Mike Williams could head to Oakland?

[Splat]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 1:41 pm EDT

(http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/oak/)
Oakland Raiders (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/oak/) owner Al Davis, who is fond of USC athletes, having once coached at the school, could be preparing to enlist Mike Williams (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players?type=lastname&first=1&query=Mike+Williams&q=Mike+Williams), the former Trojans receiver who is desirous of severing his association with the Detroit Lions (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/det/).


Williams, a first-round selection in 2005, has with drawn from the Detroit club's off season conditioning program in the hope that the Lions will cut him and he could be reunited in Oakland with Lane Kiffin, who coached him at USC.

[roidrunner]

interesting. williams, moss, curry. dangerous passing game. plus add russell at qb

[MasterShake]

This would be great for Oakland! Unless of course the rumored Josh McCown trade goes through which would push Mike Williams to the bench....

[Moses]

I hope for Mike Williams' sake that he does end up on another team. Say what you will about Williams but Detroit hasn't given this kid a chance in my opinion. When he was on the field for the Lions he actually didn't look half bad. I saw him catch a few slants and I couldn't figure out why they had buried him on the bench. Weight issues aside, this guy is a baller and I think it's WAY too early to call him a bust. Wait until he's in a situation where coaches like him and will give him a chance to perform.

[Stash]

Please let this not happen. The last thing the Raiders need is another lazy WR.

[M.O.T.H.]

Please let this not happen. The last thing the Raiders need is another lazy WR.

Getting reunited with Lane would be a great thing for him... I'd like to see it happen.

[bigbluedefense]

Are they running WCO though?

I think Williams needs to go to a WCO team to really harnish his strengths.

[Shiver]

Mike Williams didn't do so bad, as a rookie, in a WCO. At least in comparison to other rookie receivers, that is. I hope he turns it around and succeeds. That won't happen until he leaves Detroit.

[bsaza2358]

Shiver, do you think Mike Williams going into a WCO as essentially a rookie will help him? I know familiarity with the HC will do him good, but can he really be expected to do much?

[Xiomera]

I doubt this happens. As much as I want it to.

[Shiver]

Shiver, do you think Mike Williams going into a WCO as essentially a rookie will help him? I know familiarity with the HC will do him good, but can he really be expected to do much?

He has been in a WCO, back under the Mariucci regime.

[Go_Eagles77]

I'd like to see him make something out of his career.

[bsaza2358]

He has been in a WCO, back under the Mariucci regime.

He was in one, but he didn't have much on-field experience in one. He was inactive for a number of games that season. I'm not certain how much his mental reps from 3 years ago will carry over.

[bigbluedefense]

Wait, Kiffin is running WCO?

Then what the hell is the point of getting Russel?

[RaiderLifer]

Kiffin is calling plays and knows his strengths/weaknesses. I think this would be a low risk really high reward for Oakland.

[RaiderLifer]

Wait, Kiffin is running WCO?

Then what the hell is the point of getting Russel?

That is why I am leaning toward CJ or trade down for Quinn. Knapp is the OC it is definitely a version of the WCO.

[Shiver]

Russell did complete 68% of his passes last year. So he could definitely fit in a W.C.O, just like other Quarterbacks with similar abilities as him, like Brett Favre, and John Elway.

[Number 10]

interesting. williams, moss, curry. dangerous passing game. plus add russell at qb

With nobody blocking=No success in the air

[Xonraider]

Wait, Kiffin is running WCO?

Then what the hell is the point of getting Russel?

Exactly. Even though if we do get Russell I guess we'll have some sort of mixed WCO.

[bsaza2358]

I see no reason why the Raiders couldn't craft the WCO around Russell's skill set. Knapp did it (rather unsuccessfully) with Vick, but Childress and Reid did well with a young McNabb in the WCO. I can see Knapp borrowing a lot from the Eagles in 2000-2002 to help develop Russell. Of course, the Eagles OLine was always pretty good in the first place.

[TheChampIsHere]

Id be open to it. Hed probably come cheap and we could give him a chance to turn around a once-promising career

[bigbluedefense]

If theyre running WCO, they should get Calvin Johnson in the 1st, and a 2nd round qb.

Russell should be in an Air Coryell system. I don't like him as a qb anyway, but still.

[Splat]

If theyre running WCO, they should get Calvin Johnson in the 1st, and a 2nd round qb.

