Seth Williams’ big frame will be his big advantage

In a crowded wide receiver room, rookie Seth Williams will need something to set him apart.

The former Auburn Tiger’s production in the red zone might be that thing.

In the run-heavy offense at Auburn, Williams was the leading target for the Tigers, logging 132 combined receptions for 2,124 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns over his three seasons at the SEC school. And he was the school’s fourth receiver in history to gain more than 2,100 career receiving yards.

Seth Williams’ profile

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 211 pounds
Experience: Rookie
College: Auburn

The good

Playing in the SEC means Williams comes into the pros having faced plenty of high-level talent, and his big-bodied frame is going to be an asset against NFL defenders.

“I can run and overpower my defenders that are guarding me. I’m able to make the big play and I don’t shy away from the big moment at all,” he said at his post-Draft presser. “I’m ready for it all.”

Since the Broncos’ offense hasn’t been particularly successful in the red zone, perhaps Williams can bring some of his college success in that area. Of Williams’ 17 career touchdown catches at Auburn, eight came from inside the 16.

“That is one of my go-to things to do,” he said. “Just being a big bodied receiver in the red zone is what I can do.”

Word from OTAs was that the late-round pick was pretty impressive, though it will likely be his ability on special teams that will earn Williams a spot on the roster.

According to the Draft Network profile on Williams, the receiver has great hands to go with his big body, helping him get those contested catches.

“He’s fearless when catching slants over the middle and is very good in contested catch situations. In the NFL, he will be a red zone nightmare for defenses in slant, fades, 50/50 balls, and back-shoulder situations. He will have no problems excelling on special teams if needed.”

The not-as-good

Given that Denver already has a pretty stout roster for the first four receivers - including Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler and Tim Patrick - plus Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam, Williams is going to have an uphill battle to get on the roster even with potential special teams work. Denver had re-signed Diontae Spencer in the offseason to almost assuredly secure the fifth roster spot primarily for his special teams prowess.

If Williams’ strength is his catching ability, his weakness is his speed and ability to separate, which will make for a long day against today’s speedy defenders. Though a little practice against the Broncos’ defense should help him improve.

“He likely won’t win against press coverage with foot quickness. However, when he learns to use his hands and excellent functional strength, he won’t have an issue off the line of scrimmage. ...He doesn’t have elite separation agility at the top of the route and likely won’t win with quickness against man coverage in this way—he has some stiffness in his hips.” - The Draft Network

Final thoughts

With the top four positions all but set on the wide receiver depth chart, and several guys vying for the fifth including Spencer, Tyrie Cleveland, Kendall Hinton and Warren Jackson, Williams is looking at a tough battle ahead.

But as Sutton and Patrick hit free agency next March, Williams’ potential down the road - along with his special teams contributions immediately - could give him a boost onto the roster.