By Jordan Long
The University of Alabama fell to the University of Georgia in the National Championship Game 33-18. In the loss, wide receiver Jameson Williams tore his ACL. He was expected to be a top 20 pick in this years’ NFL Draft if he chooses to enter it. He could decide to come back to Alabama for his senior year.
Williams had the best season in his college career. He transferred from Ohio State to Alabama. Williams spent 2 years with Ohio State but didn’t have a lot of production nor was he a major part of the offense. In 2019 and 2020, he suited up in a total of 10 games for Ohio State. In those appearances, Williams caught 15 passes for 266 yards, averaging 17.7 yards per pass. He also added 3 touchdowns. Williams decided to transfer to the University of Alabama. He was expecting to have better success and increase his draft stock.
Williams did just that. This year he was the top target for quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young. Young looked for him early and often. When Williams caught the ball, those were for first downs or longer. He led Alabama in passing yards and touchdowns. Williams totaled 1,572 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. His average yards per catch was an impressive 19.9 yards.
In the National Championship game, Williams caught 4 passes for 65 yards. Unfortunately, he was hurt with 12:28 left in the 2nd quarter. He caught a 40 yard pass and went down after catching the football, a non-contact play. He was ruled out of the game, suffering an ACL tear. Williams is expected to make a full recovery.
Before the injury, Williams was projected as an early first round pick in this years’ NFL Draft. Plenty of teams could use Williams because of his speed and his ability to blow past from a defensive back to catch the football. Now that he has a long road to recovery, it could be teams may stay away from him. His draft stock may go down. Franchises want to make sure he is 100% healthy before they select him and who knows if Williams will be ready to play in 2022.
Williams has not decided if he is going to enter the NFL Draft. It could be best for him to go back to college so he can get the medical care and rehab he deserves. Williams could also show the NFL that he is back to 100%. Then again it is his choice. Williams has until Monday to declare for the draft. The NFL draft can wait though since Williams will most likely be picked even if he goes next year.
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