The Lass Word: Jameson Williams Would Be a Bold Move

The Green Bay Packers, in the Brian Gutekunst era, have often chosen to use high draft picks to fill future needs, as opposed to immediate concerns.  Rashan Gary, Eric Stokes and AJ Dillon are good examples.  All were intended to be eventual, not immediate, replacements.  Stokes did wind up starting most of his rookie year, but only because Kevin King couldn’t stay healthy. 

I bring this up because I recently heard draft guru Mel Kiper make the case for the Packers to use their first round pick this year on receiver Jameson Williams.  This would be a monumental roll of the dice.  The former Alabama pass catcher tore his ACL in the national championship game on January 10th.  As a result, he would likely not be able to get on the field until late in the season, if at all.  Such a move by Gutekunst would doubtless bring a torrent of criticism, something not unusual for him.  Gutey’s selections of Jordan Love, Gary, Dillon and many more were widely condemned when they were made.  One can only imagine the heat if Gutekunst pulled the trigger on a prospect who might not even suit up until December. 

Prior to his knee injury, Williams was unanimously considered the top receiver in this year’s draft.  He began his college career at Ohio State, but found himself languishing behind starting receivers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, who, ironically, are also top prospects in this class.  The Missouri native transferred to Nick Saban’s football machine at Alabama where he became an instant star.  Playing in the SEC, the best conference in the country, Williams’ speed, hands and route running were simply too good for opposing defensive backs.  He seemed to get open at will, and with Heisman trophy winning quarterback Bryce Young throwing to him, Williams amassed 79 catches for 1,572 yards and 15 scores.  His TD total was third best in the nation.  His 19.9 yards per catch was seventh. 

Draft experts had him pegged as the first receiver off the board, maybe a top ten selection.  Now he is a major question mark.  Even when he does come back, will he be the same explosive player he was prior to blowing out the knee?  Is he still a first round pick?  Kiper says yes.  His scenario had Williams going to Green Bay, where he would take the field in time to help the Packers during their December stretch drive to the playoffs, taking over the MVS field-stretching role, and then emerging in the post season as the alternative weapon when Davante Adams gets his usual double coverage.  The idea being that, in 2023, Williams would be ready to replace Adams, who would be a free agent after being franchised for 2022. 

At this week’s NFL combine in Indianapolis, Williams did his best to convince scouts that the wait for his services may not be as long as they might project.  “I was hearing five to seven months (to recover)” quoted ESPN.  “But I’m hearing I’m ahead of schedule.  Hopefully, things keep going on this track and I’ll be back as soon as possible.”  Williams also said no team has told him that his injury has hurt his draft standing.   

But Packer fans are well aware of the usual time frame for an ACL, and it’s generally longer than five to seven months.  It took David Bakhtiari a solid year to come back, and even when he made his debut in week eighteen, it took such a toll on his knee that he was unavailable for the team’s one and only playoff game.  Elgton Jenkins is likely to miss at least half of the upcoming season.   

In the latest version of his mock draft, Kiper has Green Bay taking Williams with the 28th pick.  Todd McShay predicts he will go one spot earlier to Tampa Bay at 27.  Jordan Reid has him selected by Kansas City at number 30.  There is also buzz that Buffalo, in the 25th slot, may be interested, wanting to pair him with Stefon Diggs. 

I am not advocating for Williams, but I wouldn’t be upset if Green Bay took him.  I would be surprised though, given the Packers’ aversion to first round receivers.  There are other needs at positions like D-line, corner, ILB and tight end, all of which could benefit from a first round pick.  Is Green Bay solid enough to use its top pick on a player who will basically redshirt his first season?   

Good luck selling that to the fan base.