Miami Dolphins’ undrafted free agent receiver Preston Williams has quickly gained a notable following in his short time with the team. Williams, who came to Miami from Colorado State, demands attention on the football field. His size, power and ball skills combine for the kind of package that — if polished — could develop into a 1,000 yard receiver someday.
The fans know it and the players know it too. Star cornerback Xavien Howard oozed praise for Williams this summer, suggesting he’s going to be a big-time player for the Dolphins.
We just hope you didn’t buy that #82 jersey.
With Miami’s roster cuts complete and many numbers now available for Dolphins to wear, Williams has turned in his #82 and claimed a new number for a new year with a new team: the number #18.
With the departure of Kenny Stills, a significant share of Miami’s targets have opened up — look for Williams to step into the void. Miami’s receiving group was always going to feature DeVante Parker on the outside and Albert Wilson in the slot, but Stills’ void leaves the Dolphins with a need for someone to step up on the boundary. Williams, based on his play this preseason and summer, is the man for the job.
Miami’s depth chart for Week 1 features Jakeem Grant in Stills’ place in the lineup, but don’t read too much into that. That same depth chart features DB Minkah Fitzpatrick as a back-up and the odds of us seeing Fitzpatrick leave the field on Sunday are pretty slim.
Keep an eye out of #18. Williams’ status as an undrafted player has left him hungry, eager to learn and even more eager to make an impact.
