Mike Williams, WR OAK (1 Viewer)

[Chunky Soup]

--Obviously the guy put up college numbers.

Freshman year: 81 receptions for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns; USC and Pacific 10 Conference freshman records

Sophomore year: 95 catches leading to 1,314 yards and 16 touchdowns

--He's only 23 years old.

--His new head coach was his WR coach at USC.

--While he missed some of minicamp, he has been impressing in OAK.

Williams is showing signs of why he was so heralded when he came out of college two years ago.

(source)--There is wide-open competition in OAK.

--Weight goals in OAK seem more attainable than in DET and it seems that DET tried to force his weight to go somewhere it shouldn't have been.

But the weight target the Raiders have set for him of 235 pounds is 15 more than the Lions wanted him to weigh and better suits his style. Williams said too much was made of his weight in Detroit and said more time should have been spent developing him as a player.

"If they had spent as much time doing that as they did magnifying the things that didn't relate to football as much ...," he said. "But that's in the past. I'm here, Kiff hasn't given me some outstanding weight I haven't seen since high school like Detroit. It's just one less thing I have to worry about."

Am I the only one watching this closely? We knew he'd be a project coming to the NFL with taking a year off, but that shouldn't have killed him completely. I am leaning towards siding with the apologists in thinking that the Lions held him back from his true potential. Pre-Martz there are many explanations for a WR to underperform, and IMO Martz hurt him further; the year Martz came in there were unexplained reasons for him not playing, etc. Maybe Martz had it out for him, or maybe he didn't fit into Martz's WR scheme. The new scenery is a blessing for BMW and he has a great chance to shine.

Especially considering the ADP, this is a guy to make sure you draft. Do it.

 

[Phlash]

He was never given a glimpse of a chance in Detroit. While Oakland isn't going to magically turn him good, if he just gets a chance to play on the field I think with time he'll be exceptional. You can't develop on the sidelines.

 

[SoloMatisse]

at this stage, he's pretty much off everyone's radar, but he controls his own fate. if he works hard and truly has NFL caliber skills, then he can't help but succeed. going to the Lions probably wasnt the right place for him for whatever reason. the whole world pretty much knows that Mike Martz is an egomaniac knucklehead, so getting away from him certainly won't hurt his chances at success. that said, I wont give BMW much thought until he starts to play like a pro because there are simply too many other great other players out there to think about. for the record, I hope the guy shines and Oakland benefits.

 

[Pygmy Marmoset]

I'm watching very closely. If I had the roster room, I'd have him right now. Dropped him to pick up Brodie Croyle in a 2QB-starter league, but I'm definitely watching.

 

[Mr. Pink]

You don't need to watch him 'that' closely. Considering how fat he is, you can't miss him.

 

[mad sweeney]

Let's be real though. He had tons of talent in college and acted stupidly to keep hiomself from another year in the game. Then didn't take adbvantage of his opportunity when he got it. Sure there may have been tough demands on him but he was a first round pick, there are supposed to be tough demands on him. And IIRC there were never any positive stories about his efforts. Just that he seemed to lack enthusiasm and dedication. There are hundreds of examples of undertalented players working their way to greatness so someone with a lot of talent who deosn't fulfill it has more problems than just coaches wanting him to play at a certain weight. Not laying all of it on Williams, but I never saw r heard of the effort put in on his part to fulfill expectations.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

He was never given a glimpse of a chance in Detroit. While Oakland isn't going to magically turn him good, if he just gets a chance to play on the field I think with time he'll be exceptional. You can't develop on the sidelines.

He was fat and lazy and got exactly what he earned....nothing. He didn't work hard in practice, he didn't work hard to get in good shape, and he had a poor attitude.I don't see how the Lions can be faulted in this particular case. He didn't earn the right to be on the field.

 

[Loan Sharks]

I'm watching him suck if that's what you mean.

 

[King of the Jungle]

Just like in all walks of life, some people are motivated, some are not. So far he seems to be in the non motivated group. He will not succeed unless he starts busting his hump.

