Alabama WR Jameson Williams declares for 2022 NFL Draft despite ACL tear

Jameson Williams reportedly tore his ACL in Alabama's national championship loss to Georgia, but he announced Thursday that he's entering the 2022 NFL Draft anyway.

"My brothers, we been thru it all," Williams wrote in part in a statement that appeared at the end of a highlight video on Instagram. "Wish it could have ended differently but it's nothing but up from here.

"With all that being said, I am starting the next chapter and taking my talents to the 2022 NFL Draft."

Williams played just one season with the Crimson Tide after transferring from Ohio State. In his lone season at Alabama, Williams caught 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns while also adding two kickoff-return touchdowns. His final catch of the year was a 40-yard reception against Georgia that ended with Williams crumpling to the ground before contact from a defender.

Even after the injury, Williams is expected to be one of the top playmakers in the draft class. ESPN draft experts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay both ranked Williams as the best receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft prior to his injury.