The Miami Dolphins are an absolute trainwreck. They have had the worst start to a season in decades. They have been taken behind the woodshed and beaten senseless thrice in three games.
There has been one small glimmer of hope for the Dolphins (besides the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade looking like it will net them a top 10 draft pick in 2020). That glimmer of hope goes by the name of Preston Williams.
Williams is by no means a star; he has played in three NFL games and has 11 catches. He stands out on a terrible Dolphins team because he is not bad.
Williams’s road to the NFL has followed many twists and turns. Originally from Lovejoy, Georgia, Williams committed to Tennessee as a wide receiver. After 16 catches, 247 yards, and a pair of touchdowns in two years in Knoxville, Williams transferred to Colorado State.
After sitting out the 2017 season, Williams torched the Mountain West. He led the conference in receptions (96) and yards (1,345) while finishing second in touchdowns (14). Nationally, Williams ranked third in catches and touchdowns and fourth in yards.
Williams was ignored by a handful of NFL teams who cited character concerns, but many believed he would be a mid-round draft pick. Despite posting the stats worthy of being an NFL wide receiver, Williams did not hear his name called during the draft.
A few weeks after the draft, the Miami Dolphins signed Williams.
In the off-season, Williams looked like Miami’s best receiver. Williams outplayed the incumbent starters DeVante Parker and Albert Wilson consistently.
During the preseason, Williams recorded five catches on 13 targets, posting 104 yards. While these are not star numbers in any way, shape, or form, it was a sign that Williams showed significant promise.
Standing with a robust 6-foot-5 frame, Williams has an exceptional catch radius. Williams has solid ball skills, but he has a tendency to drop passes as evidenced by his lone drop so far in the 2019 season. Despite weak cornerback talent opposing him in college, Williams developed a knack for both getting open and creating separation after he caught the ball. Williams is both quick and fast, and he is a good route runner, especially with his frame.
Through three weeks, Williams has shown out for the Dolphins. He is the only player with a touchdown. He has 155 yards on 11 catches. While the quarterback situation makes the Dolphins’ WR1 role less than ideal, Williams has made a statement as the lead receiver in Miami. He should be an excellent piece for the offense moving forward.
Williams is one of many rookie receivers who have played well this season. While the likes of Marquise Brown and D.K. Metcalf were expected to be immediate difference-makers on offense, Williams has come into a role and played exceptionally well. He will not get the coverage that the 2019 draft class will, but when you look at the dumpster fire that is the Miami Dolphins, just know there is a budding star who wears No. 18 for the teal and orange.
There were 28 wide receivers selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. Only two have more catches than Williams (Terry McLaurin and Brown). Only four have more yards than Williams (McLaurin, Brown, Metcalf, and Mecole Hardman). Only McLaurin, Brown, and Hardman have more touchdown catches. Williams will be a star in the NFL down the line.
