Possible Patriot Target 2015 NFL Draft – Tyrell Williams, WR, W. Oregon
 Western Oregon wide receiver Tyrell Williams could be an interesting addition to the Patriots offense. (Western Oregon Athletics image) |
As the 2015 NFL Draft draws closer we’ll profile some of the players that may be on the Patriots radar. Some of these players have already been linked to New England as possible targets; while others we feel would be a great fit.
Check out our earlier profiles on DE/OLB Nate Orchard from Utah and DT Carl Davis from Iowa.
The Patriots are in a much better position in terms of the wide receivers in 2015 than they were at the beginning of 2014. The top three players, Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola all return. In addition injured WRs Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce return. The team also re-signed Brian Tyms. During the early days of free agency the team signed former Dolphin and Ram Brandon Gibson, as well as former Packer Kevin Dorsey.
Therefore, they probably won’t address the wide receiver position in the early rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft, which begins on April 30. But one intriguing player that may be around in the later rounds of the draft is WR Tyrell Williams from Western Oregon (Div.II), who has great Randy Moss-like size, speed and measurables.
A 6'4, 210 physical freak, Williams turned in outstanding times at Western Oregon’s Pro Day.
40 – 4.38
Vertical – 39.5
Broad Jump – 10.7
Shuttle – 4.22
Three-Cone Drill – 6.53
His three-cone time would be tops in the nation and as we all know that is a drill that the Patriots favor over all others as it measures quickness and agility.
A four-year starter he improved every year and finished his career with 165 catches for 2792 yards (16.9 YPR) and 21 touchdowns. In his senior season Williams had 56 catches for 950 yards, (17.0 YPR), and 8 touchdowns, albeit against lesser competition.
He’s a straight out burner, a player who can turn a five yard slant into a 60 yard touchdown. He possesses tremendous leaping ability and very soft hands, can go up and come down with a jump ball.
Coming from a small school, his route-tree was limited and his route running is raw. But he’s already working on this. According to NFL Draft Bible, he’s already working with former NFL receiver Brandon London at the Parabolic Performance and Rehab in Little Falls, New Jersey.
He’s also a willing and capable blocker downfield and was popular with his teammates. All 32 NFL teams had scouts at his workout and according to CBS Sports’ Rob Rang, the Patriots already had him for a private workout.
Pros:
- Blistering straight line speed, excellent vertical threat
- Outstanding quickness and agility
-Soft hands, made many acrobatic catches
-Good, willing blocker
Cons
- Played against lesser competition, how will he fare against top CBs?
- Limited route tree
- May have issues picking up the intricate Patriots offense
If you’re looking for a mid-late round sleeper, Williams may be it. Initially tagged as an UDFA, he’ll probably go no later than the 5th round after his incredible performance at W.Oregon’s Pro-Day. His physical gifts will be just too good an opportunity to pass up.
He may fall right into the Patriots lap; Without a great need for a WR, the team won’t be looking for one in the early rounds. On Day 3, they could realistically pick this guy up and give him time to learn the offense, get comfortable in the system without a great deal of pressure on him to get production from jump street.
He can bring a nice vertical element to the offense that already has a plethora of short and mid yardage targets for Tom Brady to utilize. As the draft approaches, you’ll probably be hearing a lot more on Williams.
Check out his Parabolic Performance:
And His Highlight Film:
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