NFL Draft prospects to watch in National Championship Game
By Brad Weiss
Tim Williams
LB, Alabama
Tim Williams is one of the biggest wildcards in the 2017 NFL Draft, but he also could be a player who winds up paying the biggest dividends. There is no questioning his talent, as he has the size and speed to be a dominant outside linebacker at the next level. The real question comes when you speak of his character, as off-the-field issues have forced him to miss time throughout his collegiate career.
On the field, Williams may be the best pass rusher in this draft. To look at him is to see the likes of Khalil Mack and Vic Beasley, two men who have become absolute stars at the NFL level. He has that kind of ability, and while he may not become as good as Mack and Beasley, if he can get into the right system, he has the ability to be a Pro Bowl player. After being buried in Alabama’s deep rotation his first two years, Williams has become a star, and is likely done after the National Championship Game.
At the next level, Williams has the ability to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, as he could also be used as an edge rusher. Once the ball is snapped, there are few players in the country who can get off the edge quicker than he can. This past offseason, Williams added some bulk to his frame, and after dominating for the Tide, his draft stock could not be higher.
Playing alongside Reuben Foster and Jonathan Allen, Williams has helped continue the Crimson Tide dynasty. On Monday night, he is definitely going to try to get after Deshaun Watson all game long, and should be able to disrupt the Tigers passing game. He is going to go in the first round next April, the only question is whether teams can look beyond his troubled past to see his potential at the next level.