Ranking the NFL’s 5 best deep-ball wide receivers
By Dustin Baker
2. Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers
40+ Yard Receptions in 2017: 10
Percentage to Total Targets: 5.58
Former teammate to Tyrell Williams, Mike and Tyrell were The Williams Bros. for two seasons for with the Chargers. The two created an odd dynamic for fantasy footballers. Folks routinely started the WR1 for the Chargers, Keenan Allen. And then box scores would be checked, and low and behold, the Williamses nabbing the deep touchdowns. Life was good for Philip Rivers.
But then Tyrell Williams and Philip Rivers split town. Mike Williams will receive passes this season from veteran signal-caller Tyrod Taylor. This is a curious pairing as Taylor is more known for an “underneath” style of passing.
In three seasons as quarterback of the Buffalo Bills from 2015-17, Taylor completed 22 passes of 40+ yards which ranked 17th in the league during the time frame. Taylor is closer to a Blake Bortles style of a passer than he is a missile-launching type.
But the Chargers do have a Plan B–the team spent high draft capital on rookie Justin Herbert in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Mike Williams will again share receiving duties with Pro Bowler Keenan Allen in 2020. Williams will stretch the field; Allen will do everything because he is just that good.