• NFL Network
  • En Español
  • Mobile
Photo of Dan Williams
Grade
?
  • 6'2" Height
  • 33 1/2" Arm Length
  • 327LBS. Weight
  • 10 1/8" Hands

Overview

Williams was a three-year starter for the Vols and had a breakout season in 2009. He has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism for an interior defender. He plays with great pad level and a natural base to anchor effectively versus the run. He is a powerful bull-rusher who can collapse the pocket in the passing game. Williams can be inconsistent with his effort but does play with an attitude (can be nasty) in the trenches when he wants to. He is tough to move due to great initial punch and good balance and will draw many double-teams on the inside. He doesn't have great initial quickness to penetrate gaps but is a better run defender than pass rusher in base defenses. He feels pad pressure well and understands how to leverage blockers to maintain gap responsibilities. Williams will fit best as a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme and will improve his draft status if concerns about his weight and work ethic are answered.

Analysis

Strengths

Thickly built in the lower half with excellent strength. Almost unblockable one-on-one and maintains good balance to eat up double teams. Shows a strong punch and uses heavy hands to control blockers. Collapses the pocket with a strong bull rush and is athletic enough to make plays in space. Explosive tackler who plays mean.

Weaknesses

Carries around too much weight. Lacks a good initial burst to consistently provide a good pass rush. Does not always give a solid effort and takes plays off. Plays too high and struggles to disengage from blockers at times. Lacks the closing speed to make plays from the backside.
×
Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
NFL News
CONTENT
15