Grade the Pick: Derrick Williams

[MoTown]

Lions draft WR Derrick Williams out of Penn State with the 82nd pick.

Approve?

Grade?

[Tahoe]

The only reason he doesn't get an F from me is he is a return man. But his hands are so suspect, what good does a returner do you if you can't catch it.

[MoTown]

This is the pick that got the biggest LOL from me. I don't care if Crabtree was available in the 3rd round, I didn't want a receiver. I just keep having flashbacks....

[Tahoe]

Definately THE worst pick this year.

[darkobetterthanmelo]

I liked it, he is a game changer and will impact the game much more than any other player on the board. Stop drafting off need and get the best player available, like a stud who was a standout at Penn State.

[Tahoe]

He dropped after his combine performance, cuz of his hands. If he can catch the ball, he might be a game changer, I don't know, but he has to catch it first.

[Hermy]

Say what you will about what this says, but we do/did need a receiver.

[DrRay11]

Even with the additions of Ronald Curry, Bryant Johnson, and Will Franklin?

[Tahoe]

Not much of a position of need at all for me.

[Zekyl]

SI.com

POSITIVES: Athletically gifted prospect with the ability to impact games in a variety of ways. Quickly releases off the line, runs good routes, and gets separation from opponents. Adjusts to the errant throw, extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame, and then immediately transitions from making the reception to running after the catch. Fluid, displays a great burst and plays much faster than his 40 time. Comes back into the clearing to make himself an available target, strong for his size, and uses his frame to shield away defenders. Game-changing return specialist, also picks up positive yardage running reverses.

NEGATIVES: Double catches too many throws on occasion, and does not consistently come away with the difficult reception. Has been moderately productive at Penn State, but never met expectations. Ran poorly at the combine, which has sent up a lot of red flags.

ANALYSIS: Williams was a highly recruited high school prospect who quickly came in and produced for the Penn State offense. His game never progressed the way scouts thought was possible, though Williams did look like a complete wideout at the Senior Bowl. He's showing signs of finally pulling the pieces together, and he offers potential as a number two receiver at the next level.

PROJECTION: Free Agent

PROJECTION: Free Agent?

Really?

In the 3rd?

We needed a return man, that's very true, but there were bigger areas of need in the 3rd round. Buchanon could return punts, we could find someone to return kicks. I'm not a fan of this pick unless he learns to catch the ball better.

Edit: NFLDraftCountdown has him rated as a 2nd-3rd.

I guess that's my fault for just reading the first source and reacting.