Jameson Williams is Flying up NFL Draft Boards

In his latest 2022 big board, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr., has Jameson Williams rated as his No. 2 wide receiver and 11th player overall, ahead of his former Ohio State teammates Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. A former two-time 300-meters hurdles state champion in high school, Williams possesses incredible speed that NFL teams will covet.

The junior has made an instant impact in Alabama's offense. Through eight games this season, Williams ranks second in the SEC in yards (710), receiving yards per game (88.8), yards per reception (20.29), tied for third in receiving touchdowns (6) and ninth in receptions (35). He earned a spot on the Fred Biletnikoff Award watch list earlier this month, given to the best pass catcher in college football.

"Williams made my list of potential first-round sleepers a week ago, and he just keeps getting better," said Kiper. "He can take the top off of the defense with his speed, and he has shown that he can track the ball and adjust while it's in the air. Williams has been Alabama's best receiver this season."

Williams has also shown the ability to be just as dangerous in the return game.  Against Southern Miss in week four, Williams became the first player in Alabama history to return two kickoffs for a touchdown in the same game, earning SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.

"I think really he's done extremely well," said coach Nick Saban a couple of weeks ago. "He's got great speed. He's a vertical threat on every play. And he's been a real positive spark for us."

Alabama has had four wide receivers selected in the top-15 in the last two NFL drafts and Williams could be the next.