Chargers News: San Diego Chargers Undrafted Free Agent Legacy “Tyrell Williams”
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks. In my previous article I mentioned how similar he looks to a young Malcom Floyd. In 2004 Floyd was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Bolts and the rest is history.
Much like Floyd, Tyrell Williams, was an undrafted free agent wide receiver signed in 2015. What is interesting is that both hail from small schools. Both players also demonstrated early on that their play on the field is quite the opposite of their school sizes. Big plays for big yards is something we all loved about Malcom Floyd. Tyrell Williams has shown flashes of that as well.
Floyd signed as an undrafted free agent out of Wyoming. Tyrell Williams signed with San Diego as a free agent out of Western Oregon. The 6′ 5″ 225 lb Floyd, took the 6′ 4″ 203 lb Williams under his wing right away. Floyd taught Williams about being a professional on & off the field. Last year was Floyd’s final season prior to retirement. It was an emotional time for all. In San Diego, there’s somewhat of an undrafted free agent legacy. This is something that dates back several years now.
One year before Malcom Floyd was signed, a little known tight end out of Kent State was signed, by the name of Antonio Gates. I think he turned out pretty darn good. Kris Dielman, longtime Chargers offensive lineman was also an undrafted free agent in 2003. He had a long career which ended in 2011. Dielman was a fan favorite and a real tough SOB. Dielmans’ retirement was prompted by concussions later in his career. It doesn’t stop there with the undrafted players in San Diego. In fact, It’s become expected to see someone undrafted make the team every year.
In 2008, Fullback Mike Tolbert now with the Carolina Panthers was brought in. Starting safety Jahleel Addae in 2013 and Dontrelle Inman in 2014 have both contributed. Nick Dzubnar, also signed along with Tyrell Williams in 2015 has shown ability as well. Tyrell Williams seems to have common traits displayed from all of the unsigned Chargers in the past. He appears grateful for all he has and works as hard, if not harder than drafted players on any club.
Philip Rivers has praised Williams on his jump from year one to year two.
“He’s one of those guys that you saw flashes of (last year) that this guy could be something,” he said. “You saw all those flashes. Not comparing the exact styles or anything, but he reminded me of Malcom (Floyd) when Malcom got here.”
Tom Telesco also had complimentary things to say about Tyrell Williams.
“Tyrell is one of our players who has made the biggest jump this offseason,” he said in his latest live chat. “He has competed very well vs our DBs and we expect to see further growth in training camp.”
Keenan Allen, Stevie Johnson, Travis Benjamin, Dontrelle Innman & Tyrell Williams round out a nice receiving corp. All these wideouts fit a unique role. You have two veterans who run exceptional routes with Allen & Johnson. A burner in Benjamin, and two, blue-collar wideouts in Inman and Williams. Inman runs well and works hard. He’s somewhat of an overachiever, my favorite type of player.
Tyrell Williams represents a long rangy, go up and get it type guy. Similar to Malcom Floyd & Vincent Jackson in the A.J. Smith Era. Williams possess 4.42 40-yard speed, much like the aforementioned Floyd who ran a 4.45 at the combine in 2004. The mental part of his game is growing as well. Route running along with what he’s shown in glimpses, should prove to only help his cause.
Tyrell has a 63 yard touchdown vs San Francisco in a Week 4 preseason contest. Williams also boosts an 80-yard touchdown vs Denver in Week 17 last season. Plays of that nature aren’t accidents. Tyrell Williams should continue to make big plays in 2016. Antonio Gates, Keenan Allen, Danny Woodhead, Travis Benjamin & Stevie Johnson are the expected play makers. Expected the unexpected with Philip Rivers and the Chargers, and I expect number 16…Tyrell Williams to show & prove his worth. Expect a big year for Williams, you heard it here first.
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