Player Profile: Brennan Williams

Brennan Williams

Height:  6'6
Weight:  318
School:  North Carolina
Position:  Offensive Tackle
Ranking: #6 Offensive Tackle
Projection: 3rd / 4th Round

Strengths
-Ideal size height and bulk for an offensive tackle.
-34" arms that he uses to keep defenders off his body
-Good athlete who moves well
-Very strong punch that jolts defenders
-Quick first step in the run game that allows him to make first contact
-Good strength that makes him able to move defenders in the run game
-Uses good athletic ability to get to the second level
-Great overall strength
-Has that nasty streak that you love out of a lineman
-Family history.  Dad played in the league for seven seasons

Weaknesses
-Very inconsistent in pass coverage.
-Lacks a strong anchor.  An average bull rush gets him off balance.
-Slow feet that don't always move.  Cause him to get beat by faster ends
-Poor footwork
-Durability.  Knee and labrum issues
-Not a natural knee bender.  Leads to him being off balance at times
-Isn't quick to recognize blitzes and stunts
-RT only at UNC

Summary
When you have an offensive tackle with the ideal frame (6'6 318) and good athletic ability he's going to be coveted by almost every team.  Brennan Williams fits that bill.  He has the height, length (34" arms), and quickness that you need to play LT in the NFL.  However Williams just can't translate those things into becoming a top tier LT.  Let alone play LT for the Tar Heels.  His biggest issue is his poor slow footwork.  Because of that he struggles in pass protection and gets beat by quicker defensive ends.  Add in that he doesn't have a high IQ when it comes to blitzes and stunts and he can get a QB hit a bunch.  But when asked to run block it's a totally different blocker.  Williams is aggressive, hits hard and is a force.  No wonder why Giovanni Bernard was able to run so successfully.  Williams fires off the ball and can move defenders off their spot to open the run lanes.  If Williams can get the pass protection figured out he could be a long time starter in the league.  Otherwise he'll be an above average right tackle or possible a swing tackle.  But because of his potential, some team (possibly a zone blocking team) looking for somebody to come in and compete for the starting right tackle spot will take him somewhere in the 3rd-4th round range.