2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Isaiah Williams, WR Illinois
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Isaiah Williams, was a 4-star recruit who grew up in St. Louis and attended Trinity Catholic High School. He was named the Gatorade Football Player of the Year for the state of Missouri in both his junior and senior seasons, and played in the All-America game in 2019.
After committing to the University of Illinois, Williams was a 3rd year freshman before he saw meaningful playing time, converting from quarterback to wide receiver at that time. But he didn’t fully breakout until his senior season, where he earned First-team All-Big Ten honors after posting more than 1000 receiving yards.
The Fighting Illini’s leading receiver for three straight seasons, Williams more than held his own in the Big Ten. The only question is what role can he carve out on an NFL team?
Measurables
NCAA Statistics
| Receiving | Rushing | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2019 | Illinois | Big Ten | FR | QB | 4 | 3 | 9 | 3.0 | 0 | 9 | 16 | 1.8 | 0 | 12 | 25 | 2.1 | 0 |
| 2020 | Illinois | Big Ten | FR | QB | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 63 | 389 | 6.2 | 1 | 63 | 389 | 6.2 | 1 | |
| 2021 | Illinois | Big Ten | FR | WR | 12 | 47 | 525 | 11.2 | 4 | 12 | 61 | 5.1 | 2 | 59 | 586 | 9.9 | 6 |
| *2022 | Illinois | Big Ten | SO | 13 | 82 | 715 | 8.7 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 0.7 | 0 | 89 | 720 | 8.1 | 5 | |
| 2023 | Illinois | Big Ten | SR | WR | 12 | 82 | 1055 | 12.9 | 5 | 12 | 38 | 3.2 | 0 | 94 | 1093 | 11.6 | 5 |
| Career | Illinois | 214 | 2304 | 10.8 | 14 | 103 | 509 | 4.9 | 3 | 317 | 2813 | 8.9 | 17 | ||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- Good lateral movement and short-area quickness
- Plus acceleration to turn upfield and take advantage of YAC opportunities
- Shifty in space
- Useful on end arounds and in the screen game
- Deliberate in his movements, setting up defenders and generating extra yards
Weaknesses
- Size will limit his role at the next level
- No elite traits, despite some very good athleticism and ball skills
- Appears to play slower than he is on film
- Has not had to face much top-tier competition in college
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: 6th Round
Ideal Landing Spot: Los Angeles Rams
The Rams aren’t exactly hurting at wide receiver, but their lack of depth is concerning. With Williams, they get a versatile short-area option to take the pressure off the intermediate areas of the field where Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua like to operate. And with Tyler Higbee out for some time in 2024, there is a need to add rotate pass catchers to create those mismatches Sean McVay loves to scheme up.
For Los Angeles, Williams can provide depth with the ability to start in a pinch. He can offer cheap return man services as well, making him an ideal fit for a team in need of help on special teams. And, should there be an issue for the oft-injured Kupp, a delay in Higbee’s rehab, or an injury to another starting piece, Williams can fill a role for the veteran Matthew Stafford to help move the chains.
For Williams, the Rams offer a great place to learn. In addition to being coached up by one of the best offensive minds in the game, he’ll have the opportunity to learn from Kupp, Nacua, and Stafford. Even veterans like Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell can provide the tutelage to help him hone his skills at the next level. This one is a win-win for all involved, and only at the price of a 6th round dart throw.
Post-Draft Analysis
Undrafted Free Agent signed with the Detroit Lions
Williams
