Williams-lambert making a name for himself on field
Rookie receiver ‘glad to be here’ but still has sights set on making it in the NFL
Jordan Williams-lambert’s CFL journey is all about reaching one destination.
“I want to get back to the NFL and I’m not hiding that at all,’’ the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ rookie slotback said in advance of Sunday ’s game against the visiting Calgary Stampeders. “Given the way opportunities come, I just go with the flow. I’m glad to be here and we’ll see how things work out.”
Things have worked out well so far. He’s second on the Riders in receptions (22) and receiving yards (241), with one touchdown catch. Williams-lambert also leads CFL rookie receivers in catches and receiving yards.
He has also been targeted 30 times over the Riders’ first seven games, good for third behind Naaman Roosevelt (41) and Evans (31).
“I had a few NFL workouts, but coming to the CFL was more about getting film,” Williams-lambert said. “That’s so I can make the transition back into the NFL. I couldn’t have envisioned this opportunity. It has been a blessing and I’m really glad that I’m here.”
Williams-lambert was a star receiver at Ball State, where he’s ranked third all-time in touchdowns (24) and fourth in catches (200) and receiving yards (2,723).
An undrafted free agent, he signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2016 and spent time on the NFL team’s practice roster.
He turned up on the Riders’ radar after attending an off-season tryout camp in Akron, Ohio, thereby earning an invitation to the Riders’ mini-camp in Bradenton, Fla.
The 6-foot-3, 223-pounder was a standout at mini-camp and was invited to the team’s main training camp in Saskatoon.
“He’s a big-body guy, but what he does is catch the ball with his hands,” said Riders quarterback Zach Collaros. “He’s very reliable in that regard. The more game reps he gets in this offence, the more dependable he will be, and that’s the most important thing for a quarterback.”
Williams-lambert was named a starting slotback after the pre-season, taking over a roster spot that was previously occupied by Bakari Grant. The Riders released Grant after the pre-season after being impressed with the 24-year-old Williams-lambert.
“He’s doing a great job,” Roosevelt said. “In training camp he worked hard and we all saw how great of an athlete that he was. He’s a guy who works hard, even if it’s blocking or making a catch for a big play. We’re excited to have him around.”
That also goes for Collaros, who has developed an on-field rapport with Williams-lambert. During the three games in which Collaros has appeared — he sat out four other contests with a concussion and neck issues — Williams-lambert has eight receptions for 141 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown.
“It’s good to have Zach back and have him in the huddle,” said Williams-lambert, who resides in Indianapolis in the off-season. “You know that he’s going to take a leadership role and help the younger guys out. We’re going to do our job to help him and he will do what he can to help us out.”
Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, has been pleased with Williams-lambert’s progress, but would like to see improvement in one aspect.
“He has to continue to work on his blocking,” Jones said. “He’s big, physical and he has good speed. He just needs to be more consistent blocking.”
Williams-lambert is quick to concur.
“No receiver wants to do it, but someone has to,” he said. “I can be a better blocker, because that’s what separates the good receivers from the great ones.”