 

[V1LL]

I'm watching Charles Rogers cuz the lions mis-used him too. Thing is he's 10x the talent BMW is....and works harder

 

[quickhands]

He was never given a glimpse of a chance in Detroit. While Oakland isn't going to magically turn him good, if he just gets a chance to play on the field I think with time he'll be exceptional. You can't develop on the sidelines.

no this is bad posting....BMW had every chance in the world...he is a bust. He should learn to block and become a TE. thats what he is anyway.the guy is not worth watching. he is a total waist.

 

[Chunky Soup]

I'm watching Charles Rogers cuz the lions mis-used him too. Thing is he's 10x the talent BMW is....and works harder

Good luck. He isn't on an NFL team, and after workouts with the Bucs, Patriots and others, he still couldn't land a job.

 

[Pygmy Marmoset]

You don't need to watch him 'that' closely. Considering how fat he is, you can't miss him.

He'll be roughly the same height and weight as Marques Colston. In fact, Colston is listed at 6'4" 231, and Williams is listed at 6'5" 230. Obviously, Williams is likely to actually end up as 235 like the article says. He'll hit his target weight and then have to prove he can do his job.

 

[V1LL]

I'm watching Charles Rogers cuz the lions mis-used him too. Thing is he's 10x the talent BMW is....and works harder

Good luck. He isn't on an NFL team, and after workouts with the Bucs, Patriots and others, he still couldn't land a job.

Oh really? missed all that...

 

[Chunky Soup]

He was never given a glimpse of a chance in Detroit. While Oakland isn't going to magically turn him good, if he just gets a chance to play on the field I think with time he'll be exceptional. You can't develop on the sidelines.

no this is bad posting....BMW had every chance in the world...he is a bust. He should learn to block and become a TE. thats what he is anyway.the guy is not worth watching. he is a total waist.

He is 23 years old, had 2 different offensive systems after taking a year off of college football before NFL and he had every chance in the world?

 

[Ed4252]

I'm watching Charles Rogers cuz the lions mis-used him too. Thing is he's 10x the talent BMW is....and works harder

I'm sensing V1LL's sarcasm. Btw, what happened to Rogers' 40-time? It was reported to be 4.8-4.9 just recently. Is he just not motivated anymore?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

He was never given a glimpse of a chance in Detroit. While Oakland isn't going to magically turn him good, if he just gets a chance to play on the field I think with time he'll be exceptional. You can't develop on the sidelines.

no this is bad posting....BMW had every chance in the world...he is a bust. He should learn to block and become a TE. thats what he is anyway.the guy is not worth watching. he is a total waist.

He is 23 years old, had 2 different offensive systems after taking a year off of college football before NFL and he had every chance in the world?

Sorry, that is no excuse for being overweight, lazy and having a bad attitude. As a matter of fact, you would think it might motivate him to work a little harder if anything. His chances with the Lions were dependent on him putting in the effort, and he didn't.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

I'm watching to see if he and LenDale White post a video on Youtube where they each attempt to eat 10 Egg McMuffins. Aside from that, no I'm not watching him that closely. IF he gets into shape and IF he beats out Gabriel/Taylor/Whitted to be the #3 WR, he's still going to be playing on a very sub-par offense with a shaky o-line and QB. He's shown very little desire to get in shape as a pro (and wasn't in shape for Oakland's minicamp, despite this almost obviously being his last shot to be a decent player) and hasn't taken his job seriously at all.

 

[buck naked]

Short answer - yes.

 

[quickhands]

He was never given a glimpse of a chance in Detroit. While Oakland isn't going to magically turn him good, if he just gets a chance to play on the field I think with time he'll be exceptional. You can't develop on the sidelines.

no this is bad posting....BMW had every chance in the world...he is a bust. He should learn to block and become a TE. thats what he is anyway.the guy is not worth watching. he is a total waist.

He is 23 years old, had 2 different offensive systems after taking a year off of college football before NFL and he had every chance in the world?

yes...the guy is a quitter....you have to WANT to play in the NFL. this guy don't want to play.

