#94 Leonard Williams
DRAFT CLASS: JR/2015
POSITION: Defensive Tackle (DT)
SCHOOL: USC
HEIGHT: 6-5
WEIGHT: 300
40 Time: 4.97
STRENGTHS
- He is listed by most entering the draft at DE…but his skill sets dictate the move to DT transitioning to the next level
- He is definitely the type of player that looks the part in his uniform…or coming off the bus
- At times displays an effective bull rush…which is assisted by his natural strength in his hand & arm areas…providing a good initial punch pushing opposing blockers around
- He displays quick change of direction for a player of his size…along with good reactionary skills locating ball
- He exhibits good closing speed on ball carriers…which allows him to provide the occasional splash plays
WEAKNESSES
- He is limited as a one dimensional 4-3/DT prospect (drops draft value) from tape evaluation…as his best chance for success
- Conditioning in question…near end of games sluggish moving off snap & throughout plays
- Lacks consistent sense of urgency…high motor…and activity from snap-to-whistle
- Off the snap he lacks initial explosion…too high out of stance…and consistently lacks effective initial contact versus blockers…to ever consider him becoming the “dominate force” as expected by most
- Needs vast improvement with initial hand technique combating opposing blockers
- Too often he gives up ground at POA versus opponents…more often waiting to look for ball…instead of going after it aggressively and getting ball
- Lacks ability to consistently keep his feet when blocks are thrown to his lower body
- When he does receive one on one single block opportunities…there lacks the dominance expected
- He is a liability versus the run (especially split wide)…he doesn’t display the consistent physical tenacity needed in the trenches…just not stout enough
- Lacks the ability to consistently collapse the pocket
PROJECTED ROUND
1st Round (Top 5)
MY VALUE BOARD
2nd Round (Mid)
SUMMARY
- His ineffectiveness defending the run & poor tackling skills raise major concerns here. Though he is an explosive talent that will provide splash plays…on an every down basis I just don’t trust him against the run enough to give him a higher grade.