BUFFALO — Heartache turned to celebration in one night for Mike Williams. After seeing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — a team that coveted him all along — draft a wide receiver in the second round, Williams was crushed.

He almost eliminated Tampa Bay as a possible destination. Almost.

Three picks into the fourth round of this weekend’s NFL Draft, Tampa Bay drafted the former Syracuse wide receiver. After an up-and-down collegiate career, Williams has a fresh start in the Sunshine State. All along, he had a feeling the Buccaneers would come calling.

And after taking Illinois‘ Arrelious Benn in the second round, they did. 

‘I was thinking from the start that Tampa would grab me,’ Williams said. ‘They grabbed another receiver and I thought, ‘Wow, who else now?’ It was shocking but I’m glad they came back around and got me.’

Joining Williams in the pro ranks is Arthur Jones. The former SU defensive tackle was taken by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round (157th overall). Jones joins a loaded Ravens front four responsible for keeping Ray Lewis and co. blocker-free.

And Williams, who caught 49 passes for 746 yards and six touchdowns last year, will have a great opportunity to play right away on a young Bucs team.

Surrounded by friends and family outside his home in Buffalo, Williams soaked it in. He posed for pictures, hugged his tear-filled mother and finally exhaled. It’s been a long path here. After missing all of his 2008 season to academic suspension and then leaving the Orange program last fall, Williams was dogged by character questions up to the draft. Talent-wise, many scouts pegged him a first- or second-round pick. But due to a rocky collegiate career, Williams slipped to 101st overall as the 14th wide receiver drafted.

Watching receiver after receiver get picked wasn’t easy. Williams couldn’t sleep Friday night. Not knowing he deserved to be picked.

But sporting a Buccaneers hat and a glistening smile, it didn’t seem to matter Saturday. He feels wanted. Finally, Williams can start anew. Thursday, he’ll report to his new team.

Williams knew the Buccaneers were interested in him throughout the draft process.

With family members screaming ‘Tampa Bay! Tampa Bay!’ in the background — and his brother shouting ‘I’m going to Disneyland!’ — Williams was quick to note that this visit stood out above the rest. This is where he needs to be.

‘I felt like I was drafted already when I was down there,’ Williams said. ‘They treated me like it was home. Everything was good. I just can’t believe I’m there now.’

 

thdunne@syr.edu

Published on April 23, 2010 at 12:00 pm