 

[acme]

He was never given a glimpse of a chance in Detroit. While Oakland isn't going to magically turn him good, if he just gets a chance to play on the field I think with time he'll be exceptional. You can't develop on the sidelines.

no this is bad posting....BMW had every chance in the world...he is a bust. He should learn to block and become a TE. thats what he is anyway.the guy is not worth watching. he is a total waist.

don't know if you meant that misspelling intentionally or not, but i'll give you 6 points for a nice pun.

 

[Da Guru]

He was never given a glimpse of a chance in Detroit. While Oakland isn't going to magically turn him good, if he just gets a chance to play on the field I think with time he'll be exceptional. You can't develop on the sidelines.

He never got a chance because he was never in shape, never knew the whole playbook and was lazy to boot!Fat and slow do not make it in the NFL

 

[nygiants56]

As a TE, I might like him a lot more than as a #3 WR on a team with guys like Curry and Porter.

BMW was a man among boys in college, but in the pros, everyone is as fast as you are, if not faster..

I just don't see him being anything mroe than a #3 guy, someone who'll catch 25-30 balls this season..

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

He was never given a glimpse of a chance in Detroit. While Oakland isn't going to magically turn him good, if he just gets a chance to play on the field I think with time he'll be exceptional. You can't develop on the sidelines.

He got plenty of chances......he was pathetic. You and I just watch Sunday afternoons during football season, but the coaching staff gets to see his work ethic and evaluate his performance all season long. The guy doesn't know what a work ethic is compared to the elite receivers in the NFL.The initial post in this thread, talking about how young he is and making excuses for this guy sounds so much like many threads about Charles Rogers........another Detroit WR bust. Mike Williams was just another BAD pick by the Detroit Lions. He's not going to do anything this year or ever be anything more than a bad WR3 on any NFL team.

 

[Mr. Bill O'Reilly]

If you've got talent and can't get on the field with martz AND you are a lazy fatass with a ton of $ why the hell would you think he's going to suddenly turn it around?

Wishful thinking.

I hear Maurice has been keeping in good shape in prison btw...

 

[patriarchz]

If you've got talent and can't get on the field with martz AND you are a lazy fatass with a ton of $ why the hell would you think he's going to suddenly turn it around?Wishful thinking.I hear Maurice has been keeping in good shape in prison btw...

If you can't get it done in Detroit with a Martz offense where even Mike Furrey could have a great year, you aren't any good or you're just plain lazy.

 

[TheBradyBunch]

While I don't have much faith in BMW ever living up to the hype, I still think he can turn himself into a red-zone specialist. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Raiders design jumpball plays for him near the stripe...and I also wouldn't be surprised if he eventually gets cut. Hard to say..but still too young to completely toss him aside:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-r...p&type=lgns

Raiders hope practice makes perfect for WR Mike Williams

By JOSH DUBOW, AP Sports Writer

August 4, 2007

NAPA, Calif. (AP) -- Twice in a span of three plays, Mike Williams worked his way free from star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha near the goal line and caught a pass from Josh McCown for a touchdown.

Earlier, Williams made a juggling catch in the end zone for another score. It may only be training camp, but Williams is showing signs of why he was so heralded when he came out of college two years ago.

But after the struggles Williams endured his first two seasons in the NFL when he was in Detroit, he's not about to put too much stock into his performance at a hotel field in California's wine country.

"It's practice man," Williams said Friday at the Oakland Raiders' training camp facility. "I don't really look too much into it. That's all it is is practice. We were just fortunate enough the ball came out at the right time and I was able to make a play."

Williams made few of those in his two seasons with the Lions, when he clashed with coaches, was late to meetings and did not meet weight targets set by the team. He had 29 catches for 350 yards and one touchdown as a rookie, before playing sparingly last season under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

Williams had just eight catches for 99 yards and one touchdown in 2006 and even fell behind McCown -- a quarterback -- on the depth chart at receiver at one point. The Lions finally parted ways with Williams in April, sending him and McCown to the Raiders for a fourth-round draft choice.

He then injured his hamstring in his first minicamp practice with the Raiders in May, and missed the rest of the offseason workouts. Coach Lane Kiffin, who was Williams' position coach in college at Southern California, said the receiver still has work to do to get into shape.

