Two of the latest mock drafts have the Eagles selecting Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams. Charley Casserly of NFL.com and Mel Kiper of ESPN both think the Eagles will select Williams with the 14th pick.
At Clemson, he caught 177 passes for 2,727 yards and 21 touchdowns. He barely played his junior season because of a neck injury. But, he bounced back his senior season and caught 98 passes for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns.
It seems the Eagles are prioritizing surrounding Carson Wentz with weapons this offseason. By drafting Williams, they are giving Wentz a young receiver to grow with.
Here is Kiper’s reasoning for selecting Williams.
“Wide receiver has been a position of frustration for the Eagles, and it’s imperative they add at least one more reliable pass-catcher next year, or they risk slowing the development of Carson Wentz,”
Casserly’s reasoning was similar, he wrote, “ the Eagles realize they need to get Wentz some help.”
Williams ability to catch the ball almost anywhere on the field will be a key for the Eagles and Wentz. He has an amazing catch radius. Last season, the Eagles had a hard time going up and getting the ball. That is an area where Williams thrives.
Williams would be a great addition to the Eagles. However, if they do sign the free agents they are linked to (Alshon Jeffery, Desean Jackson, etc.) will they draft a wide receiver with their first pick?