2 reasons why Jameson Williams is worth the risk for the NY Jets

The NY Jets' offseason started with a shocking splash. Faithful Gang Green fans were daydreaming about revamping the roster with their treasure trove of 2022 NFL Draft picks. Then, out of nowhere, the news broke. The Jets were on the shortlist for a trade to acquire superstar playmaker Tyreek Hill.

While Hill would ultimately choose the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins, the trade talks made one thing abundantly clear. General manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh are committed to adding a premier playmaker to combine with 2021 No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson.

While New York failed to add this playmaker via the trade market, they have two premium picks (No. 4 and No. 10 overall) in this month's NFL Draft. This could put them in a position to have their pick of one of the deepest wide receiver drafts in recent memory.

After the Jets were unable to make any real assessment on what they hope is their franchise QB in Zach Wilson due to a lack of offensive playmakers during his rookie season, New York now appears ready to revamp their skill position talent.

On one hand, this puts New York in an excellent position to add a true No. 1 receiver. On the other, it forces the franchise to make an agonizing decision between several top prospects with similar draft rankings.

The Field

I recently published a full first-round mock draft in which the Jets select USC star Drake London with one of their top picks. If I had to place a wager, I still believe that this is both the wisest and most likely scenario.

However, there is one other option that chimes in as a close second: Alabama star Jameson Williams. While this is a riskier play, the upside for New York would more than justify grabbing Williams. Especially if he remains available at No. 10 overall.

Pro Football Focus currently ranks London as their top WR prospect and No. 11 overall prospect. Williams, enter the fray as WR3 and the No. 16 overall option.

For the record, Ohio State standout Garrett Wilson is their No. 2 WR. In a vacuum, this isn't a huge difference. So what makes Willaims a riskier play?

Jameson Williams: The Risk

The conversation surrounding Williams' draft stock took a hard turn when he suffered an ACL tear during the National Championship game. Had he been able to participate in the normal Combine and pro day routines, he may very well have been the No. 1 WR in this class.

The list of young football players who have overcome an ACL tear with no lingering effects is a mile long. Yet, a serious injury is always a reason for concern. Particularly in a process as detailed as the NFL Draft evaluation.

Reports indicate that Williams is hopeful that he can recover in time to participate in training camp. Which, barring setbacks, means he will be ready to suit up for a new team on Week 1 of the NFL schedule. However, his timeline and potential for setbacks will give the Jets and other front offices pause.

Jameson Williams: The Upside

So, the major question is: Will drafting Jameson Williams in the top-10 be worth this risk? I say yes. Why? Because his speed and athleticism are game-breaking.

Despite not getting the chance to show off his elite speed during the annual Combine, Williams has still been called the best deep-threat in this class and the NFL's next big playmaker. If the Jets were set on a Tyreek Hill-like talent, Williams is clearly the most comparable player in this draft class.

He has already been compared to fellow Crimson Tide playmakers like Jaylen Waddle and Henry Ruggs. In a modern NFL that values elite speed as high as it ever has, Williams offers an upside that no other receiver in this class can match.

The risk cannot be ignored. But the superstar potential will certainly cause a team to bite. The Jets would be foolish to not seriously consider being the team to bite on Williams first.

NY Jets: The Fit

This begs one final question: Does Jameson Williams fit well in the current NY Jets' offense?

While I do see the benefit of targeting possession-typed receiver like London who has the ball skills to make himself open even when closely guarded, one cannot deny the upside of Williams.

The Alabama superstar would fit especially well in an offense that features a returning possession receiver in Corey Davis and a big, playmaking, tight end in newcomer C.J. Uzomah.

Zach Wilson is not a quarterback lacking in arm strength or an ability to drive the ball down the field. Imagine what he could look like with Williams and budding star Elijah Moore streaking down the field on either sideline. This could open up the offense in a way fans have not seen in any recent era of Jets football.

The Jets' decision-making process over the next several weeks could set the franchise on an entirely new trajectory. If things break right, New York may have finally built a roster worthy of contention in the AFC East. If the Jets pass on players who go on to have superior careers, it will add even more fodder to the ridicule.

Yet, even with these high stakes, the risk is worth the reward in the case of Jameson Williams. He is worth serious consideration at either of the franchise's first-round picks.