Connor Williams Offers Position Versatility Across The Offensive Line As Well Starting LG Ability

Connor Williams, OT
School: Texas | Conference: BIG 12
College Experience: Junior | Age: 20
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 296 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd Round
NFL Comparison: Nick Martin

College Statistics

N/A

Player Overview

Connor Williams started all 12 games at left tackle as a true freshman for the Longhorns. He was one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the country during the 2016 season. On 2017 preseason draft boards he was the clear #1 tackle prospect on most boards. He got injured this past season and played in just 5 games all year long. I was certain Williams would return for his senior season because of his injury-plagued year but instead, he declared for the draft and because of this weak tackle class is still considered to be one of the best at the position. Williams is also viewed as a top all-around lineman. He is a technically sound player who can both pass protect and run block. Also, some think he can play all 5 positions on the line. For some teams, Williams physical measurements backed up the idea that he should play guard at the next level. Williams will be one of the most interesting players to follow on draft night. Will a tackle-needy team take him in the first round if they believe he is the top player at the position or will he slide to a team needing a guard because his arms are short and he lacks the bulk of an NFL tackle? Either way, Williams should become an instant starter for a team and has the potential to stick around for a long time.

Strengths

• Decent size and great athleticism for the position. A technically sound player that has position versatility. He may be moved inside because of his arm length.
• Both pass protection and run blocking are strengths. He plays with a good base, hand placement, has a fluid kick-slide and movement in general, a powerful punch, and good arm extension. He controls his player once his hands get into the pads. Strength and strategy are there. His lower body leg drive creates holes in the run game and he can reach the second level.
• Plays with a mean streak and will bury his opponent.
• A really smart player who studies the game and his head is on a swivel helping out his teammates when needed and recognizing stunts and blitzes.

Weaknesses

• Short arms for a tackle and very lean for the position. Will have to compensate in other ways to help him if he remains there in the NFL as well as put on a decent amount of weight.
• Legs can lock up at certain points and if his opponents stay low he could get overpowered.
• Needs a counter to power defenders who use a pull move which can compromise his balance.

Let's see his work:

More Connor Williams videos

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Connor Williams would be the Redskins starting left guard if he’s drafted by the team. I’m not sure if the Redskins are interested in him or if they have other offensive guards ranked high enough to pull the trigger on one at #13 but they may have to do that if they want Williams. Rumor is Dallas is very interested in Williams with him being a local guy and prospect and that he could be in play for them at #19. I’m convinced Williams would help the Redskins in both aspects of their offensive line play and should hit the ground running on day one. Williams is already a technically sound prospect with only minor issues to correct. The biggest issue for Williams is putting on weight but I am not too concerned he would have issues doing that as he has played as high a 320 in his career. Williams ought to help the run game in particular with his athletic ability. I saw no issues with him as a pulling lineman and he is good in space and making contact with defenders at the second level. With his efforts training at all the positions on the offensive line, Williams should offer some versatility in the event a more key member of the offensive line is unavailable for any reason. If you view him as a guard you can make an argument that Williams may be 3rd or 4th best in the class.