The time has passed for teams to decide whether they would like to utilize the fifth-year option on the first-round draft picks from the class of 2017. We’re going to examine some fantasy relevant players and what their team’s decision could mean for them. I’m going to start with the players who had their options exercised, so some of the top picks will wait. First, we start with the seventh overall pick, Mike Williams.

Mike Williams Staying in LA for 2021

The Chargers decided to exercise the fifth-year option for Williams, securing his roster spot for 2021. This was not surprising as Williams’ role in the Chargers offense has continued to grow as his career has progressed. Williams suffered a career-threatening neck injury while in college at Clemson, but returned to form for his junior year, prompting the Chargers to use the seventh pick on him in the 2017 draft. A back injury in his rookie season, however, concerned some. Williams seemed to be one of those unlucky players doomed to be plagued by injury.

To his credit, Williams has shown perseverance thought multiple major injuries. In 2018 he was able to contribute in a real way on the field. Though only garnering 66 targets in a deep offense, Williams managed to find the endzone 10 times. Last year, Williams saw a big increase again, with 90 targets coming his way. That isn’t to say last year was all good news, though.

Making the Most of Targets in Los Angeles

Those 24 extra targets last year only translated into six more catches. It was nice to see Philip Rivers look to Williams more often, but he was unable to really capitalize. Obviously, this is more of an issue for PPR owners, as he still managed to eclipse 1,000 yards while averaging over 20 yards per reception. Williams also failed to continue his knack for finding the endzone, however, only scoring twice. That is where standard owners might be given a pause when selecting him in upcoming drafts.

Rivers’ play last year was obviously subpar, even to the extent the Chargers decided to “No, thanks,” him this offseason. The question is, will Tyrod Taylor or Justin Herbert be any better this year? Matching a tall, explosive receiver like Williams with the electric Herbert might seem intriguing, but Herbert will at the very least go through the normal growing pains of a rookie quarterback. So, if the QB play continues to be bad, can Williams thrive? Some receivers catch bad balls and produce regardless, some don’t. Only time will tell if Williams is able to turn bad targets into receptions.

The brightest spot for potential fantasy owners here is that Williams has managed to stay on the field since 2017. On a team with Keenan Allen and Hunter Henry, that kind of availability in itself is huge, assuming you’re willing to gamble it continues. With all the questions surrounding the offense as a whole this year, Williams value shakes out as a bit of a lottery ticket. As for the future, I believe that if Williams stays healthy this year, he likely remains a long term weapon in Los Angeles.

Stay tuned to Belly Up Fantasy Sports to get ready for your fantasy football season. Can’t remember which weapon was drafted after Mike Williams in 2017? Follow me @KyeP_Sports on Twitter to see the next bio as we continue to look back that the class. Check in with Belly Up Sports to follow what is happening day-to-day, including what the hell is going on with Earl Thomas.