Scout.com reports that the Patriots will hold a meeting with USC WR Damian Williams, but not a work out. Williams has made a name for himself as being one of the most polished receivers available in the draft, as well as one of the best punt returners. His versatility is a definite plus for the Patriots scouts. At 6-1, 197 lbs, Williams won't be a truck of a receiver, but he has the potential to beat cornerbacks every time he touches the ball.
WalterFootball.com has a scouting report that says:
Strengths:
Good height with room to bulk
Very soft hands; rarely drops passes
Great body control
Catches ball at highest point
Excellent hand-eye coordination
Love his ball skills
Quick feet
Elite-level route runner
Deceptive speed
Changes directions quickly
Slippery fast
Does an outstanding job of changing speeds in/out of routes
Generates very solid Y.A.C.
Recognizes various coverages
Can find soft spots in zone
Eats up off-man cushion quickly, then separates
Gets two feet in on sideline catches; aware
Highly talented with great upside
Polished player
Operated in traditional West Coast offense
Plays with a lot of heart
Good character and reportedly great work ethic
Weaknesses:
Quicker than fast; can he beat bump-and-run consistently?
Timed speed might go under microscope if not sub-4.5
Could be more physical at line of scrimmage
Inconsistent blocker
Has some wasted movements
Could shield corners better
Shoulder injury history must be checked into
With a 4.53 40 time, Williams has the chance to be a cornerstone of our WR core of the future. A young group of Tate, Williams and Edelman would bring back receiver depth now and set us up well down the road. Williams' versatility in the return game is a definite plus and should definitely bump him up our draft charts.
An interesting prospect with a lot of upside.