Fans want to know what’s going on with Duke Williams, one of the few Buffalo Bills wide receivers with legitimate size but he hasn’t been active since October
Duke Williams was a star north of the border. While playing for the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL, he recorded a league-best 1,579 yards. He was then released by the team as he sought a role in the NFL.
The Buffalo Bills ended up giving him that chance — which is actually his second since he was with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted rookie in 2016.
A product of Auburn, Williams boasts impressive size at 6-foot-3 and 225-pounds and he put that to use in the preseason. Williams played in three games and recorded eight receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns.
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He then made the 53-man roster and was able to shine when he finally was activated in Week 5. In that game, Williams pulled in four passes for 29-yards including the game-winning touchdown.
Since then, he’s only made two more catches and has not been active since Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles. And many fans are asking why says Sal Capaccio, WGR 550 Radio.
Earlier this week, Capaccio was able to give those fans an update on the fan-favorite receiver. In the discussion, Williams talked about how thankful he has been for his opportunity and expressed optimism that things will improve as he’s still learning the game at the NFL level.
Williams also talked about what he believes he can bring to the table:
"“I mean, my physicality, you know, my blocking and my contested catches. I’m open even when I’m not open, and I truly believe that. I’m not the fastest receiver, but I do get open, and I feel like you just put it where I can catch it or see it and I’m going to come down with it. I’m very confident in my hands and I’m very confident in catching the ball.” — Williams said via Capaccio, WGR 550"
Looking at the Bills roster, it would make sense to get a wideout on the field that could win contested passes. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s willing to get his hands dirty while throwing blocks in the run game.
Of course, out of everything he brings to the table, the size is what’s important. Right now, Robert Foster is the only receiver that’s active on a regular basis over 6-foot (6-foot-2).
Their top receivers are John Brown (5-foot-11), Cole Beasley (5-foot-8), and Isaiah McKenzie (5-foot-8). There’s also Andre Roberts at 5-foot-11, but he’s primarily a return man and has just three receptions himself.
At this point, it looks as though Williams is a project for the future but it would be nice to see him get a shot down the stretch. His skill-set could be very useful in a close contest.
And lately, every Buffalo game has been a closely contested game.