The Facts: As a rookie, Williams caught three passes for 31 yards and didn’t score, despite being healthy most of the season. This year, Williams is confident he’s ready to make a move. He spent part of the offseason working out with former Bengals receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, who Williams said helped him get his “mental right.” It was more mental than physical. “He actually took my mind to another level,” Williams said. “He prepped my mind more than he prepped my feet. It was me and Chad going at each other every day."
Diehards Line:
It's worth remembering that at the beginning of last season, the Cardinals had several receivers ahead of Williams, including Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Jaron Brown and J.J. Nelson. As the season progressed, however, there was opportunity for Williams to move up the depth chart. Fitzgerald led the team with 109 receptions. The next best, Jaron Brown, finished with 31 catches. Williams has even more opportunity this year. John Brown and Jaron Brown left via free agency. Brittan Golden remains a free agent. The Cardinals have 12 receivers on the roster, including five rookies. Excluding Fitzgerald, the five “experienced” receivers have a total of 193 career receptions, led by Nelson’s 74. Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk, this year’s second-round pick, are assured of spots in the receiving rotation, leaving two or three others open. In other words, it's time for Williams to pick up the pace.