Mike Williams and Haason Reddick announce meetings with the Ravens

On Friday night, NFL Network aired on-set interviews with Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams, and Temple linebacker Haason Reddick who each announced that they would be meeting with the Ravens. The two are both regarded as first round picks, and as players that the Ravens could be targeting with the 16th overall selection.

Williams met with the Eagles and Bengals at the Combine, but said on NFL Network that he will meet with the Ravens, Browns and Titans. The Clemson product is viewed by many scouts to be the best wide receiver in this year’s draft class. Williams stands at 6’4”, and ran in the 4.4’s at his pro day. While that speed does not often appear on tape, it is impressive that a player of his size can move so well. Williams has excellent hands, and knows how to use his size in order to win jump balls. As I discussed when comparing Williams to Corey Davis of Western Michigan, another reciever projected as a first round pick, Deshaun Watson threw many back shoulder passes to Williams, but Williams won those jump balls with ease. His capability as a security blanket for a quarterback in addition to his ability to make big plays would make him an easy pick for the Ravens if available.

When asked what teams he would be meeting with, Reddick mentioned the Titans as the only team besides the Ravens. Reddick began his career at Temple as a defensive back, but later transitioned to linebacker. In his senior season, Reddick was a dominant pass rusher. However, his climb up draft boards truly began at the Senior Bowl, where Reddick starred as an inside linebacker. His coverage skills from his career as a defensive back translated well to inside linebacker. Thus, the Ravens may be interested in pairing Reddick with C.J. Mosley to fill the void left by Zach Orr’s sudden retirement. However, it is doubtful that the Ravens would select Reddick if a player like Williams, Davis, or Derek Barnett were to be on the board at the 16th pick.

Reddick and Williams are both excellent players, but the Ravens will want to get to know these prospects to make sure they will help the team on, and off the field during their potential career in Baltimore.