Fansided

Former First Round Draft Pick Mike Williams Signs with CFL

By Josh Hill

Nov 27, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams (17) makes a catch during the 2nd half against the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field. Washington defeated Seattle 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams (17) makes a catch during the 2nd half against the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field. Washington defeated Seattle 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams (17) makes a catch during the 2nd half against the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field. Washington defeated Seattle 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams (17) makes a catch during the 2nd half against the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field. Washington defeated Seattle 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

The Detroit Lions took a shot with him as did the Seattle Seahawks, but it appears as though former USC wide receiver Mike Williams next stop is north of the border in Canada. According to Toronto Argonauts official team website, the Canadian Football club has signed the former first round bust to a contract that will see him play football in a different country in 2013.

There was hope that Williams would develop into a threat for the Lions when they drafted him but he never panned out and was yet another failed draft pick of the early 2000s for Detroit. One of the problems with Williams stemmed from eligibility as he was going to enter the draft a year prior to his selection by the Lions but was blocked by the NFL for being unqualified.

Williams sat out an entire year at USC and still managed to be the Lions No. 1 pick in the draft the year he came out. But the rust and lack of talent was apparent and Williams proved to be too raw to fit into the Lions terrible system.

His next big chance came from his former coach at USC when Pete Carroll signed him to a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, but Williams never panned out under his old coach either and was unemployed soon after.

So now it’s on to Canada, which actually isn’t the worst option for Williams. Playing for the Argonauts could afford him a chance to settle in and prove to NFL scouts one more time that he’s worthy of a roster spot. But that’s easier said than done and Williams has his work cut out if he plans on using his CFL stint to boost his NFL credibility.

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