The Ultimate Bust: How NFL Drafting has somewhat Changed post-Mike Williams
Michael D. Williams (born January 11, 1980 in Dallas, Texas) is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills out of the University of Texas with the fourth overall pick of the 2002 NFL Draft. Weighing 360 lbs, Williams seemed destined to be the anchor of the AFC's heaviest offense. But, in hindsight, many observers now consider the Tom Donahoe's decision to draft Williams to be one of his biggest mistakes as Bills GM.
While he provided fair run blocking on the right side, Williams failed to show a flair for pass blocking and remained an unpolished player. Due to continued woes on the Bills' offensive line, Williams was moved by the coaching staff to left guard in order to assess his talents on the inside of the line. This tryout, though, was cut short by Williams' semi-frequent injuries.
After the 2005 season, Williams was cut. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 14, 2006 but was placed on injured reserve on August 29, ending his season.
EDIT: From Wikipedia. Deleted link because it wouldn't work.
I watched the 2002 Draft, but can anyone answer this question. I'm pretty sure that the talking-heads were together in saying - "this was a good pic!" I think they were pushing the "big = good" Caste line.
Onto the question... We know Kiper's an idiot and I believe Mike Williams was very high on his board. Does anyone know exactly where Mike Williams' was on Kiper's "best available" list that they show during the Draft? Top 10 would be my guess.
I wasn't really thinking about "race and sports" back then or I would have taken notes. I also wasn't "in awe" of the superhumans flashing before my eyes. Even if one is not totally awake, it's still possible to see the charade and artificialness.
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The NFL will still draft 350+ pounders, but there is a tendency to pick them lower these days.
If guys like Andre Smith (Alabama), Phil Loadholt and Duke Robinson (both Oklahoma) are drafted particularly high, they'll be good potential bust candidates.
Michael Oher may have slimmed down, but if he goes to St. Louis or Oakland or Seattle or Cincinnati, that team might not really be better. Eugene Monroe (Virginia) is not a "game-changing" OT, but still might be a 1st or early 2nd pick.
There should be a number of Joe Thomas/Jake Long-prototypes in the next few draft classes -- Lee Ziemba (might be a natural RT), Carimi, Bulaga, Hix, Kyle Jolly, etc.
I think some college programs have finally realized the importance of providing protection for the QB, which is why I'm seeing some lower-rated Whites starting over the higher-rated "stud athletes" (according to Rivals). That development makes me feel good. Why bring in these slugs in the first place? If the starters happen to get injured, these slugs will get EXPOSED. I'm sure the "team fans" would love that...
If teams want first-rate QB's, they need to provide a first-rate line! Make's sense right?
Edited by: Deadlift