Russell should be in an Air Coryell system. I don't like him as a qb anyway, but still.

If the Raiders get CJ in the first and Trent Edwards in the second round that would be a great first day for them IMO.

[255979119]

If the Raiders get CJ in the first and Trent Edwards in the second round that would be a great first day for them IMO.

If Kalil is at number 33 the Raiders will take him...

[bsaza2358]

There is no guarantee the Raiders will go OLine at #33. It is possible they could trade back a little and still get an Edwards or a Drew Stanton in the early-mid second. Khalil is getting valued very differently by different teams. He could tumble, but I think he will be a quality player.

[bigbluedefense]

1. CJ
2. Kalil
3. Beck

That would be a great first 3 rounds for Oakland. Thats if Beck is there in round 3, which he should be.

[bsaza2358]

I feel like Beck would be an amazing addition to that team. Very good call. Some could call it a reach, but I don't think so.

[bigbluedefense]

I feel like Beck would be an amazing addition to that team. Very good call. Some could call it a reach, but I don't think so.

He's a perfect fit. I think he would thrive, especially if they bolster that oline and get CJ.

Beck's age is overrated. I like the kid alot, I think he's gonna be a steal for somebody.

[bsaza2358]

Very true. I feel like the Eagles will get him if he really falls into the 5th. Andy Reid has a soft spot for fellow Mormons. I'm not saying he will fall that far, but if he does, look for the Eagles to snag him.

[255979119]

The only question is, is Grove able to be the leader of that line. He was god awful last year.

[bsaza2358]

My thing is that I don't see the Raiders making that kind of leap of faith. Davis trusts upside early, but I think the cost/benefit would be nice for them.

[bsaza2358]

The only question is, is Grove able to be the leader of that line. He was god awful last year.

If that's the only question for the Raiders, then they should expect a playoff berth.

[255979119]

If that's the only question for the Raiders, then they should expect a playoff berth.

Concerning if they were drafting Kalil. Don't be a smartass.

[bsaza2358]

Ha. I think they have a lot more to consider with #33 overall. It is essentially another first round pick. There will be a lot of talented players available. If they were to go CJ in round 1, they may want to take the local (kind of) kid Edwards. If they go with Russell or surprise with Quinn or even take Joe Thomas, there are other considerations. It isn't just open and shut. The team has a lot of holes.

[Windy]

If theres one thing I'm confident about going into next year is that the Offensive Line will be better. We actually have a qualified OL Coach, not one of Art Shell's poker buddies. We actually have a decent Offensive Coordinator, not the Mayor of Swan Valley, Idaho. Plus the additions of Cooper Carlisle and Jeremy Newberry will help.

[bsaza2358]

If anything, Lamont Jordan should have a bounce-back campaign with help from the other RB's. The team has a lot of talent with Courtney Alexander, Moss, Porter, and Curry. If they get the right pieces to the OLine, a QB, and some defensive talent, they have a shot to not be the worst team in the league. That's kind of saying something.

[bigbluedefense]

Very true. I feel like the Eagles will get him if he really falls into the 5th. Andy Reid has a soft spot for fellow Mormons. I'm not saying he will fall that far, but if he does, look for the Eagles to snag him.

He would have to start right away though. Being 26, its not ideal for him to sit on the bench for more than a year.

I like the kid. I think someone can unearth a diamond with this kid.

[bsaza2358]

QB's can play well into their 30's, depending on their skill set. You're probably right about the Eagles, though. They won't have time to develop him and trade him if he's already 26. Still, he's the kind of QB who could be a very competent backup.

[bigbluedefense]

QB's can play well into their 30's, depending on their skill set. You're probably right about the Eagles, though. They won't have time to develop him and trade him if he's already 26. Still, he's the kind of QB who could be a very competent backup.

Definately. And whats gone unnoticed is how Andy Reid's system in Philly is taylor made to get the most out of its qb as far as production goes.

I can't remember a qb, even a 3rd stringer for that matter, bomb under Reid.

He got it from Holmgren, they know how to develop qbs.

[bsaza2358]

Well, Reid was on Holmgren's staff almost from the start. Holmgren learned from Mooch and Walsh. Lots of pedigree there. I figure that if Koy Detmer and Doug Pederson could start and not die under Reid's tutelage, than anyone can have success.

