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        the Gridiron >> between the 20's >>  Williams to follow Clarett?
        
(Message started by: Tony_O on Feb 21^st, 2004, 2:51am)

Title: Williams to follow Clarett?
Post by Tony_O on Feb 21^st, 2004, 2:51am

USC wideout Mike Williams might follow the footsteps of Ohio State Running Back Maurice Clarett into the 2004 NFL draft. Here is the story from ESPN!

Friday, February 20, 2004

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- Barring an unanticipated change of heart, Southern California wide receiver Mike Williams will become the first underclass prospect to enter the draft since the NFL was forced by the Maurice Clarett case to alter its eligibility rules.

Several sources here for the league's annual predraft combine workouts told ESPN.com that Williams, who would be regarded as one of the top receiver prospects, has decided to forego his remaining two seasons of college eligibility. He has not, however, filed the required paperwork yet with the NFL and will meet this weekend with his parents to discuss his decision.

In two college seasons, Williams has 176 catches for 2,570 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Williams, 20, is actually 3½ months younger than Clarett, who challenged the league's eligibility rules and was admitted to the draft when a U.S. District Court judge in New York ruled the NFL guidelines in violation of anti-trust laws.

The NFL is appealing that decision but, because of the ruling, the league re-opened its draft deadline and players now have until March 1 to petition for early entry into the 2004 lottery April 24-25.

Because he is not yet three years removed from his high school class graduation date, Williams would not have been eligible under the NFL's former rules. Williams said after the Clarett ruling that he had no intention of leaving the Trojans, the defending co-national champions. But several general managers and personnel directors surveyed here Friday said they were not surprised by the news that Williams would be a part of the '04 draft pool.

Since he is not yet included in the draft, team officials and coaches cannot discuss Williams and his NFL potential. On Thursday, league officials told ESPN.com that no college or high school players had yet applied for inclusion in the draft under the new guidelines.

Some team officials acknowledged they have been contacted by friends of Williams, attempting to have them phone him and offer their assessments of where he might fit into this year's draft.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com
g back Maurice Clarett into the 2004 NFL draft. Here is the story from ESPN:

Title: Re: Williams to follow Clarett?
Post by Philly on Feb 21^st, 2004, 6:54am

This is huge as many experts project Mike Williams as a top 10 pick. I think he is second only to Larry Fitzgerald (and a very close second) at the WR position.

If he declares, I would anticipate that he falls to #9 and Jacksonville grabs him there. For WR-hungry teams, this will push some very good receivers even deeper into the draft.

Title: Re: Williams to follow Clarett?
Post by DirkDiggler on Feb 21^st, 2004, 12:37pm

on 02/21/04 at 06:54:25, Philly wrote:

Amen to the fact it is better for WR hungry teams. Looks like the Eagles may be able to choose between Reggie Williams and Clayton. :) (if they don't take a LB)

Title: Re: Williams to follow Clarett?
Post by Philly on Feb 21^st, 2004, 9:27pm

on 02/21/04 at 12:37:24, DirkDiggler wrote:

Amen to the fact it is better for WR hungry teams. Looks like the Eagles may be able to choose between Reggie Williams and Clayton. :) (if they don't take a LB)

They won't take a WR in the first round. Even if Clayton or Reggie Williams are available. They'll probably be looking at defensive line or possibly LB. But if they do take a WR in even the 3rd round, there will still be some value at the position.

However, I anticipate the Eagles will grab a WR in free agency (possibly Justin McCareins?) and not draft any WRs at all.

Title: Re: Williams to follow Clarett?
Post by DirkDiggler on Feb 21^st, 2004, 9:38pm

on 02/21/04 at 21:27:09, Philly wrote:

However, I anticipate the Eagles will grab a WR in free agency (possibly Justin McCareins?) and not draft any WRs at all.

Yea, I hear the Eagles have McCareins at the top of their wish list. T.O. has too much attitude and Darrell Jackson drops too many balls.

Title: Re: Williams to follow Clarett?
Post by Philly on Feb 23^rd, 2004, 10:00am

I'd be happy with McCareins as a #1, Pinkston as a #2, and Mitchell in the slot. However, I'd really like to see Billy McMullen (2003 3rd round pick) make a push for Pinky's #2 spot. He has an inch or two on Pinky and a lot more weight. He doesn't have the speed that Pinky does, but speed doesn't matter if you can't get off the line of scrimmage.