But the weight target the Raiders have set for him of 235 pounds is 15 more than the Lions wanted him to weigh and better suits his style. Williams said too much was made of his weight in Detroit and said more time should have been spent developing him as a player.

"If they had spent as much time doing that as they did magnifying the things that didn't relate to football as much ...," he said. "But that's in the past. I'm here, Kiff hasn't given me some outstanding weight I haven't seen since high school like Detroit. It's just one less thing I have to worry about."

Williams showed that his size can be an advantage during some of the drills Friday. He used his 6-foot-5 frame to work his way free from Asomugha and catch the touchdowns, similar to how he did it at USC.

"That is a value, obviously -- his size and being able to keep people away from him," Kiffin said. "That goes back to when he's right, he's a dangerous red-zone player. He played for us two years, he caught 30 touchdowns in two years for us. There is good ways to use him down there. But he's got to get better."

When Williams was acquired in the draft-day trade by the Raiders, he admitted that this could be his last chance to succeed in the NFL. That's what made his minicamp injury so tough to handle as he fell further behind returning receivers Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry.

"It was frustrating because I was coming in and it was kind of the first step toward competing for a starting spot and putting it on film," he said. "Then to get hurt and JP and Ron and all the other guys had a chance to have a good offseason or spring. So it was a setback. When training camp comes it's a whole different thing. It's pads, it's longer and OTAs are kind of relaxed. You can't make that time up. I can just go out and work and try to get it back now."

Updated on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 3:35 am, EDT

 

[Pygmy Marmoset]

I'd like to reiterate that while it obviously looks like he's a worthless bust from his first couple of years in the league, Mike Williams has the ability and size to flourish. And if he's back in California, his family can keep an eye on him again. Which could make a big difference. He's worth watching. And he'll likely be better in Oakland than he ever could have been in Detroit. He's definitely not good with high expectations, from everything I've read about him.

 

[V1LL]

NAPA, Calif. (AP) -- Twice in a span of three plays, Mike Williams worked his way free from star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha near the goal line and caught a pass from Josh McCown for a touchdown.

I stopped here.

 

[noneother]

I refuse to believe all the talent (even if it is college) the lions draft is unmotivated . Too damn good at the other levels. This mostly the Lions fault. They can't motivate these players that need inspiration. Rogers. Harrington. Williams. And there nearly a dozen more. Both player and organization are to blame. Not everyone is Barry Sanders.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I refuse to believe all the talent (even if it is college) the lions draft is unmotivated . Too damn good at the other levels. This mostly the Lions fault. They can't motivate these players that need inspiration. Rogers. Harrington. Williams. And there nearly a dozen more. Both player and organization are to blame. Not everyone is Barry Sanders.

Come on.......I know what you're saying sort of, but it's really not true. Joey Harrington went to Miami.......he's already gone. He had the perfect chance to flourish there. Daunte Culpepper goes down and he's the starter again. He did OK for a bit and then went into the tank.Now........this year. He goes to ATlanta and somehow finds himself looking to possibly start again in Atlanta due to this Mike Vick sitatuation. I downgrade every offensive player on that team and then some........especially the wide receivers. If you think Atlanta didn't have quality fantasy wide receivers with Mike Vic in charge, wait till you see what Joey does. NO WAY Algae Crumpler finishes in the top 2 TE with Harrington. He may actually be the leading receiver but his numbers will be down.Charlie Rogers also has had some chances since leaving Detroit. He had a few tryouts and they didn't even need a second look.......the guy is trash in terms of being a starting wide receiver in the NFL. The Lions didn't do anything to these guys.....You're right, not everyone's a Barry Sanders but there are still other decent players. Roy Williams turned out to be above average......and even Mike Flurrey caught over 1000 yards in that offense last year. The opportunity was there for both these guys but they didn't have the talent or work ethic.

 

[Jedimaster21]

NAPA, Calif. (AP) -- Twice in a span of three plays, Mike Williams worked his way free from star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha near the goal line and caught a pass from Josh McCown for a touchdown.

