By Paul Macrie, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
With the offseason well underway now, it is appropriate to continue to expand on possible NFL Draft targets. Though the Eagles still don't know if they will select at No. 14 or No. 15 in the first round, it is certain what their positional needs are.
At the top of the list, or maybe a very close second, is the wide receiver position. Mike Williams of Clemson is regarded as one of the top wideouts in this year's draft. He would be a perfect fit for Philadelphia.
Williams missed almost the entire 2015 season after sustaining a season-ending neck injury. The injury occurred during the season opener against Wofford after catching a touchdown pass on the first series of the game. He made a great catch in the back of the end zone and his helmet freakishly landed onto the goalpost, where he was eventually diagnosed with a small fracture in his neck. The injury could have been much worse, but it cost him his entire junior year.
Williams' senior season culminated in a National Championship win against Alabama on Monday night in a classic game. Once again he played a significant role in the win, catching eight passes for 94 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown. For the season, Williams hauled in 98 passes for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns. Each week he was heavily targeted in Clemson's high-powered spread offense and his draft stock has skyrocketed.
The Eagles have an enormous need at the receiver position, and especially obtaining a potential elite, No. 1 receiver such as Williams. ESPN's Todd McShay has compared the superb wideout to A.J. Green, especially due to his "catch radius."
Simply put, the Eagles don't have a receiver that possesses the skills of Williams. He is the complete package.
I have watched Williams play all season long and I have regarded him as the best receiver to play at the university known now as "Wide Receiver U." Sammy Watkins was a special college receiver and DeAndre Hopkins was still developing when he decided to forgo his senior season and enter the draft. Even these two well-accomplished NFL receivers didn't quite stack up to what Williams did at the collegiate level.
Williams does a tremendous job of consistently hauling in the back-shoulder throws. He did it several times in Monday's win against Alabama, and it has been a staple of Clemson's route tree. He has a rare ability to make it effortless to position his body away for the defensive back to make the catch. Corners virtually have no shot to defend that type of pass to Williams if the quarterback makes the proper throw to the right spot.
Though Williams isn't one of the fastest receivers entering this year's draft, he still can get by any corner and reel in the deep ball. Another impressive thing about Williams is his run after the catch ability. Looking back at his highlights from this season, he caught many passes that should have resulted in a modest gain, but his high motor and superior strength would allow him to get several more yards, or even bigger gains.
Sometimes it can be difficult to evaluate how effective a college receiver can be at the NFL level. With Williams there is no doubt he can be a great pro wideout. His ceiling is definitely a team's No. 1 receiver, and he fits what the Eagles are seeking this offseason.
Generally, most mock drafts have Williams slotted in the top-15, top-20. It is possible the Eagles can snag him, but a sound pro day and combine — assuming he participates in both pre-draft showcases — can propel the Clemson product into the top 10.
Drafting Williams in the first round and adding a receiver in free agency such as Kenny Stills has to be at the top of the offseason checklist. It will also help Carson Wentz in his continued development as a franchise quarterback.
