2017 NFL Mock Draft, Week 12: Watson, Kizer loom
By Brad Weiss
![Nov 19, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) runs after a catch in the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports Nov 19, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) runs after a catch in the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/22c31319609e4a49fbd4c71bf3f5e5049160a781690106adb2987fe8fdf41e99.jpg)
55. . LB. Alabama. Tim Williams. 17. player
The Pittsburgh Steelers need some help on the defensive side of the ball, which is an area that has always proven to be a strength. Star linebacker James Harrison looks like he will be hanging them up after this season, so the team needs to go out and get a replacement. Alabama’s Tim Williams is an exciting linebacker prospect, who has the ability to play inside or out at the next level.
Williams has been a catalyst for a Crimson Tide squad that just does not lose. Even when the offense struggles, Williams and company keep them in every game. Williams is a fast edge rusher, who has a nose for getting after the quarterback. At the next level, he is going to have to grow the other parts of his game if he wants to be a three-down player.
The youngster may have hurt his draft status in September, when he was arrested for carrying a pistol without a permit. However, he really is a good kid, and the Steelers have the kind of tools in place to help him along if he ever gets into trouble again. He is an extremely talented player, and would be the next in a long line of fantastic linebackers to don the yellow and black.