On the Clock: Chris Williams

by Jon Dove on Jul 26, 2011 2:00 PM EDT

On the Clock is going to be a new series of articles that examines players that are knocking on the door of being labeled a bust. Basically, these players are on the clock and its time to act because time is running out for them to capitalize on their potential.

Player: Chris Williams

Team: Chicago Bears

Position: Offensive Line

Draft History: 2008 NFL Draft, No. 14 overall

Thoughts: The 2008 NFL Draft featured 7 offensive tackles selected in the 1st round with only Jake Long and Ryan Clady going ahead of Chris Williams. The Bears were looking to add Williams to their aging offensive line and hoping he would be their long term answer at left tackle. Williams did not start any games his rookie season and was mainly used on special teams. However, the team still had high hopes that he could develop which led to him getting a starting nod in his 2nd season.

Read the rest of my thoughts after the Jump

Williams started the 2009 season at right tackle because Orlando Pace was signed to man the left side. However, Pace was unable to regain his Pro Bowl from and Williams was moved to the left side. He was able to find success on the left side building momentum towards the end of the season. The 2009 season ended with Williams shutting out sack master Jared Allen and earning high praise.

Last season the Bears felt that Williams was ready to take the next step and become a very good player. However, he struggled to find his grove and eventually missed several games with a hamstring injury. After returning from injury, Williams continued to struggle and was moved inside to guard. He didn't exactly wow anyone at guard while leaving the lasting image of him allowing Albert Haynesworth to drive him into the quarterback and basically registering a sack.

Williams is on the clock because teams don't use the #14 overall pick to select an under performing left guard. He is going to have a hard time regaining his former spot because Chicago brought in another young tackle to fight for the position (Gabe Carimi). In my opinion, Williams could be considered a bust if he doesn't end up regaining one of the tackle positions. The only way he avoids the bust label and doesn't regain a starting tackle position is by developing into a Pro Bowl guard.

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Comments

It would be interesting to know more details about what happened here:

However, he struggled to find his grove and eventually missed several games with a hamstring injury.

Was it solely the injury, or did something else change?

Kila's slash for Apr 20 to May 4, 2011, right before he was sent down: .276 / .344 / .448

by SagehenMacGyver47 on Jul 26, 2011 2:29 PM EDT reply actions

injury played apart

but he just could keep people out of the backfield

Jon Dove
NFL Analyst at Mocking the Draft
@Jon_Dove42

by Jon Dove on Jul 26, 2011 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

basically he sucked

point blank.

I'll roll up

by suckmyditka on Jul 27, 2011 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions

He was drafted at #14 overall and moved to guard, where he has played very poorly. I think we can already conclude that he has not delivered on his draft status and thus is a bust.

He will probably contribute in some form or fashion in 2011, but it’s doubtful he will win one of the tackle jobs, and the Bears would be wise to look to replace him at guard if they can.

by JDub15 on Jul 26, 2011 3:18 PM EDT reply actions

First Year was due to an injury

albeit a back injury that the GM and HC knew or should have known about

"Oy Vey, everyone's repeating everything in everymanner till this lockout's over"

by BearDownIsrael on Jul 27, 2011 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Lockout was to his advantage

much harder to put a rookie now into a starter position. I believe that CW will get a chance to hold the LT starter position (with Peppers to practice against, his status will clear up quickly) and Carimi battling Webb for RT with the loser relegated to backup or swing tackle duties along with Frank Omiyale.

"Oy Vey, everyone's repeating everything in everymanner till this lockout's over"

by BearDownIsrael on Jul 27, 2011 6:33 PM EDT reply actions