Cardinals set to host Alabama WR Jameson Williams for a visit

The Cardinals are set to meet with star receiver Jameson Williams next week, a move that would be praised across the valley.

Perhaps the most exciting news for Arizona Cardinals fans this offseason, the team is set to host Alabama star receiver Jameson Williams for an official top-30 visit next week.

Williams, who has largely been connected to the Cardinals and is at the top of many of the fans’ wish lists, is one of the premier prospects in this draft. His draft stock has fallen due to a torn ACL suffered in the national championship in January, otherwise, he would likely be completely out of the Cardinals’ range at pick 23.

Originally reported by Jordan Schultz, Williams will meet with the team brass next week with two weeks to go until draft night. We’ve discussed Williams’ perfect fit in Arizona at length on the site, so it’s certainly reassuring to see the team potentially looking to make him their first-round draft selection.

Prior to this news, there were rumblings of the Cardinals’ interest in Williams and the high-ceiling they view him to have. This only confirms those rumors and adds to the signs that the team is looking to draft a wide receiver with their first-round pick.

With a large cap hit for star wideout DeAndre Hopkins, it appears the Cardinals are looking towards the draft to fill their void at receiver, as securing a star in the first round grants the team up to five years of affordable production at the position. It is also a sign of good faith towards Kyler Murray, as they have yet to add any pieces to support himself offensively this spring.

Could the Cardinals also be eying a trade-up in the draft? They’ve now met with the likes of Williams, LSU’s Derek Stingley and FSU’s Jermaine Johnson, all of whom are projected to be selected by pick 23. It’s possible the Cardinals were quiet on the trade block during free agency with eyes on some of these prospects.

Jameson Williams to the Cardinals is slowly turning into a real possibility.

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WR Jameson Williams could be a dynamic addition for the Cardinals

Alabama WR Jameson Williams is a projected first round pick and could give the Cardinals an electric wide receiver duo for the foreseeable future.

In the past two seasons, the Arizona Cardinals have been the subject of scrutiny due to their consecutive post-November collapses. 2020’s team was on pace to make the postseason and fell flat on their face. Last year’s, albeit partially due to the injuries to DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt, embarrassed themselves in the first round of the playoffs.

In both instances, it appeared the offense took a further step back than the defense. Kliff Kingsbury’s offense started off electric in both instances, but failed to keep that momentum into the winter.

The Cardinals have a glaring need at their Z receiver position, the one played by A.J. Green last season. While Green has a good chance of returning, the Cards need to find a young, electric playmaker to pair with Hopkins and Rondale Moore for the foreseeable future.

Alabama’s Jameson Williams was an explosive weapon for the Crimson Tide throughout his college career. In 15 games last season, Williams totaled 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. He previously played for Ohio State, but struggled to find playing time behind Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, both of whom will be selected in the first round later this month.

Williams suffered a torn ACL in January’s National Championship game, which puts his availability for the regular season in doubt. He recently spoke with NFL Network, giving a cautious, yet optimistic outlook on his near playing future.

“Oh yeah, for sure that’s what I’m shooting for,” he said at Alabama’s Pro Day. “But what overrules that is just me making sure I’m 100% before doing anything.”

Some have voiced concerns over Williams being unable to beat Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson out during his time at Ohio State. Many view the latter two receivers as better prospects than Williams. It’s a fair argument, but Jameson sounds like a player who thrived and developed under Nick Saban, and the challenge of practicing against the Crimson Tide defense every day.

Per Pro Football Focus, Williams leads the SEC in 20+ touchdowns since 2020 with 12. He did not play in the SEC until 2021.

TouchdownWire’s Doug Farrar gives an excellent breakdown of Williams’ game and compares him to the newest Miami Dolphin, Tyreek Hill. That sort of consistent speed threat would do wonders, particularly opposite DeAndre Hopkins.

For the Cardinals, Williams would be too good a prospect to pass up. Should A.J. Green return, the Cards could rely on him as the week one starter while Williams likely continues his rehab. When he was ready to go, he could battle for his starting spot.

There are injury concerns, but the Cardinals should rush to the podium to stop Williams’ draft fall if he makes it to pick 23. Most of the premier teams in the league today have two elite receiving options. Williams would give the Cardinals their second for the next five years.

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