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Mike Williams 2023 Outlook: Injuries and a New 1st-Round WR Could Limit Upside
2 years agoAfter a career year in 2021, Mike Williams battled through some injuries in 2022 on his way to a WR3 finish. His targets per game (7.2), target share (18.2%), and target rate (20.9%) all fell from the career highs he had in 2021. His snap share also fell from 81.1% to 75.8%. Now add in the fact that the Chargers spent their first-round pick in this year's Draft on TCU WR Quentin Johnston. The rookie's measurables are uncannily similar to Big Mike's measurables. Both guys are 6'4", can jump with the best of them, and run a 4.5 40-yard dash. It's more than reasonable to think Johnston takes some looks away from Williams as early as his rookie season. And while we shouldn't expect him to surpass Williams in the pecking order in 2023, it's quite possible Big Mike sees his snap share, target share, and target rate decrease again this season with another weapon at Justin Herbert's disposal. The big play upside will always be there, but temper expectations on anything more than a top-25 finish for Williams in 2023.
