Da Windy City
Fansided

2017 NFL Draft Daily Chicago Bears Target: Clemson Wide Receiver Mike Williams

By Luis Felipe Saccini

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams catches a pass during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams catches a pass during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

If the Chicago Bears look for Alshon Jeffery’s replacement in the 2017 NFL Draft, Clemson’s Mike Williams could be the guy.

The 2017 NFL Draft is right around the corner. Today we look at a dynamic wide receiver who the Chicago Bears could target early in the draft.

The Bears took a hit in free agency when wide receiver Alshon Jeffery decided to leave and sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Because of that, you can expect the Bears to take a wideout at some point in the draft. Clemson’s star player Mike Williams would be a good option to replace Jeffery.

Williams could be the best wide receiver in the 2017 NFL Draft. Deshaun Watson’s top target is a big and strong player, listed as a 6-4” and with 218 pounds he can be scary to opposing defenses. He is also an acrobatic receiver who can make those kinds of catches that make the highlights reels Sunday after Sunday. With long arms and big hands, he will win most of the 50/50 jump balls thrown his way.

A guy like Williams is what new Bears quarterback Mike Glennon will want to have to seek success. He actually needs a more reliable weapon than Kevin White. Obviously, the Bears could think White and other young receivers like Cameron Meredith to step up. However, should they really be counting on that?

Williams is a first round talent, but he is unlikely to be an option for the Bears with the third overall pick. For him to land in Chicago, a trade down from number three would have to happen. This past weekend, the rumor mill said the Carolina Panthers are interested in LSU running back Leonard Fournette and may seek a trade up to bring the big back to play with Cam Newton.

If that’s true, the Bears could be the best trade partner. Why is that, you ask? The Jacksonville Jaguars are also heavily linked to Fournette and the Panthers may need to jump in front of them, right where the Bears are now.

If that happens, the Bears will gain a lot of picks this in the 2017 NFL Draft and in the future to drop to the number eight spot. That would be a great place to grab Williams, a guy with a lot of immediate ability and long-term upside.

Next: Bears Complete Seven-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft

In 2015, Williams almost saw his career nearly end after a fractured neck after colliding with the goal post losing the rest of the year. One full year later, Williams came back and still played at a high level all season long, helping the Tigers dethrone Nick Saban’s Alabama for the national title.

A young and experienced guy like Williams could be exactly what the Bears offense needs going forward.

Home/Chicago Bears