Mike Williams selected #7 overall in 2017 NFL Draft

Tony Crumpton by Assoc. Editor -

Former Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams was selected #7 overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.

"He reminds me a lot of Alshon Jeffery. Big at 6-3 1/2 218 pounds," Mel Kiper said on ESPN. "Good hands, he will drop a ball every now and then when concentration drops. I think you look at him as a player who is going to work hard. He ran 4.50 40 at his Pro Day. Some people thought he would be a 4.58. I think that solidified Mike Williams. He was the number one receiver on my board."

"Mike Williams is all about separating with length, power and catch radius," Mike Mayock said on NFL Network. "He’s a dominating, physical presence. He’s a back-shoulder guy and you’ll love him in the redzone."

“I think it’s a good pick for the San Diego Chargers, but I also look at Mike Williams as a high-jumping rebounder," Steve Smith said on NFL Network. "He’s not as fast as Corey Davis and is nothing close to John Ross. At the same time, you can throw the ball anywhere and he’s going to catch it. His range is unbelievable. He does lack the speed. He’s still a solid pick and he’ll catch a ton of passes."

Williams bounced back in a big way from a season-ending injury in the 2015 opener, finishing his career as one of Clemson’s most decorated wide receivers in history. In three seasons, Williams compiled 177 receptions for 2,727 yards and 21 touchdowns in 1,871 snaps over 42 games (30 starts) in his career. He is third in Clemson history in receiving touchdowns, fourth in receiving yards and fifth in receptions.

In 2016, Williams was the Clemson team leader in receptions (98), receiving yards (1,361) and receiving touchdowns (11) for Clemson's second national championship team. He has the second-most receptions and third-most receiving yards in a season in Clemson history and had five 100-yard efforts.