2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round
5. Titans (from LAR): Mike Williams, Wide Receiver
Top Needs: WR, DT, DE, CB
The Tennessee Titans still get a chance at a top-five talent with this pick, so they take wide receiver Mike Williams of Clemson. The Titans ranked 14th in Reception NEP per Target for wide receivers in 2016, but earned the second-fewest total wide receiver Reception NEP.
Williams, standing 6’3”, 220 pounds and projected to run a 4.50 40-yard dash, should be the whole package for weapon-starved Tennessee. He’s the whole package: a vertical threat who gets separation, a big guy with strong hands who can win at the catch point, and fearless to run over the middle. He does need to polish his route-running, but that can come later.
Last year alone, Williams had 98 catches for 1,361 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. These were the 11th-most yards among FBS wideouts with at least 60 catches last year. His third year was lost to injury, but his sophomore season also saw him rack up 1,030 yards and 6 touchdowns on 57 catches.