I stopped here.

Not sure why. Nnamdi is definitely a top 10 corner in the NFL, and could be considered top 5 by some...

 

[Old Curmudgeon]

I am hoping he will be overlooked or undervalued and make a nice sleeper pick.

I did not expect him to light things up when he entered the league but once Martz arrived he did not get a fair shake in my opinion. Martz may be an offensive wonderkin but his scheme does not appear flexible in adjusting to Big Mikes strengths.

I disagree with the post about never hearing positive feedback about Mike last season. Repeatedly I heard of his improvement and the possibility of getting more playing time as the season wound down. The only negative I continually remember hearing about regarding his motivation is in relation to his weight. It was not like him losing the extra pounds was going to suddenly change him into a speed route type of receiver outdistancing DB's. I think there had to be more than his weight keeping him off the field and I am not sure it was something he had complete control of. I have some concern with the dropped passes but with him seeing the field much less the ball so infrequently I think that will iron itself out as he becomes a part of the game plan.

 

[MSULions]

--Obviously the guy put up college numbers.

Freshman year: 81 receptions for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns; USC and Pacific 10 Conference freshman records

Sophomore year: 95 catches leading to 1,314 yards and 16 touchdowns

both of which surpass the TWELVE touchdowns the entire raiders TEAM scored on offense last year.

 

[Tom Servo]

--Obviously the guy put up college numbers.

Freshman year: 81 receptions for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns; USC and Pacific 10 Conference freshman records

Sophomore year: 95 catches leading to 1,314 yards and 16 touchdowns

both of which surpass the TWELVE touchdowns the entire raiders TEAM scored on offense last year.

And this is relevant...how?

 

[Vision6]

NAPA, Calif. (AP) -- Twice in a span of three plays, Mike Williams worked his way free from star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha near the goal line and caught a pass from Josh McCown for a touchdown.

I stopped here.

well I know to take your comments on the subject of football with a grain of salt now

 

[-OZ-]

--Obviously the guy put up college numbers.Freshman year: 81 receptions for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns; USC and Pacific 10 Conference freshman recordsSophomore year: 95 catches leading to 1,314 yards and 16 touchdowns

He's an unmotivated, over-hyped version of David Ball.

 

[Domination]

--Obviously the guy put up college numbers.Freshman year: 81 receptions for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns; USC and Pacific 10 Conference freshman recordsSophomore year: 95 catches leading to 1,314 yards and 16 touchdowns

He's an unmotivated, over-hyped version of David Ball.

David Ball wishes he was 6'5" tall.

 

[Chadstroma]

Strengths are his size and nose for finding the end zone (as seen in USC).

Blaring weakness is his speed.

If he could block he should be put into a TE position but I do not think he can block worth a lick. His lack of speed and ability to seperate in the NFL will always be a road block to him flourishing as anything other than a 4th WR or used in goal line packages.

Might be worth a pick up in deep leagues if you are very thin at WR, other than that, I would not burn a roster spot for him.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Hi Doc T,

Definitely keeping an eye on him. Yes, he's been awful. But as I wrote last night in the email update in the story about him, there isn't a coach in the league likely that knows more of what he CAN do than Kiffin. We're watching closely.

J

 

[redman]

The Raiders open the season . . . hosting the Lions.

 

[Bears_Man2]

At 23? years old now, he's already off my radar. Maybe I don't see whatever upside others see. If the guy has as good of career as Ernest Wilford I'd be surprised. The kid still doesn't get it. He came into the league thinking everything would be handed to him & nothing has be shown to change. Still coming to camp heavy (Rotoworld I believe reported)

I'd rather have someone that has the desire to be great. Not someone that was great 4? years ago in college. You can only get away with being lazy for so long. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he's cut from the Raiders and out of the league within 2 years.

 

[Tick]

NAPA, Calif. (AP) -- Twice in a span of three plays, Mike Williams worked his way free from star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha near the goal line and caught a pass from Josh McCown for a touchdown.

I stopped here.

