Devon Williams Scouting Report- 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report
Oregon Ducks, Wide Receiver, #2
Measurements
6′ 5″/ 207lbs
40 time: 4.65 at NFL Draft Scouting Combine
Devon Williams NFL Draft Player Profile
Devon Williams is from Lancaster, California and played for Antelope Valley H.S. He had a stellar overall career at his high school including his senior statline of 71 catches 1,157 and 13 TDs. Williams also recorded five interceptions, including one pick six, and 67 tackles. His stellar season as a senior made him a 4 star recruit coming out of high school according to 247sports. He was a top ranked athlete in the country and seventh ranked overall prospect in the state of California. This is even more impressive when you consider Williams played quarterback his junior year, rather than playing wide receiver. He threw for 1,150 yards, 11 TD’s and only 4 interceptions. Williams also added 397 yards and 3 TD’s on 71 carries.
He ended up committing to the University of Southern California where he played in 12 games as a Trojan, mostly on special teams. After his freshman year, he transferred to the University of Oregon. Devon Williams had a very solid two years at Oregon recording a total of 50 receptions, 843 yards and 6 TDs. He averaged 16.9 yards per catch, and 46.8 yards per game. He has decided to forgo his senior season at Oregon and declare for the draft. Williams was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Devon Williams Strengths
50/50 Ball
Many of Williams’ catches were 50/50 balls with him against the cornerback, even once in triple coverage. He won the majority of the chances given. He is able to locate the ball in the air and high point it where only he can get it. Most times it was on the fade, but some were even back shoulder catches in the air.
Size/Frame
Devon is a good sized receiver standing at 6’5, which is very tall for a wide receiver. The average height of a receiver in the NFL is 6’2, so his height gives him a distinctive advantage over other receivers. He is at a very good weight for his height. Williams only weighs 207, which is ideal for a receiver.
Blocking
He brings physicality when he blocks, which catches scouts’ eyes. It’s not often you see receivers who like to be physical with blocking, as most like to just catch passes and get by with blocking enough. He has the IQ to block with authority and make room for his running backs on the outside. This is a great skill for Devon to have going to the next level.
Catch In Traffic
Oregon WR Devon Williams
There were multiple times that Devon showed his ability to focus down the field when in tight coverage. Also, when he was in small windows he was able to make big catches in traffic with defenders all around him. This is an important ability to have, as in the pros you rarely get wide open.
Body Control
He has the flexibility to change his body position on any given route, or when the pass was in the air. Williams is able to stay balanced in his movements. He is able to reset himself after the catch to make a play and gain some extra yardage.
Devon Williams Weaknesses
Release/Separation
His release off the line could use some work, as he seems a bit sluggish when running off the line of scrimmage. He does have a longer stride than most so it can make up for his slow release, but adding more quickness off the line will only benefit him against NFL cornerbacks. He also lacks the ability to create real separation from his defenders, which results in tougher catches for himself and more accuracy needed by his QB.
Physicality Off the Line
Often, a wide receiver of his size can be pretty physical off the line. For example. you can look at bigger receivers like Calvin Johnson, or DK Metcalf who are physical off the line. It seems that Devon lacks a bit of physicality off the line of scrimmage. Cornerbacks will not allow a big shot receiver like him to run free off the line. This is something that he will need to improve and get used to at the next level.
Devon Williams Draft Stock
Oregon WR Devon Williams
Devon Williams declared for the 2022 NFL draft, choosing to opt out of his final year with the Ducks. He put up very good numbers the past year with Oregon, being their number 1 receiving threat. Despite the below average quarterback play, he was able to show true potential. The class of wide receivers is pretty deep this year. I see him potentially being drafted in the 4th round of this year’s draft, due to him coming out a year earlier and how deep numerous position groups are this year.
There are a few teams that come to mind when needing to add a deep threat big receiver to their depth charts. The first team I think of is the Baltimore Ravens. They have Hollywood Brown, but don’t have that big receiver that could stretch the field and become a red zone threat outside of Mark Andrews. Lamar Jackson could benefit from having a receiver that can win deep ball battles.
Final Thoughts on Devon Williams Scouting Report
I believe Devon Williams has the tools and skills to become a very solid receiver for any squad in the NFL. It is always nice to have a tall receiver on the roster that can go up and find the ball and make those deep plays. With a bit of seasoning and experience, he could become a solid
starter at the next level. With his size/frame, athleticism, flexibility and nose for the ball, he comes into the NFL with some serious skills that teams can look to build upon and add a threat to any offense.
NFL Comparison
I think that Devon Williams style of play, and skill set reminds me of Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams out of Clemson. He’s a big body receiver who specializes in 50/50 balls,
catches in traffic while still being a deep threat. Williams’ play with the Ducks mostly reminded me of him when watching the film.
Devon Williams Scouting Report analyst Keith Libby.
