Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams ready for role to 'expand' in 2019

After a breakout, 12-4 season in 2018, the Los Angeles Chargers face substantial expectations for the 2019 campaign. The roster is objectively talented and, with Philip Rivers at the helm, the sky is the limit for what Anthony Lynn's team can accomplish. With that said, Rivers needs quality production from his pass-catching targets and, with Tyrell Williams out the door in free agency, there appears to be an expanded role for former No. 7 overall pick Mike Williams.

Williams enjoyed a sizable step forward in his second season, with 10 touchdown catches and 664 yards in 16 regular season appearances. With that said, the door is now wide open for an even larger role alongside No. 1 option Keenan Allen and Williams isn't shy about embracing it. 

"Well, this is my third year going into the offense," Williams said, via Chargers.com. "I'm a lot more confident coming out here and playing. My role is going to expand with Tyrell (Williams) leaving. I'm looking forward to that. I'm ready to make some plays this upcoming season."

"We lost a big weapon in Tyrell (so) a lot of people in the room have to step up," Williams continued. "I feel like me being the player that I am, I feel like I can do that… I feel like the role is going to change. I feel I'm going to get a lot more opportunities than I did last year. A lot more balls coming my way. I'm looking forward to it."

Williams, who stands at 6'4 and 220 pounds, is an ideal red-zone threat for Rivers but he only accumulated 66 targets as a secondary option last season. Allen is the top option in terms of volume -- and the Chargers have intriguing talent at running back and tight end -- but Williams is now a player to monitor even more closely, with all eyes focused on what could be a real leap for the 24-year-old.