John Harrell / AP

Former USC star Mike Williams could be as great as Randy Moss — and as much as a pain in the behind — writes columnist Michael Ventre.

And there is little to criticize in terms of his performances in games. He destroyed opposing secondaries. He made one-handed grabs. He made clutch catches. He has a brawy frame and he would often gain extra yardage after the catch because of it. He may not have burner speed, but he has enough quickness to get himself open, and he’s fleet enough to break away from most defensive backs, even in the NFL.

But Moss had many of these same attributes. It was his sullenness that wore out folks in Minnesota. It was said that he took plays off and that he bristled when asked to work harder. That created scrutiny, to which he responded poorly. Eventually he bought himself a ticket to Oakland.

Michigan’s Edwards, though, has endured some of the same complaints, especially earlier in his career. He was not always a favorite of his coaches, but in games he excelled and his phenomenal ability overshadowed any rumblings of an attitude problem.

He could be a Pro Bowler. So could Williams.

Or each could devolve into an egomaniacal nightmare.

Some young players grow up quickly when thrown into the NFL cauldron. Let’s hope this happens with Williams. It’s always more fun to see a player reach his potential. If Williams does, he will amaze football fans for years. At his best Williams can do for a team what Owens did for the Eagles last season.

But there are no guarantees in this pricey game. Because of the stakes involved, team executives go to absurd lengths sometimes to gauge a player’s mental toughness and character, but those are areas that are constantly evolving. Sometimes only when the variables of money, fame and expectations are introduced to the equation do we find out who’s who.

With Mike Williams, the Detroit Lions are about to find out.

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