ESPN NFL

Initial thoughts after ESPN's John Clayton told me that former Jaguars receiver Reggie Williams will participate in the Seahawks' upcoming minicamp on a tryout basis:

• Seahawks coach Pete Carroll appreciated Williams' talents when both were in the Pac-10.
• Williams has some local appeal in Seattle after dominating at the University of Washington.
• Seattle has nothing to lose by giving Williams a shot.
• Williams has much to prove.
• The Seahawks' new regime probably will not rule out players with troubled pasts to the degree previous general manager Tim Ruskell once did.
• Seattle needs help at receiver, pending the addition of Brandon Marshall or another proven talent at the position.

I went through the 2004 class of drafted receivers and noted that, well, it wasn't a great class all the way through. Larry Fitzgerald and Roy Williams are the only guys with Pro Bowls. Lee Evans has done good things for the Bills. A couple of others have shown flashes.

Some background info from Clayton: "The former Lakes High School and former University of Washington star was the ninth player selected in the 2004 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He caught 189 passes during his Jaguars career. Williams had some off-the-field problems in Jacksonville that included an arrest for marijuana possession, a DWI and another possession charge. Williams didn’t play football in 2009 but he’s ready to return to the field. At the age of 26, Williams welcomed the chance to return to his home turf. To participate in the minicamp, Williams had to sign an injury waiver with the team. If the three-day workout does well, he could be offered a contract."