NFL - The Athletic on Mike Williams

ArticleHow rare are gap years between college and the NFL? Brendan Sorsby has few para...Captured July 6, 2026
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He spent much of 2004 preparing for the pros in Georgia before the Lions drafted him 10th (one pick ahead of Pro Football Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware). Williams never really panned out; he played for five teams, accumulating 30 starts and 1,526 receiving yards.

STACKED’s take

Negative signalBust

WR drafted 10th after gap year, 30 starts and 1,526 yards across five teams

Williams took a gap year in 2004 after two standout seasons at USC, spending much of the year preparing for the pros in Georgia before being drafted 10th overall by Detroit (one pick ahead of Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware). He was traded to the Raiders two years later to reunite with former college coach Lane Kiffin, but never panned out; he played for five teams with only 30 starts and 1,526 receiving yards across his career.

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