Player Profile: Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams

Height:  6'3
Weight:  323
School:  Alabama
Position:  Defensive Tackle
Ranking:  #2 Nose Tackle
Projection:  2nd Round

Strengths
-Has the ideal size and bulk for the defensive tackle position
-Good speed for his size (4.84 40)
-Quickly fires off the ball and initiates contact
-Scheme flexability.  Can play 3-4 NT and DE or NT in the 4-3
-Displays a strong bull rush that can drive lineman back into quarterback
-Strong anchor.  Very hard to move off spot
-Great motor.  Never gives up on a play. 
-Good tacker.  Won't whiff on the ball carrier
-Football IQ continues to improve.  Finds the ball carrier easily
-Extremely tough and plays with a mean streak

Weaknesses
-No pass rush ability
-Struggles to shed blocks
-Short arms (32") makes it tough to keep lineman off his body
-Inexperienced.  Only started playing football at age 15
-A little too top heavy which causes balance issues
-Lacks good lateral quickness
-Injury concerns (knees, shoulder, concussion)
-Can get too aggressive and over pursue

Summary
In a league where the 3-4 defense is such a common place, prospects who can project to play the nose tackle spot are in demand.  Jesse Williams is one of those players.  Williams comes into the NFL with the experience playing in the 3-4 defense while at Alabama where he played both the defensive end and nose tackle spots.  However his game doesn't translate well to the nose tackle spot in the NFL.  Williams has good speed and initial quickness he uses to attack the offensive line and disrupt.  In one on one situations he is very tough to block.  He has a good bull rush that he uses to push lineman back and has a strong anchor to hold his ground.  However when he faces a double team which he'll see as a 3-4 nose tackle he struggles to disengage blockers and often is seen going down to a knee.  Part of this could be from the lack of lower body strength and short arms.  Williams would be much better off in a 4-3 defense in the nose tackle spot where he will see more one on one battles and can use his straight line speed and quickness to disrupt, rather than take on blockers.  However because the nose tackle spot is so important Williams will probably still be drafted to that position.  Look for a team like Philadelphia, San Diego, or the New York Jets to take a long look at him in the early part of the second round. 

Jared Crick Scouting Report

Jared Crick

Position: Defensive Tackle / 3-4 Defensive End
School: Nebraska
Year: Senior
Height: 6'5
Weight: 290
Draft Stock: 2nd - 4th Round

Strengths
-Extremely Quick. Set the Nebraska record for fastest 10 yard time. Allows him to shoot off the ball.
-Position Flexibility. Could play the 3 technique Defensive Tackle and Left Defensive End in the 4-3 or a 5 technique Defensive End in the 3-4.
-Experience playing in a 2 gap defense. Knows how to play with leverage.
-Great size and frame. 6'5 290 with the ability to add weight and still keep quickness.
-Long arms that allow him to engage with lineman and not let them get to his body and shed blocks to make plays.
-High football IQ. Always knows where to be.
-Very experienced. Starter since Sophomore year.
-High Motor. Never quits on a play. Just Keith Price. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQlEBJSO3Ww
-Good leader and active in the community
-Strong punch
-Good pass rusher. Uses speed, swim move, deceptive bull rush

Weaknesses
-Doesn't change directions very easily.
-Isn't overly strong
-Doesn't anchor in the best
-Injury issues. Torn pectoral this past year, MCL Strain in 2011 Spring

Summary

Going into the 2011 season there were high hopes for Jared Crick. He was coming off two huge seasons and was projected to be a top 20 draft pick. However he started off slow and then torn his pectoral muscle after playing in only 5 games. Now there is going to be a cloud of questions around his value in the draft. However Crick should be healthy for the combine and will be able to show the skills he has to offer. Crick really reminds me a lot of Cameron Jordan who is now with the Saints. Much like Jordan, Crick is very versatile and can fit into any scheme. Crick played in a 2 gap system at Nebraska so he knows how to play with leverage, take on blockers and shed blocks to make plays. So he fits in real well as a 5 technique defensive end. Crick also could fit as a 3 technique DT in the 4-3 where he can use his speed and quickness to penetrate and disrupt the backfield. He could also see some time at Left Defensive End in the 4-3 because of his speed. However teams will have some reservations about him because of the pec injury. Because of that Crick right now is sitting as a 3rd round value, however a strong combine where he shows his is back to his old form could rise him up. But at best he'll be a high 2nd round pick. He's probably best suited for the 3-4 so that is more likely where he'll go, but you never know.