Mike Williams: Not a Charity Case For The Seahawks

Life is often easiest when expectations have been lowered.  Coming into to this season few players had a lower expectation level then Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams.  To say that Williams has been a disapointment in the NFL so far would be an understatement.

I have a hard time labeling an NFL player a bust, praticularly a wide receiver as long as he is still walking, for several reasons.  First of all a receivers ability to get the ball is predicated on the ability of his QB to deliver him the ball. Secondly, not all players fit every scheme and a bad schematic fit can make almost any player look bad.  Finally, not every player can handle the transition to the next level and everything that comes with it.

None of this is a excuse for Williams poor performance in his career so far.  While he played for the quagmire that is the Detroit Lions no one can argue that his physical and mental preparation were sub standard at best while in the Motor City.  Williams lost his quickness as his weight grew and his talent was not enough to over come his lack of mobility.

After Detroit Williams bounced to Oakland and Tennessee with even less success and found his way out of the league for the past two years.  This is when Mike officially hit rock bottom. 

This off season Williams was offered a chance to compete for a roster spot in Seattle under former USC coach Pete Carroll.  Carroll has yet to show any preferential treatment to his former USC players and Williams will be no exception.  With former USC players Lendale White and Lawrence Jackson cut and traded respectfully I have no doubt that Williams will have to earn his spot on the team.

So far Williams has done his part this preseason.  He looks to be in good shape and played well in the teams first preseason game albiet with and against second stringers. 

A distinct advantage that Williams possesses on this team is his size.  He happens to be the only receiver on the roster with his practicular physical tools.  Even if he were to only be used in redzone situations he would still be an asset to the team.

Will Mike Williams ever live up to the lofty expectations he had coming out of USC?  Probably not but he can be a produtive player in the league.  At the age of 26 Williams still can salvage his career even if he can't move past shadows of his early failure.