-rounder.
 
I am not a believer.

But I am hopeful. And it's such a no-brainer move. He is essentially a throw in for McCown. Can't knock that.
 
I actually wanted to draft this guy, seeing him as s Fitz-type athlete with better size. I have no idea what happened in DET. But I will say he played with shitty QBs and was never given a legit shot IMHO.

As long as his issues didn't involve drug addiction, alcoholism or a mental disorder I have very high hopes for the guy.
 
For what Oakland paid to get him, I think it's a helluva deal. The guy's contract still has 3 years on it at a very reasonable price, so no worries there either.

I'm with hawiianboy... I think Williams went into Detroit believing his own hype and thinking he'd have things handed to him. He showed up at 250lbs, missed a few meetings, and the coach at the time (Mariucci) isn't the kind of guy who will put you back in line. Mooch is a rah-rah let's go get 'em type of dude and what Williams needed was some structure. Once Mooch left, then the new offense didn't fit his skill-set. I think the guy's career is definitely salvageable, although I hope he's brought in slowly. Let him get his confidence back, there's absoultely no need to start him if he's not ready.

The other factor I like about Williams is, he's a luxury acquisition who could have a huge impact on where this team goes in Free Agency and the Draft for the next 2 years. If he pans out, WR is no longer a major need on this team. That would allow more focus on the trenches (DT, OT, OG) next offseason and potentially put this team in a position to contend in '08.

Think about it, if the Williams trade and the Bush pick, both of which were low-risk investments by the Raiders, pan out then this offense is set at the skill positions for a very, very long time.
 
Good post(s) Hawaiiboy and Natty.

Is Mike William the guy who finally takes Whitted's roster spot. Man I hope so.
 
I was pretty sure Whitted was gonna make the team last year, and I am convinced he won't this year. I'd rather see Carlos Francis take that slot.
 
CrossBones said:
Good post(s) Hawaiiboy and Natty.

Is Mike William the guy who finally takes Whitted's roster spot. Man I hope so.
Click to expand...

I dunno, it depends on how many WRs Kiffen carries. I would suspect he'll carry 6 on the active roster because anything less than that would limit his offensive packages once the injury bug strikes.

Porter {Lock}
Curry {Lock}
Williams {Lock}
Gabriel
Morant
Higgens
Francis
Whitted
Buchanon
Holland
Madsen (TE?)

Now, Gabriel seems to have angered Al so he's a potential cut. I would suspect Buchanon and Holland are early candidates for being cut. There's a logjam at TE and you know Miller and Stewart are going to make the team which means Anderson, Williams, Madsen, and Wakefield will be battling to see who the #3 is. I wouldn't be surprised to see Madsen moved back to WR. The acquisition of Williams makes Morant a potential cut. Then you have Francis, Higgens, and Whitted. I think Higgens is going to make the roster based upon his YAC abilites in this offense. Which leaves Francis and Whitted... and I'm sorry to say it, but you just know Al's gonna go with the vet speedster over Francis and his injury history.

My point? Don't be shocked if Whitted is the 6th WR on this team next year... circumstances could easily fall in his favor. After all, he has the biggest reason of all to remain with the team -- Al loves him.
 
I guess I'm in the minority but I always thought "Hype" Williams was going to flame out in the NFL and wasn't suprised in the least. I mean, he isn't fast, isn't quick, doesn't run great routes.. *shrug*

I could care less that we picked him up, and I'll be pleasantly suprised if he works out. I hope he does, don't get me wrong, but I'll be suprised if he turns into a world-beater.
 
If a 5ft 10 CB is looking to tackle or knock down a pass on him, Better hope the qb fucks up the throw. Dude is a very similar to antonio gates in his qualities in the open field. He'll fit in here well and will probably do all the things Turo thinks made him overrated.

He's better than Dwayne Jarrett, who some people here wanted. So i gots no issue with getting him in a scenario that fits him.
 
Last edited:
Is Whitted even a speedster any more. Not like he was blowing by corners last year on his post and go routes. IMO, for Whitted to make the team he's got to be #4 or better on the depth chart. I would include Higgins as a lock to make the roster unless he gets injured. Just his draft pick status alone pretty much guarantees him 2 years on the roster.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top