Mike Williams, TB (1 Viewer)

[LionSlappy]

Is all this hype regarding Tampa's Mike Williams legit, or is much of it camp talk? Is he a #2, #3 or simply a mid- to late-round flyer for your fantasy team?

Is he more valuable in a redraft league than other veteran WRs going around the same range, such as Gafney, Mason, Hester, etc

 

[Go Blue]

Most of the hype was from a dynasty perspective. I'm a huge Mike Williams fan and I have him ranked higher than most, that's for sure. I have him as the #28 WR this year in PPR. I'd say if everything breaks his way, he could reach top 20, but that's very unlikely. I'm considering him a #3 to #4 WR this year. Most would probably say #4 to #5. I would downgrade him if Freeman misses time.

I like him above both Mason and Hester, by a fair margin. I would draft Gaffney before Williams, but it's close.

 

[BobbyLayne]

For this year, in redrafts, I don't think I would rate him as more than a WR4/bye week filler except in deeper leagues.

Which is not to say I don't like him; I took a late round flier on him in my most important league.

But to me there are a couple things that hold him back. 1) I think they will be more of a running team, whether Caddie stays healthy or Kareem steps up and steps in, and 2) Freeman has intangibles that the coaches like - attitude, leadership, never say die, optimistic and upbeat - but I don't think he's ever going to be a stat sheet stuffer. But regardless of what he might be down the road, for 2010 he's not even rosterable in 12 team or less leagues.

Williams is a legit talent and I'm a believer in the turnaround. But even given that, its a bit much to think he's going to be a key cog in a FF championship run.

 

[Faust]

Great WR Mike Williams (Bucs) thread right here!

 

[JamesTheScot]

Depends on what you think "#1 NFL WR" means.

Will he be the best WR on his team this year?

I think so.

Will he be for years to come?

I think so, though Benn could develop and challenge him.

Will he be a top 20 fantasy WR this year?

I'm skeptical. That's asking quite a bit of a rookie WR with a young, developing QB on a bad team throwing to him.

Will he ever be a fantasy top 10 WR?

Possible. That'll take some development in his supporting cast. But I like his odds as well or better than any other rookie not named Dez Bryant.

 

[RushHour]

I think people underrate Freeman a lot when talking about Williams and what his ceiling might be this year. I don't know if he can be a #1 fantasy receiver this year, but I expect him to be a WR2/3. If those expectations are too high then so be it.

He's going to one of those guys that, if you have him on your bench, he's going to make you feel stupid quite a few weeks this year when he makes a few huge plays and the guy you're starting does nothing.