[P-L]

I too agree Mike Williams never got a good enough chance here in Detroit, but the Lions will most likely cut him. If some team can motivate him, I think he has potential.

[bsaza2358]

It's really weird that Mike Williams needs motivation. He always seemed like a hard worker. I felt like he had problems staying in shape because his body type is that of a much bigger and broader person. Kind of like a skinny TE. Maybe he needs to be used as a receiving TE threat. I think he fights his own body a lot of the time.

[Sveen]

1. CJ
2. Kalil
3. Beck

I can see that happening. Also trade Randy Moss and reunite Mike Williams with Kiffin.

[255979119]

Big Mike is also ina system that does not suit his abilities.

[Acreboy]

If Mike Williams could get his attitude straight Sean Payton and Drew Brees could make him a hall of famer.

[eaglesfan_45]

i don't care who is the QB or who the WR's are because no one is ever going to suceed behind that terrible line, and thats a fact!

[RaiderNation]

wouldnt mind him but CJ would be a better pick up

[NIN1984]

Lane Kiffin has said before that the Raiders are running a hybrid WCO, they won't be doing just dinks and dunks, they will go deep.

[49ersfan_87]

Do the raiders really need another lazy wide receiver?

[PACKmanN]

Wait, Kiffin is running WCO?

Then what the hell is the point of getting Russel?

well it can help because teams know you can go deep so they wont play low coverages. It only benfits the team that has a qb that has a strong arm.

[PACKmanN]

If theyre running WCO, they should get Calvin Johnson in the 1st, and a 2nd round qb.

Russell should be in an Air Coryell system. I don't like him as a qb anyway, but still.

samething can be said about Johnson, why stick him in a WCO when he has the skills to go deep and jump for the ball. They should get Russell or trade down and get Thomas who has been in a ZBS.

[255979119]

samething can be said about Johnson, why stick him in a WCO when he has the skills to go deep and jump for the ball. They should get Russell or trade down and get Thomas who has been in a ZBS.

I think theyre a little gun shy about drafting tackles that high now.

Say hi to Robert Gallery kids.

[Komp]

Say hi to Robert Gallery kids.


Robert Gallery is going to break out this year and be a solid OT. This of course would still make him a small bust, but he will be good this year. I think Tom Cable will finally tap into that potential. Anyways, I totally agree with you on the Raiders avoiding Thomas. Why draft one OT in the top 5 when you are still waiting for the last one to pan out.

[255979119]

Robert Gallery is going to break out this year and be a solid OT. This of course would still make him a small bust, but he will be good this year. I think Tom Cable will finally tap into that potential. Anyways, I totally agree with you on the Raiders avoiding Thomas. Why draft one OT in the top 5 when you are still waiting for the last one to pan out.

Im calling Gallery a bust because you dont give that kind of money, or draft a player that high for a RT. Dont get me wrong, I like Robert. And I do believe he will have a good year, but my opinion wont change the fear of having a LT fail for 3 years.

[Draft King]

If Mike Williams could get his attitude straight Sean Payton and Drew Brees could make him a hall of famer.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves here.

[255979119]

Let's not get ahead of ourselves here.

({-QFT-})

That is my ten characters....

[Komp]

Im calling Gallery a bust because you dont give that kind of money, or draft a player that high for a RT. Dont get me wrong, I like Robert. And I do believe he will have a good year, but my opinion wont change the fear of having a LT fail for 3 years.

So if Gallery turns out to be a solid starting OT for the next 6-7 years you'd still call him a major bust because it took him a while to get there? I dunno about that...however, he hasn't shown the ability to do that as of yet, and I would consider him a bust at this moment.

Anyways, this thread is about Mike Williams, not Gallery, so we'll let it continue on that topic...

[asmitty45]

Take him, please

[BuckNaked]

Let's not get ahead of ourselves here.

Why? I believe Mike Williams will be the greatest wide reciever, possibly in the history of football.

[SuperKevin]

Teyo Johnson part 2?

[Stash]

Why? I believe Mike Williams will be the greatest wide reciever, possibly in the history of football.

I really hope that was a joke. If it wasn't, you should be ashamed to show your face around here. The guy is a bust. He is lazy, fat, and slow; how does that translate to the greatest WR ever?

