Past Production
Preston Williams had a rocky career in college, playing two years as a bench player for Tennessee in 2015-2016 before transferring to Colorado State. After sitting out the 2017 season and having some off-field issues, Williams broke out in 2018. He recorded 96 receptions for 1,345 yards and 14 touchdowns, dominating the team’s passing game, far ahead of 2019 seventh-rounder Olabisi Johnson.
However, due to Williams’ off-field infractions, he wasn’t invited to the 2019 NFL Combine, and he then went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Dolphins signed him as an undrafted free agent shortly after the draft. Williams started the season as the fourth wide receiver behind DeVante Parker, Albert Wilson, and Allen Hurns. After Wilson suffered an injury in Week 1, Williams stepped in as a starter and quickly bypassed Hurns to become the second receiver behind Parker.
From Weeks 1-9, Williams caught 32 of 60 passes for 428 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 11.4 fantasy PPG during that stretch as the WR37. He produced almost identical numbers to Parker, who averaged 11.5 PPG and was the WR36. While Williams wasn’t a fantasy star, he showed well for an undrafted rookie and looked like a star in the making. Unfortunately, Williams tore his ACL during the Week 9 contest, which cut short his potential breakout.
2020 Outlook
Going into 2020, the Dolphins didn’t add any significant receiving weapons to compete with Parker and Williams for the top two wide receiver roles. The Dolphins’ passing offense should center around Parker, Williams, and tight end Mike Gesicki, leaving room for all three to produce. However, I don’t have supreme confidence in Williams for 2020.
Williams still needs to recover from his ACL injury and could have uncertainty at quarterback between Ryan Fitzpatrick and rookie Tua Tagovailoa. In my 2020 Dolphins’ breakdown, I downplayed the entire offense, with Williams coming in as WR52. Williams comes with too many question marks to rely on him as a WR3 option in 2020 redraft leagues.
Dynasty Analysis
I believe in Williams as a wide receiver talent. He went undrafted because of off-field concerns, not due to his play on the field. Very few undrafted players immediately challenge for a starting role in the NFL, which speaks volumes about what the Dolphins think of Williams. Even though I like Williams as a player, timing is critical for dynasty owners, and now is not the time to buy Williams in dynasty leagues.
Because of the disrupted offseason, I think Williams will struggle to return as quickly as he might ordinarily from his ACL tear. Therefore, I would recommend waiting to buy him until midseason. At that point, Williams’ price will drop as he fails to produce fantasy points. Williams is only 23 years old and has plenty of time to develop as a wide receiver. In 2021, Williams should have Tagovailoa as his quarterback, who I love as a long-term starter in the NFL. Wait for his price to drop and then pounce, especially if you’re a rebuilding team.
Thanks for reading this article. You can find me on Twitter at @DFF_Karp. I love to interact with anyone in the community, so reach out at any time! I take fantasy questions and help with all formats, so keep sending those questions my way.
