The Bengals have one of the best WR trios in the league. However, the depth beyond that is thin. In another article, I touch on why Will Fuller could be an option to help out the WR depth. But what if they don’t bring in any more outside free agents? Well, they will be looking to the young, unproven guys to step up. Significant spots will be up for grabs. One player in particular who could be in a prime position to capitalise is Pooka Williams.
With Auden Tate’s departure in free agency, there is no clear cut 4th option, which works in Williams’ favour. Trent Taylor is the most established of the group, but still spent most of last year on the practice squad. Finding someone a bit better would be ideal. Outside of Taylor, there is no name that stands out. Mike Thomas and Stanley Morgan are primarily special teamers, Trent Irwin also was primarily a practice squader, and the others, like Kendric Pryor, Kwamie Lassiter, Jaivon Heiligh, and Jack Sorenson, are all rookie UDFA’s.
As a 2020 UDFA himself, you may be wondering what separates Williams from this pack. Well, athletically speaking, he is on another level when comparing the depth wide outs. He has the speed to win on all levels of the field and blow by his opponent, but his quickness and effectiveness in a phonebooth is what really stands out. Williams brings a different skill set that the others, even at the top of the depth chart, can’t really offer. With his athletic tools, he is an ideal candidate to be used on jet sweeps and quicker passes near the line of scrimmage. Manufacturing touches that can get him into space can potentially lead to large pickups.
In addition to his athleticism, Williams’ versatility should give him a leg up and earn him more opportunities. He has ability both as a punt returner and kick returner. His dynamic skill set makes him a threat every time he touches the ball, and his hands, for the most part, are pretty reliable. In a vacuum, I would put Brandon Wilson ahead of him for the kick returner spot, but with all the new safety depth added, one has to wonder if he makes the team. As for the punt returner gig, he will likely be battling with Trent Taylor.
For Williams, the versatility doesn’t stop at special teams. As you may remember, he was originally a RB when the Bengals signed him. His smaller size limits what he can do between the tackles, which surely contributed to his position switch. However, he can still be extremely effective as a receiver out of the backfield. Even though the Bengals do have RB’s that can catch passes, in Mixon and Evans, this additional skill set should only help Williams in his bid to make the roster and earn touches.
While he certainly will have his work cut out for him, Pooka Williams seems like a sneaky candidate to have a breakout season. As it stands now, there is no clear cut WR4 on the depth chart. This could open the door for him to use his athleticism to claim it for himself. Further, his versatility, both on special teams and on offence should only strengthen his bid. The Bengals, as shown by their draft choices, clearly value versatility. If Williams can put in a good showing during training camp and the preseason, it would not be a surprise to see him emerge as a quality depth option that can bring a different skillset to the offence.
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