Blog

Aug 21, 2023

Mario Williams Draft Profile

The USC Trojans boast a deep set of playmakers for star QB Caleb Williams. We look at WR Mario Williams' 2024 NFL Draft scouting report and project his value. USC wide receiver Mario Williams is

The USC Trojans boast a deep set of playmakers for star QB Caleb Williams. We look at WR Mario Williams' 2024 NFL Draft scouting report and project his value.

USC wide receiver Mario Williams is fighting to become one of the top 2024 NFL Draft prospects on a loaded offense. We’re breaking down Williams’ scouting report for next year’s NFL Draft.

The former top wide receiver recruit in the country joined Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma before both moved to USC along with star quarterback Caleb Williams. After producing 35 receptions for 380 yards and four scores as a true freshman, Mario Williams increased his total output to 40 catches for 631 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. His biggest performance came against Utah, totaling four receptions for 145 yards.

Of USC’s four NFL-caliber receivers, Williams is the most dangerous playmaker. His impressive blend of quickness, active and choppy feet, and effortless acceleration to a decent top speed allows him to jet away from defenders and cause them headaches while in the open field.

Williams can avoid tackles with subtle movements and stress defenders who try to keep up with his jukes and head fakes.

MORE: Is Caleb Williams Going To Declare For the 2024 NFL Draft?

Because USC often forces defenses to play zone coverage, Mario thrives when he can work off Caleb’s improvisation. Mario Williams is a heady player who wisely drifts to open passing lanes. But this also creates some ambiguity to his abilities against man coverage.

Williams’ traits and skill set project well for him to torture outside and slot corners trying to cover him in a man assignment. His first and second steps create separation that easily. We haven’t seen it often enough to be sure Williams will be more than an underutilized slot target who can be an occasional gadget threat.

An expanded role for Williams may not come at USC because the team already has several archetypes in place. With Brenden Rice and Dorian Singer set as outside receivers and both Williams and Tahj Washington inside, USC hasn’t been as willing to move their playmakers around as evaluators would like to see.

I have Williams with a late Day 2 grade as someone who could bring considerable value to an offense needing quickness on third downs and in the red zone. However, it’s easy for slot receivers to fall from Day 2 talents to late Day 3 picks, as the NFL hasn’t prioritized the position in the draft. Williams will need to take advantage of his available targets and push for a bigger role to maximize his value.

Published

About the Author

Related Articles

Clayton Tune, QB, Houston | NFL Draft Scouting Report

CFB Week 0 2023: Draft Prospects Sam Hartman, Caleb Williams, and Audric Estime Stand Out

Full List of Texans Draft Picks: Who Did Houston Take in the 2023 NFL Draft?