Baltimore Ravens: Why They Must Draft Mike Williams
By Tyler Beard
Mike Williams Should Be The Apple Of The Ravens’ Eye
There’s been debate over who the top wide receiver is in the 2017 NFL Draft class, as Washington’s John Ross, Clemson’s Mike Williams and Western Michigan’s Corey Davis fight over the top spot.
It’s hard to pick which receiver is the best since they all offer different qualities. Ross has blazing speed and will be a constant home run threat. Williams is raw, but can win jump balls with the best of them. Davis is the most complete route-runner and offers consistency.
So who should the Ravens set their sights on?
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Ross can be crossed out, as the Ravens already have his mold in Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman. Davis comes with a solid collegiate career, but has been injury-prone and doesn’t offer the star intangibles.
That leaves 6’4 Mike Williams, who would finally give Joe Flacco the red-zone receiver he’s needed.
Williams finished his last year at Clemson with 98 receptions, 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns. He showed off the ability to win balls against every cornerback that he faced and was a constant threat inside the 20-yard line.
The Ravens have tried in the past to find a big, red-zone receiver, but haven’t successfully drafted one. They need to go after Williams in order to give Flacco a stronger threat than just speedy receivers.
It’s easier said than done though, as a bunch of teams will covet Williams as well. The Bengals, Bills and Eagles all pick before the Ravens and have receiver needs. It’s not out of the question that Ozzie and company might have to trade up for the talent from Clemson.
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However, Williams is worth it and gives the Ravens’ offense a better chance to succeed than Ross or Davis. The latter receivers could be decent picks, but might not make the the offense better. Ross wouldn’t differ from any other receiver currently on the roster and Davis’ injury history could have the team thinking Perriman all over again.
Ozzie Newsome has limited picks this draft, so it’s best to make a splash with the team’s first round pick. Williams is a Mike Evans-prototype and the front office needs to bring him to Baltimore.