NFL Draft Profile: Austin Williams, Wide Receiver, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Austin WilliamsMississippi State Bulldogs
#85
Pos: WR
Ht: 6016
Wt: 204
Hand: 978
Arm: 3148
Wing: 7448
40: 4.55
DOB: 8/17/1998
Hometown: Ocean Springs, MS
High School: Ocean Springs
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liners:
Possession style receiver that lacks the dynamic ability to produce in the NFL.
Evaluation:
Veteran slot receiver for the Bulldogs, Austin Williams has been a consistent cog in the air raid system under Mike Leach. At his size, Williams is bigger than your typical slot receiver and it helps him work the middle of the field. Route tree consisted mostly in the first level of the defense, working underneath and just above flat zones. Williams does a good job finding those soft sports and giving his quarterback an option. He’s quick off the line of scrimmage, accelerating well into the stem of his route. Williams has only two drops in 117 targets throughout his career. His hands are soft and is able to catch passes outside his frame. In the Bulldogs' offense, Williams works strictly from the slot and doesn’t show an ability to play outside. As a slot receiver, he doesn’t have to use his athleticism or speed to find soft spots in zone. However, when projecting to the NFL, his physical traits aren’t there. The lack of dynamic speed and agility is evident. As a route runner, Williams has been limited to just the first level of the defense and hasn’t shown the ability to separate downfield. Needs to accelerate better at the top of routes and be sharper, taking angles to create separation. He lacks physicality throughout his stem and will get pushed off his route. Williams has been mostly just a possession receiver for the Bulldogs and hasn’t been able to generate consistent yards after the catch. Austin Williams has been a veteran option in this Mississippi passing attack. In his fifth year, he’s shown a consistent ability to be a reliable option out of the slot. However, with the lack of speed and dynamic receiving ability, the transition to the NFL will be hard for Williams. There won’t be a ton of teams lining up for
Grade:
UDFA
Latest News:
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: After two seasons as a part-time offensive contributor, Austin Williams exploded in 2020 under new head coach Mike Leach’s tutelage, starting nine games and quadrupling his reception total from the preceding year. In this Mississippi State system, the redshirt senior Williams typically aligns in the Slot while playing a hybrid WR/TE position that takes advantage of his 6-3, 200-pound frame and his willingness to do the dirty work as a blocker. In the passing game, the Ocean Springs, Mississippi native provides reliable hands, has a knack for finding the open spots in zone, and threatens defenses vertically with his size. (08/21/21)
Background:
From Ocean Springs, Mississippi and attended Ocean Springs High School. Was a three-star recruit coming out and graduated in 2017. Only SEC offer was from Mississippi State. Second year starting in 2021 after putting up 372 yards and three touchdowns in 2020. This past season, Williams put up 617 yards on 52 receptions in 13 games played. He also caught four touchdown passes while averaging 11.9 yards per catch. Williams finished his career with multiple accolades, including four SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll awards while earning a degree in finance. Williams appeared in 37 games over his career, starting in 14. He also spent time as the team's punt returner, making an impact on special teams.
