Tyrell Williams has had an interesting career path. The Oakland Raiders receiver has been unheralded his whole life. He wasn't heavily recruited out of high school and was forced to attend Western Oregon instead of playing at a major college program.
Williams didn't let the adversity impact him, and he put up huge numbers at Western Oregon. It still wasn't enough for him to get drafted, but he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2015. Williams didn't play much as a rookie, but he earned the trust of the coaching staff and got some positive buzz.
It led to a breakout season in 2016, as Williams emerged after Keenan Allen went down with a torn ACL. Williams ended up putting up 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns, putting himself on the national radar. He put in steady work the past two seasons in a more crowded receiving corp, and became a free agent last year.
It all culminated in him landing a huge four-year, $44 million contract with the Raiders. Oakland traded for Antonio Brown this offseason, but they didn't have much else at receiver behind him. As such, it's fair to expect big things from Williams this season. He'll be operating as the clear number two option, and with Jared Cook no longer on the team, the Raiders don't have much at tight end.
Williams will take a backseat to Brown in the offense, but he doesn't mind. In fact, at his introductory press conference, Williams said Brown's presence attracted him to Oakland.
“Seeing AB come here, seeing some of the things they’re doing on the offensive side of the ball, it’s exciting,” Williams said, per Scott Bair of NBC Sports. “I’ve gone against the Raiders the past four years, so it’s an easy transition for me.”
“Antonio’s going to draw a lot of attention,” Williams said. “When they’re doubling him I’ll be able to get a solo matchup. I’m definitely looking forward to that.”
“As a receiver everybody wants the ball, but I think all of us are going to have opportunities to get the ball and make plays in this offense,” he continued. “I have a chance to learn from one of the best receivers in the game, so why not do it?”
Williams is absolutely correct, and the defensive attention that Brown commands should only help Williams in 2019.
The Raiders have the potential to have a very exciting offense in 2019, and Williams will be a very large part of that. This is a crucial year for Derek Carr, as he's looking to prove he is the Raiders' quarterback of the future. Carr needs to take more chances down the field, and Williams has proven he can be a great deep-threat in the past.
He's shown plenty of ability when given the opportunity in the past, he just needs consistent targets. Playing in Jon Gruden's offense, he should be able to get them. The Raiders wouldn't have given Williams the contract that they did if they didn't plan on passing him the ball.
Williams should fit perfectly into the Raiders' offense and will show why they gave him such a lucrative contract.
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