Our Clients:

Field Level Media - Professional sports content solutions | FLM

Mar 26, 2020 10:31 am

2020 NFL Draft Profile: Raequan Williams, DT, Michigan State

Raequan Williams

Defensive Tackle, Michigan State Spartans
6-4, 287

40 time: 5.04

OVERVIEW

Raequan Williams
Dec 27, 2019; Bronx, New York, USA; Michigan State defensive tackle Raequan Williams (99) and defensive end Kenny Willekes (48) celebrate with the trophy after defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

A Spartans stalwart, Williams’ 42 consecutive starts at nose tackle were the longest streak for a position player since Mark Dantonio took over as coach in 2007. The two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection by The Associated Press finished his career with 160 tackles (20 for loss) and 11.5 sacks in 50 games.

Williams drew ample praise for his work at the Shrine Bowl, but he did not have a great workout at the NFL Scouting Combine, with his bench press (17 reps) and vertical leap (25 1/2 inches) tying for worst among defensive linemen and his broad jump (101 inches) ranking second worst.



ANALYSIS

Williams keeps his pads low throughout plays and refuses to give away leverage. Connection between his top and bottom halves creates good body control. Arms are long enough to interrupt passing lanes and force quarterbacks to make adjustments as the ball comes out. Should fit nicely for a defense as a two-gap defender once he irons out the flaws as a run defender. Tackle radius is enough to redirect runners around his area. Fast enough to catch quarterbacks when he breaks through the line.

Williams lacks the mass to stand up against double teams and is still learning how to implement his length. Average power in his hands makes it harder to discard blockers as the ball arrives. Predictable pass-rusher who doesn’t bring anything dynamic to the table. Hand usage lacks polish. Slow-burn rusher who doesn’t find penetration very often. Unable to flow laterally down the line of scrimmage effectively. Average athleticism overall.

PRO COMPARISON

Dalvin Tomlinson, New York Giants — A run defender with the body type to adjust relative to what teams want, Williams could be viewed similar to how Tomlinson was when he came out of Alabama a few years ago. Tomlinson has blossomed into a starter over the past few years, and Williams could make the same easy transition. His lack of pass-rushing potential limits the ceiling, but he’ll be worth the asking price for a team that gets a two-contract starter.



Projection: Third-Fourth Round

Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)

You may also like

Apr 27, 2022 8:57 am

Giants go for 2-game sweep of crosstown rival A’s

The San Francisco Giants will look to further close the gap in their all-time rivalry with the visiting Oakland Athletics when they seek a second straight win Wednesday night in…

Apr 27, 2022 8:42 am

Guardians, slumping Franmil Reyes take on Shohei Ohtani’s Angels

The Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Angels will play the third game of their four-game series Wednesday night in Anaheim, Calif., as the Guardians try to rediscover their offense. Cleveland’s…

Apr 27, 2022 8:35 am

Playoff-bound Kings seek to keep Kraken reeling

The Los Angeles Kings are playoff-bound for the first time since the 2017-18 season. The Kings (43-27-10, 96 points) punched their postseason ticket Tuesday night when Dallas defeated Vegas in…

More Archive News

Apr 27, 2022 8:57 am

Giants go for 2-game sweep of crosstown rival A’s

The San Francisco Giants will look to further close the gap in their all-time rivalry with the visiting Oakland Athletics when they seek a second straight win Wednesday night in…

Apr 27, 2022 8:42 am

Guardians, slumping Franmil Reyes take on Shohei Ohtani’s Angels

Apr 27, 2022 8:35 am

Playoff-bound Kings seek to keep Kraken reeling

Apr 27, 2022 8:17 am

Six-man rotation kicks in as Astros, Cristian Javier face Rangers

Apr 27, 2022 8:08 am

Jason Robertson, Stars can lock up playoff berth vs. Coyotes

Read all
fb-post
advertisment
title-icon

Upcoming events

See all odds