Wide Receiver 

USC

6-1 197

40 time: 4.53

Draft board overall prospect rank: #13

Draft board wide receiver rank: #1

Overall rating: 87*

1/17/10: Doesn’t get the big hype of guys like Dez Bryant and Golden Tate, but I think he’s the best overall wide receiver in this draft class because he possesses two traits, in addition to his natural athleticism, that very few wide receivers his age do, good route running, and a humble personality. He really knows how to get open and catch the ball at the best possible point and he’s not one to complain if a quarterback doesn’t throw to him. He’d be a perfect fit for a west coast offense and he can also return punts. He hasn’t been off the charts in terms of production, but he’s led the Trojans in catches and receiving yards in each of the last two years and had 70 catches for 1010 yards and 6 touchdowns this year in a pro style offense, despite having a true freshman at quarterback.

Update (11/2/09): Elite route running, good size, and excellent understanding of the game coupled with his humble nature makes this guy everything you want out of a #1 receiver.

            10/12/09: Damian Williams is in a position to break the recent lack of success USC has had at producing NFL caliber wide receivers. He has the uncanny knack to run good routes, get open, catch the ball at its highest point, and do something with the ball after the catch. His route running and quickness and make him a huge big play threat. He already has 24 catches for 359 yards and a score in 5 games with a freshman quarterback at the helm this season. Yards per reception in college is often indicative of a prospect’s future success in the NFL because its often indication of their intelligence, route running, and quickness. Williams is averaging 15 yards per reception throughout his college career. He doesn’t have great straight line speed and should post a 40 time of a modest 4.45-4.49. However, he is extremely quick and has shown those skills on kick returns. He has great hands and rarely drops passes and is extremely intelligent. His intelligence and experience in a pro style offense at USC means that he could contribute in the NFL right away. He has good height, but needs to bulk up a little. He’s not a good run blocker because of his lack of good blocking form and good size. He’s not very physical and could get out muscled by NFL corners in man coverage. He really excels against zone coverage, running good routes, and finding holes in the coverage. Williams has great potential as a #1 receiver in a west coast style offense and could fit very well into other schemes because of his broad skill set.

NFL Comparison: Greg Jennings

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here