Why? Eric Allen said he's one of the best corners in the league. Their pass defense was statistically the best in the league last year (though it wasn't as good as the stats imply since they were behind all the time).

 

[Da Guru]

This tells it all.

Lane Kiffin, who was Williams' position coach in college at Southern California, said the receiver still has work to do to get into shape.

This is the most important year of his career and Mike Williams is still not in shape.

 

[SoloMatisse]

this thread is exactly what I love about this site. Here we have an absolutely worthless NFL football player. Quite possibly the very worst football player on the 2nd worst team in the league in '06. He then gets traded away to the very worst team in football and is battling to learn an offense that last year set historic precedence for futility, and Mike Williams is the talk of the town in this place.

You just gotta LOVE Football Guys!!!

 

[Ned]

this thread is exactly what I love about this site. Here we have an absolutely worthless NFL football player. Quite possibly the very worst football player on the 2nd worst team in the league in '06. He then gets traded away to the very worst team in football and is battling to learn an offense that last year set historic precedence for futility, and Mike Williams is the talk of the town in this place.

You just gotta LOVE Football Guys!!!

sensationalize much?

 

[SoloMatisse]

this thread is exactly what I love about this site. Here we have an absolutely worthless NFL football player. Quite possibly the very worst football player on the 2nd worst team in the league in '06. He then gets traded away to the very worst team in football and is battling to learn an offense that last year set historic precedence for futility, and Mike Williams is the talk of the town in this place.

You just gotta LOVE Football Guys!!!

sensationalize much?

yeah, Im saying 40plus posts in under 2 days about Mike Williams is a little more attention than you're gonna get anywhere on the planet.....and that, indeed, is sensational!

 

[V1LL]

NAPA, Calif. (AP) -- Twice in a span of three plays, Mike Williams worked his way free from star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha near the goal line and caught a pass from Josh McCown for a touchdown.

I stopped here.

Why? Eric Allen said he's one of the best corners in the league. Their pass defense was statistically the best in the league last year (though it wasn't as good as the stats imply since they were behind all the time).

because to tab him as a "STAR" is REALLY stretching it. I can see where the article is going from right there. It's a homer article pumping the virtues of a home town kid. Not saying Asomugha isn't decent...in fact, that's what he is..decent but is NO WHERE near STAR status.

 

[Phlash]

NAPA, Calif. (AP) -- Twice in a span of three plays, Mike Williams worked his way free from star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha near the goal line and caught a pass from Josh McCown for a touchdown.

I stopped here.

Why? Eric Allen said he's one of the best corners in the league. Their pass defense was statistically the best in the league last year (though it wasn't as good as the stats imply since they were behind all the time).

because to tab him as a "STAR" is REALLY stretching it. I can see where the article is going from right there. It's a homer article pumping the virtues of a home town kid. Not saying Asomugha isn't decent...in fact, that's what he is..decent but is NO WHERE near STAR status.

Nnamdi is one of the best CBs in the league and this is coming from an unbiased 3rd party (Pats fan).Ok, I was probably wrong with my initial post but from everything I read (it wasn't everything out there, just everything I read) it always seemed as though BMW was getting the short end of the stick. If he's seriously out of shape with the Raiders, all hope is lost for him.

 

[-OZ-]

NAPA, Calif. (AP) -- Twice in a span of three plays, Mike Williams worked his way free from star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha near the goal line and caught a pass from Josh McCown for a touchdown.

I stopped here.

Why? Eric Allen said he's one of the best corners in the league. Their pass defense was statistically the best in the league last year (though it wasn't as good as the stats imply since they were behind all the time).

because to tab him as a "STAR" is REALLY stretching it. I can see where the article is going from right there. It's a homer article pumping the virtues of a home town kid. Not saying Asomugha isn't decent...in fact, that's what he is..decent but is NO WHERE near STAR status.

I see, your issue is with a player you don't hear much about being labeled a "star". I suppose that's all in how you define "star". How about

NAPA, Calif. (AP) -- Twice in a span of three plays, Mike Williams worked his way free from underrated, one of the best in the NFL, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha near the goal line and caught a pass from Josh McCown for a touchdown.