Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Preston Williams was the obvious star of the team's opening preseason tilt with the Atlanta Falcons.
Williams, 22, was signed as an undrafted free agent by Miami after a college career first at Tennessee and later Colorado State. The 6-foot-5 wideout recorded four receptions for 97 yards in the 34-27 exhibition win over the Falcons.
Teammates and coaches are taking notice, with former second-round pick cornerback Xavien Howard praising the incoming rookie.
Per Steven Wine in the Associated Press:
“That guy can be special,” said teammate Xavien Howard, a Pro Bowl cornerback. “He's just a rookie. There is so much room for improvement with him, but he's going to be a No. 1 receiver one day.”
“People forget these guys are just kids,” [first-year Dolphins head coach Brian] Flores said Saturday. “I remember being a 21-, 22-, 23-year-old, and I didn't make the best decisions. We've got to teach these young people. That's our job as coaches and educators and leaders. We're doing that Preston and all our rookies and young players, and even our vets as well.”
“Everything is an opportunity, and it doesn't matter if you're drafted in the first round or undrafted,” [Williams] said. “Everybody's got the same opportunity, so that's how I look at it.”
Williams is looking to earn a roster spot and turn into a threat for second-year quarterback Josh Rosen, who the Dolphins acquired from the Arizona Cardinals to replace Ryan Tannehill, who was traded to the Tennessee Titans in March. The Cardinals selected Kyler Murray with the first overall pick, thus explaining the desire to move Rosen.
Follow Us
Subscribe