Jameson Williams’ projections for the 2022 NFL Draft were on an upward trajectory before a knee injury threw his landing spots into flux. With Williams having demonstrated himself to be a first-round talent during the 2021 season, which teams might be in the frame to draft him on Day 1 of the draft in Las Vegas?
NFL Draft Projections: Jameson Williams’ landing spots
Williams’ scouting report underlies just how dangerous he can be on the field. His speed and playmaking ability made him a constant threat for Alabama, and it should be the same situation in the NFL. Despite the injury, Williams’ talent should ensure he is drafted on Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft. We could even see Williams selected in the top half of the round.
On PFN’s Consensus Big Board, Williams ranks 17th. His range of rankings among the four analysts is from 12 to 22. That range gives us a good idea of Williams’ potential window on Thursday in Vegas. However, more recent discussions have had Williams going inside the top 10. Let’s take a look at the potential landing spots for Williams.
Atlanta Falcons
There’s no denying that the Falcons need some help at the wide receiver position. Julio Jones departed in the 2021 offseason, Russell Gage went in the 2022 offseason, and Calvin Ridley is suspended for the entire season. Currently, the Falcons’ WR room is bare — they badly need to address it in the draft.
Historically, the Falcons have been willing to go and get a receiver out of Alabama. While the regime has changed, will the thinking? Williams impressed everyone with his play during the 2021 college football season and would give the Falcons an immediate playmaker. Combining Williams with the receiving talent of Kyle Pitts would give Marcus Mariota two superb receiving options to start his career in Atlanta.
New York Jets
The Jets have two selections in the top 10 and a whole load of needs to address. Given the depth of the receiving options in this draft, the Jets should arguably focus on defense with their first-round selections and look at receiver later. However, if they go for a receiver with their second pick in Round 1, Williams would certainly give them an X-factor.
Adding Williams in the 2022 NFL Draft would certainly give Zach Wilson a group of talented options at his disposal. Williams would join Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, Denzel Mims, Keelan Cole, and Braxton Berrios as receiving options. On top of that, Wilson will have C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin at the tight end position. Add in the exciting potential of Michael Carter and there is no lack of talent in this offense.
Houston Texans
The Texans have two selections in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Their third overall pick is likely too high to find significant value on a receiver. Therefore, the most likely area we are looking for the Texans to take a receiver is at 13 — assuming they select one in the first round.
Williams would be a fascinating weapon in Houston’s offense. They already have the extremely talented Brandin Cooks alongside second-year receiver Nico Collins. Williams would provide the Texans with another speed option and give Davis Mills a fantastic trio at his disposal.
Washington Commanders
Washington going out and trading for a veteran QB indicates that they feel this roster can challenge in the NFC East. Consequently, their early selection might not be looking towards the future of the QB position but instead about giving Carson Wentz another weapon to throw to.
Williams would make for a second dynamic weapon opposite Terry McLaurin. That duo, with Curtis Samuel working out of the slot and in a Swiss Army knife role, would make for a fantastic set of receiving weapons for Wentz. If Washington does not go for a QB, a receiver really does become their next biggest need. They could also look at bolstering their defense, especially in the secondary.
Philadelphia Eagles
Williams could be the latest in a line of high-profile former Alabama players heading to Philadelphia. While he never actually played with either Jalen Hurts or DeVonta Smith, the trio will all have played in a similar scheme with the Crimson Tide. That could help Williams settle into a role with the Eagles early as a rookie during the 2022 season.
The Eagles have two selections in the first round, giving them some room for luxury. They need to address defense, especially at cornerback, safety, and linebacker. However, with 2022 being a crucial year in their evaluation of Hurts, giving him another elite weapon in the form of Williams could be a smart decision.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have a number of question marks surrounding their offense. Whether it be who will be under center, left tackle, or Michael Thomas’ complement at the wide receiver position, there are plenty of unknowns. With two picks in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Saints could address two of those concerns.
The general feeling surrounding their trade with the Eagles was that the Saints were positioning themselves to draft a QB this offseason. Therefore, we could see them package their two first-round picks to move up. If they stay with two selections in the middle of the first round, they could significantly improve their offense in the 2022 NFL Draft. Williams, as an explosive weapon opposite the consistency of Thomas, would make for quite the threat.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have some intriguing choices to make in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The departure of J.C. Jackson has left a huge hole in their cornerback room. Thus, it would not be a surprise if the Patriots prioritized an upgrade with their first-round selection.
However, the other option would be for the Patriots to give Mac Jones a new receiving option. Right now, there is little in the way of a No. 1 receiver for the Patriots, and Williams would provide that instantly.
While Williams and Jones never played together for Alabama, the familiarity of the scheme could help this partnership settle quickly in 2022. We also know that Bill Belichick and Nick Saban have a good relationship, so could we see Belichick chase the talented receiver from Alabama? If he wants to, he may have to trade up to make it happen.