Duke Williams' Draft Stock Takes Massive Hit After Dismissal From Auburn Football Program

After being suspended by the team in the preseason, Auburn Tigers wide receiver D’haquille “Duke” Williams was reinstated after only a week off for what was termed a disciplinary issue. This suspension came after Williams was suspended for last season’s Outback Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers for repeatedly missing practices leading up to the game.

Despite these problems, head coach Gus Malzahn continued to give Williams chances to improve his behavior, but it hasn’t happened; Malzahn announced on Monday night that he has dismissed the wide receiver from the team.

“When individuals fail to meet the expectations of our program, there has to be consequences,” Malzahn said in a statement. “I gave D’haquille the chance to prove himself. I am disappointed that it did not work out.”

While Williams’ dismissal won’t have much of an impact on a Tigers’ team that possesses a porous passing game, it does have a huge impact on his draft stock. Following a breakout year in 2014, in which Williams recorded 45 passes for 730 yards and five touchdowns, the 6-foot-2, 224-pound receiver was one of the highest-rated players at his position entering 2015. Scouts were drooling over his size and ability to attack the ball in the air, but with his dismissal, things have changed drastically.

There will be NFL teams that will be interested in Williams because of his talent, but there may be too many red flags for any team to use a draft pick on a guy who continues to show that he doesn’t get it. If Williams doesn’t use his sudden free time to get his head on straight, his NFL career could end before it even begins.

Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.