Alabama Crimson Tide

MOBILE, Ala. -- For Michael Williams, the outlook on his NFL future is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the former Alabama tight end is likely to have a home at the next level because of his ability to block. On the other hand, he could find himself struggling to stand out much because of his relative lack of production in the passing game.

Williams caught just 24 passes for 183 yards and four touchdowns this past season. His fellow tight ends on the South roster of the Senior Bowl bested those numbers. Former Tennessee tight end Mychal Rivera caught 36 passes for 562 yards in two fewer games. Former Rice standout Vance McDonald had nearly identical stats through 12 games: 36 receptions for 458 yards.

Alabama coach Nick Saban conceded that Williams has the chance to be a "good blocker" and "role player" at the next level. He noted that Williams has good hands and said, "I think there's a place for guys like Michael Williams" in the NFL.

"He's going to do a good job blocking for you every time he's in," Saban said Monday in Mobile, Ala.

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