The 2019 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. The Game Haus will be doing scouting reports on some of the top prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft. Alabama offensive tackle Jonah Williams has been on the radar for NFL executives for a few seasons and will now be an early round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icO4vCUJPTg
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Junior
2018 stats: Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award Finalist
Size: 6-foot-4, 302 pounds
Williams has been starting for Alabama since his freshman season and became one of the best offensive linemen in college football. After holding up well in three seasons for the Crimson Tide, a lot of NFL teams will want to draft him.
As a top high school player, Williams was able to go to the college of his choosing. He started as a freshman at right tackle, but then moved to left tackle for his sophomore and junior seasons. Over his time at Alabama he was named an All-American and was a finalist for numerous awards. His blocking helped Alabama to a National Championship victory for the 2017 college football season. The offense has really taken off during his time on the offensive line, as they averaged 45.6 points per game for the 2018 season.
For a player with experience and talent, Williams has proven all he can at Alabama and has decided to leave for the NFL Draft with one year of eligibility still on the table. He will be one of the first offensive tackles selected come April.
Williams has great awareness and football IQ. He understood Alabama’s scheme and would recognize who he was supposed to block on most plays. His play recognition includes when the defensive line stunts or twists. He’ll have to learn a new scheme for the NFL, but he should be able to pick it up pretty quickly.
One of his best traits is his footwork. He doesn’t over-commit or get off balance at any point. In the passing game, he keeps a nice base and slides his feet well. On running plays, he gets off the line of scrimmage well and even gets to the second level of the defense when asked.
He is also a great pass protector. Part of that is due to his good footwork, but he also has the athletic ability and quickness to stay in front of defenders. Along with that, he times his punches well and generally has enough power to ward off rushers.
Williams has a big weakness in that he does not have the ideal length for a tackle. Defenders who have long enough arms can shed his blocks easier. He will be more susceptible to pass rushers long-arming him to get around him to the quarterback too.
When Williams does get beat when pass protecting, it is often times to the inside. He cheats to the outside and when defensive lineman set him up with a quick step or a spin, they can get back inside and sack the quarterback.
In the run game, Williams needs to finish plays better. He can make the initial block well, but sometimes needs to finish that block or move defenders better. If Williams can become a better mauler in the run game, he can become a more complete tackle prospect.
Projected Draft Range: First round pick
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