Chargers WR Mike Williams signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension in the offseason following his breakout 2021 campaign where he set career highs in receptions (76), targets (129), and yards (1,146) while scoring nine touchdowns.
It was the kind of performance most people expected in 2020 after he led the league in yards per reception (20.4) and had his first 1,000 yard receiving season during 2019. Though 2020 wasn’t exactly a bad season for Williams (756 yards and 5 touchdowns), it seemed more like he had regressed to the mean.
So when Williams totaled six receiving touchdowns and 471 receiving yards in Los Angeles’ first five games last season – including a 165 yard performance against Cleveland – Chargers fans rejoiced. He would end up cooling off in the second half of the season, but still managed to put up another two 100+ yard games in the process.
From a fantasy perspective, he placed in the Top 40 of most statistically significant categories, notably:
- Targets – 129 (#14)
- Target Share – 20.8% (#34)
- Target Rate – 23.8% (#39)
- Snap Share – 81.1% (#31)
- Routes Run – 542 (#10)
- Air Yards – 1376 (#19)
- Air Yards Share – 29.3% (#31)
- Red Zone Targets – 23 (#8)
- Receptions – 76 (#24)
- Receiving Yards – 1146 (#11)
- Yards After Catch – 406 (#14)
- Total Touchdowns – 9 (#10)
Williams’ 2021 season was a hot/cold year that showed what he’s truly capable of. The growing relationship he has with Chargers QB Justin Herbert should help him see more targets, and the more stable offensive unit should benefit him as well.
Health & Draft Analysis – Williams comes with a ton of upside. He is generally looked at as WR2 on the Chargers depth chart, but realistically could be WR1. His size comes with elize red zone potential while his speed ranks amongst the elite. The major concern surrounding him is his drops and his health.
When it comes to injuries, Williams has an Elevated Injury Risk (21%) and a Peak Health Performance Factor (95%). Last season he dealt with knee and hip issues, but he only missed one game. I think he could be an absolute steal in the fifth round.
| REC | YDS | TD | R/G | Y/R | Y/G |
| 76 | 1146 | 9 | 4.8 | 15.1 | 71.6 |