Quick Take: My Thoughts on the Chargers Drafting Mike Williams

As I’m sure you are aware by now, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Clemson receiver Mike Williams with the seventh overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft last night in Philadelphia. I am going to be completely honest, I was not especially thrilled with the selection. No, I wanted the Chargers to use their first-round selection to continue improving their defensive unit, turning it into a truly fearful group. Players I would have taken with the seventh pick before Williams include Derek Barnett, Malik McDowell (who is still available), and Jonathan Allen.

I can see the reasoning behind the selection of Williams. The Chargers offense struggled at times last season, especially when they had to rely on the passing game. They needed to add a receiver at some point in the draft, and they obviously felt more comfortable taking Williams early than they did taking another receiver later in the draft. Part of the reason for the Bolts struggles in the passing game has been because of injuries to the wide receiver unit. I’m sure the team feels like Williams can provide them with some security in that area. Though he did suffer a neck fracture in 2015 during a freak accident, Williams has been relatively clean in the injury department throughout his collegiate career. I just can’t help but feel like the pick would have been better spent on another position.

Of course, none of what I think really matters at this point. I may disagree with the pick, but the fact of the matter is that Mike Williams is now a member of the Los Angeles Chargers, and I hope he ends up being a nightmare for opposing defenses on Sunday’s. Williams has already said he will be the best Mike Williams in the history of the NFL. Good, I hope so, though honestly that bar hasn't been set particularly high. Nonetheless, I like that he already has confidence and plans for greatness. So, congrats to the newest member of the Los Angeles Chargers, and here is to a long and productive NFL career.