Terrance Williams was a talented and skilled four-year player for the Baylor Bears.  Many people knocked him for not entering the draft last year, saying that losing Robert Griffin III, Kendall Wright and a few other teammates to the NFL would severely hurt his game in 2012.  Williams proved them all wrong, having the best statistical year of his college career last season.

Strengths

Blocking: Williams is one of the best run-blocking receivers in this year’s class.  He dominates defenders on the outside and does a good job moving upfield ahead of the ball carrier. 

Route Instincts: Williams was used almost exclusively on the outside in his time at Baylor.  He has a great sense of when to make cuts and come back to the ball.  He also always puts his body in the most advantageous spot to come down with a contested pass.

Jump-Ball Skills: Williams’ stellar instincts play into this as well. Like I said above, he does a great job of boxing out, and getting into the right position to come down with the ball, but that’s only part of it.  Williams is also great at timing his jump just right, to reach the peak and grab the ball above everyone else. 

Weaknesses

Separation Speed: Williams is quick and does a good job of making precise cuts to gain position and getting physical at the line to gain a step or two of separation.  But he lacks that second-gear speed to kick it down and put addition distance between himself and defenders.  Corners and safeties rarely have a problem closing on Williams, even when he’s gained an initial step or two of separation. 

Multiple-Route Experience: Like I touched on above, Williams was rarely used anywhere but on the outside.  While he ran a few variations of deep routes, Williams really has no experience with a pro-style route tree.  In the NFL, even receivers who are strictly outside/possession guys, they’re still asked to run a multitude of different routes; something that Williams will have to get up-to-speed on as quickly as possible. 

Catching: Williams does a decent job of hauling the ball in, but he could definitely use some work on his hands and catching ability.  He reminds me a lot of Torrey Smith in the inconsistent way he catches the ball.  All too often Williams will use his body to make a catch instead of with his hands out away from his body.  Even on contested jump balls, more than once I’ve seen Williams tip the ball down to his chest and wrap his arms around it. 

Bottom line

Williams is a quick, smart and talented possession receiver and constant red-zone threat.  He has the experience and jump-ball skills that NFL teams look for in potential receivers.  His lack of separation speed won’t be the biggest issue at the next level, but he absolutely must work on expanding his route tree and improve catching with his hands to have success in the NFL.