The Oakland Raiders may have missed the postseason for the third straight season, but there were still positives to take place. Among them, Tyrell Williams proved that he could be a deep-threat for the offense for the foreseeable future.
Last offseason, the Raiders signed Williams to a four-year, $44.3 million contract in free agency. Before joining the Raiders, Williams had spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers.
While in Los Angeles, the big-play wide receiver averaged 51 receptions for 813 yards and five touchdowns in his final three seasons with the franchise. Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider that Williams was playing alongside Keenan Allen.
Even though he was productive with the Chargers, they allowed him to test free agency in 2019. There were a few teams interested in his services, but Jon Gruden was elated to land Williams for his offense.
Upon joining the Raiders, Williams contributed 42 catches, 651 yards, and six touchdowns in his first season with the organization. Considering his numbers, what letter grade does Williams deserve for the 2019 season?
Tyrell Williams' grade for the 2019 season: B-
Around the same time the Raiders signed Williams, they also acquired Antonio Brown via trade. Therefore, the expectation was for Williams to be the team's No. 2 wideout that could thrive alongside Brown.
Of course, Brown created plenty of drama during the offseason and was released by the team at the beginning of the regular season. In his first game as the No. 1 wide receiver, Williams hauled in six passes for 105 yards and a score versus the Denver Broncos.
The speedy wide receiver would continue succeeding in his more prominent role in his next four games. The Raiders' offseason addition caught a touchdown pass in each of his first five games.
But after Week 4, it was discovered that Williams had suffered a foot injury against the Indianapolis Colts. The injury would become serious enough for the 27-year-old wideout to miss the team's next two games.
Following his recovery from injury, Tyrell Williams produced three receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown versus the Houston Texans in Week 8. Despite looking close to one-hundred percent, it was evident that the foot injury hindered him for the rest of the season.
Given the circumstances, Williams still had a gratifying first season with the Raiders. Williams has proven that he's better suited as the No. 2 option in an aerial attack. The Raiders will undoubtedly address the wide receiver position in the offseason.
At the same time, Tyrell Williams flashed his potential in Gruden's offense in 2019. If the team can add another wide receiver to the offense, the Raiders could see an even better version of Williams in 2020.
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