All WR projections   •  Current WR rankings   •   All BAL projections   •  BAL team report   •  BAL Stats

WR Demetrius Williams, Baltimore Ravens

HT: 6-2, WT: 191, Born: 3-28-1983, College: Oregon, Drafted: Round 4

2008 Projections

Average draft position

Current as of June 28th. [Full ADP list]

Overall: Demetrius Williams (236), A Davis (237), B Leonard (238)
Position: M Kelly (227-WR78), E Bennett (230-WR79), Demetrius Williams (236 - WR80), A Davis (237-WR81), M Jenkins (240-WR82)
Click here for a comparison of these players.

Best Case

Third-year WR Demetrius Williams needs to be on the outside of the offense where he can use his big play ability to accumulate yardage after the catch. In 2007, he was misused in the slot. Despite a healthy dose of early season targets, Williams became a victim of the Ravens' horrid passing offense. For no apparent reason, the team stopped targeting him, and then he suffered a high ankle sprain that effectively ended his season. New HC John Harbaugh might recognize Williams' talent and properly utilize it. If Mark Clayton struggles in 2008 as much as 2007, Williams could be promoted into Clayton's starting spot. Or, Williams could play opposite Clayton if Derrick Mason is moved into the slot. In a best case scenario, Williams would emerge as a reliable deep threat (he has the team's highest YPC over the last two years) and supplant Mason as the team's No. 1 receiver.

Worst Case

In a worst case scenario, Williams would fail to prove he belongs in the starting lineup ahead of either Clayton or Mason. If Todd Heap stays healthy all year, Heap is the team's de facto third receiver. The team might then move away from three-receiver sets, and Williams would see his opportunities simply vanish.

Outlook

At the very least, Williams will be the team's primary backup WR. Expect the team to make better use than former HC Brian Billick did of Williams' skills. Williams uses his size and athleticism well when fighting for receptions. Williams will probably find himself back in a battle with Mark Clayton as the WR 2a/2b, downfield threat option. He should push for playing time, and all season long he could see the 6.3 targets per game he experienced in the first six games of 2007. If Williams tops 100 targets in 2008, it will have been a very good year for him. 75-85 targets, with 45-50 catches, around 700 yards, and a smattering of TDs is a more realistic upside projection.

Relevant Articles

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - The Ravens seemed intent to get the ball in Williams' hands, but they were successful on only three of the nine passes thrown his way (they did throw to him on two other plays that were nullified by a penalty). Williams did make nice yardage (and first downs) on all three of his catches, and he was targeted three times in the red zone.

Week 2 - Williams was Boller's favorite downfield target, although the two only managed to hook up one time for a 13 yard gain. Williams' last target ended with an apparent injury, but no further details were released during the game.

Week 3 - Williams continued to solidify his role as a deep threat, as he caught three passes for a 17.3 average gain (best on the team). McNair targeted him three times and Boller once. Williams had the longest catch of the game, a 26 yard hookup from McNair on the Ravens' sole touchdown drive.

Week 4 - Williams was the go to receiver in the first half, being targeted twice in the end zone and on a variety of other pass plays. Unfortunately for Williams, McNair's accuracy was lacking throughout the game, especially on the end zone passes.

Week 5 - Williams caught four passes for 39 yards, on a total of eight targets. He is used more as a deep threat for Steve McNair. He made a beautiful catch down the right sideline with a toe tap to stay in, showcasing his athletic ability. Williams later caught what was roughly a 40 yard pass down the left sideline, but McNair's throw lead him out of bounds. He did have one dropped pass. Williams appears to be receiving more snaps than Mark Clayton.

Week 6 - Williams worked mainly as a deep threat, and seemed to be WR 2-a to Mark Clayton's 2-b.

Week 7 - All of Williams' targets came in the second half. His only reception went for 18 yards to convert a fourth and ten play.

Week 9 - Williams did not catch a pass in the game.

Week 10 - A victim of the anemic Baltimore Ravens offense, Demetrius Williams had just one catch for five yards on the day.