| DT Dan Williams, Tennessee | |||||
| Pos. Rank: 3 | Grade: 1st Round | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 327 | 40: 5.19 | Year: 5-Sr. |
The Good: Powerful, well-sized defensive lineman zipping up draft boards. Explodes off the snap with a nice first step, plays with good pad level, and is an immovable force who rarely gives up an inch. Fights with his hands throughout the action, keeps his feet moving on contact, and constantly demands double-team blocks. Possesses terrific leg drive, bulrushes opponents off the line and rarely off his feet. Solid technician who works to get off blocks and displays the ability to change direction. Fights hard to make plays. A load in the middle of the line opponents struggle to stop.
The Bad: Marginal pass rusher, does not make many plays behind the line of scrimmage. Shows some stiffness in his game.
The Verdict: Williams entered the season with a free agent grade from NFL scouts, then turned in a tremendous campaign in '09, and he now rates as a first-round choice. He's big enough and strong enough to be used at either defensive tackle or on the nose, which only enhances his value to NFL teams. He's a hard-working player who should quickly produce on the next level and break into a starting lineup by the end of his rookie season.