[reinar]

I think the best thing for the lions is to deal McCown and MWilliams to Oakland, getting something in return for them, before they both leave or get cut.

let McCown start the year as the QB, and then fade out as Russell takes over. Let MW try to get a spot as the 3rd WR there and see if he can light up his career after pocketing all his guarenteed money for nothing in return.

[eacantdraft]

Both Gallery and Mike Williams are busts.

[bsaza2358]

Unless your QB is a lefty, you don't take a RT #2 overall. I'm with those that voiced that sentiment. Gallery was supposed to be a franchise LT. Scott billed him as "just a level below Tony Boselli" in his initial scouting report. Gallery was also called the "safest pick" in the draft. He has performed fine, but in comparison to his draft status, he was not good. Unless Gallery gets to a few Pro Bowls at RT (unlikely), he will be considered a bust, but not a massive one.

Williams is a bust right now, but he has more time to turn it around. He really hasn't seen the field.

[rickscott]

Mike Williams is a loser. Maybe if the guy dedicated himself to being a good football player, he just may succeed. Send him to the Raiders so he can suck closer to home.

[bsaza2358]

That post had no positive or redeeming value at all. I wouldn't classify a guy who has struggled in part because the court system screwed him over as a loser. Williams got unlucky with the courts, and he had to spend a year out of football training for the draft. It is very hard to stay in football shape and also come in and produce when you're not on a team and not actually playing. For his rookie year, Williams was trying to adjust and was out of shape. Right after, the Lions changed coaches and brought in the Martz system, which doesn't fit Williams' style at all.

I consider this more bad luck than anything else.

[eacantdraft]

That post had no positive or redeeming value at all. I wouldn't classify a guy who has struggled in part because the court system screwed him over as a loser. Williams got unlucky with the courts, and he had to spend a year out of football training for the draft. It is very hard to stay in football shape and also come in and produce when you're not on a team and not actually playing. For his rookie year, Williams was trying to adjust and was out of shape. Right after, the Lions changed coaches and brought in the Martz system, which doesn't fit Williams' style at all.

I consider this more bad luck than anything else.

What bad luck? Anyone who knew slant of the courts in this country knew Williams had little chance. The courts ruled the right way.

If Mike Williams are that talented, he could fit into any system. The guy is a bum.

[bsaza2358]

Not really true. There was a window where players could declare for the NFL Draft, and Williams took it. He was stupid because he retained an agent and forfeited his eligibility. The problem then became that he was unable to return to USC. I think the NCAA screwed him, but it was a cautionary tale against declaring against the rules.

Fact is, some players fit better into systems than others. Williams is not a vertical threat, so having him in Martz's offense, even as a slot receiver, is a waste of his talent. If Martz really wanted to use him (which he apparently didn't), he would have found a role for him. Instead, they're selling him elsewhere for 20 cents on the dollar.

To spite EA and the Lions, I'm praying that Mike Williams kicks ass in Oakland, or wherever he ends up.

[eacantdraft]

Not really true. There was a window where players could declare for the NFL Draft, and Williams took it. He was stupid because he retained an agent and forfeited his eligibility. The problem then became that he was unable to return to USC. I think the NCAA screwed him, but it was a cautionary tale against declaring against the rules.

Fact is, some players fit better into systems than others. Williams is not a vertical threat, so having him in Martz's offense, even as a slot receiver, is a waste of his talent. If Martz really wanted to use him (which he apparently didn't), he would have found a role for him. Instead, they're selling him elsewhere for 20 cents on the dollar.

To spite EA and the Lions, I'm praying that Mike Williams kicks ass in Oakland, or wherever he ends up.


The rules of hiring an agent causes you to loose all your college eligability is quite clear. The only one who screwed Mike Williams is Mike Williams.

Ricky Proehl wasn't a track man and he did OK under Mike Martz. The fact that Mike Williams busted out under two different coaching regimes should tell you something.

[bsaza2358]

I already admitted that Williams was stupid for hiring an agent, but that's done. 2005 was lost due to his being out of football shape, which was basically his fault for hiring an agent.

2006 was lost because Martz and Marinelli wanted their own guys to play. Martz brought Furrey in, and he knew the system already. Williams may have had a few work ethic things, but he never got a fair shot under Mooch, and Marinelli and Martz wanted their own guys. He was blackballed.

I think the guy has talent and can play in the NFL. I'd like to see him get a shot.