3 biggest first-round boom-or-bust prospects of the 2022 NFL Draft

2. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Another former top-10 caliber prospect with wide-ranging potential outcomes, Williams is arguably the top receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft. The biggest cause for concern here is the late ACL tear suffered in Alabama’s National Championship loss this past season. The latest update provided by Williams gives hope that the speedy receiver will be running in time for the 2022 NFL Draft.

This should put him on track to play in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season, albeit at less than 100 percent. That being said, teams at the back end of round 1 should be very interested in his services. I believe the bidding for Williams will start with the Saints at pick number 16 overall. Outside of Michael Thomas, the Saints have struggled with consistency and go-to players at the wide receiver position.

With Jameis Winston back in tow for the 2022 season, the offense needs playmakers and Williams fits that bill. The team can continue to lean on Thomas and players like Marques Calloway and Trequan Smith early until their first-rounder is fully recovered. Williams is a lightning-quick receiver with the sneaky route-running ability and elite deep speed.

Teams like Kansas City and Green Bay could also covet a field-stretcher like Williams. Despite the injury, he’s still considered a top-five receiver and a candidate to go as early as the top-10 or drop into the top of the second round. His value at the next level will be determined by how well he recovers from the injury, especially early on.