Brandon

Williams

“It’s not unrealistic is the best way to say it,” said Jones. Ellis spent the first 11 years of his career with the Boys before he was released last offseason. He had seven sacks with the Raiders in 2009 and could step into a third-down pass rushing role with Dallas. Brandon Williams is also in the mix for that spot.

A three-year veteran, Williams appeared in six games for the Cowboys a season ago, notching four tackles. Taking the roster spot of Joey Porter after the veteran linebacker was placed on injured reserve, Williams’ snaps should be limited to special teams if he manages to get on the field.

An underclassman entree, Williams led the Big 12 in sacks as a junior. He doesn’t time particularly well, but at 6'5/252 could develop into imposing edge presence in Dallas. The ‘Boys won’t rush him to play defense initially.

Williams left Texas Tech after a Big 12 best 13-sack junior year, but lacks ideal speed and doesn’t have a role waiting for him. He’ll push fellow rookie Victor Butler and Justin Rogers to be the Cowboys’ No. 3 outside ‘backer.

Williams was a defensive end at Texas Tech is still getting used to standing up. Should anything happen to Spencer, he’ll be expected to step in.

Williams, the team’s fourth-round pick, tore his ACL on August 21. He was expected to give the Cowboys depth at outside linebacker. The Cowboys also released WR Julian Hawkins and placed rookie tackle Robert Brewster on reserve/physically unable to perform.

He’ll be placed on injured reserve and will be lost for the season. Williams’ injury will test the team’s depth as he was being counted on as Anthony Spencer’s top backup on the strong side.

Williams, the Big 12’s sack leader in 2008, fell to the fourth round of the ’09 draft due to a lack of ideal burst off the edge. If he’s got all his speed back, Williams will push Victor Butler to be Dallas’ No. 3 outside linebacker.

Williams could still be limited by the time OTAs roll around. He’ll need to prove he’s fully recovered from his torn ACL to push for a backup pass rushing role.

After finishing fourth nationally with 13 sacks this season, Williams is expected to be a third round pick. At 6'5/246, Williams will likely be viewed as an outside linebacker by teams that run 3-4 defenses.