Raequan

Williams

The Eagles had known interest in Williams (6'4/308), as he had a “FaceTime” visit with the club according to SB Nation’s Justin Melo. The 6-foot-4, 308-pound defender was excellent for the Spartans over the last three years, and in 2019 he picked up five sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss while also helping plug up the run. NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein notes that he doesn’t possess a wide variety of pass-rush moves and will need to add strength, but we’re surprised to see Williams go undrafted, and he could be a real coup for Philadelphia.

FaceTime meetings are the new “normal” for NFL teams and draft prospects, thanks to the novel coronavirus and its impact on the sports world. Williams (6'4/308) ran well at the NFL Scouting Combine, but despite this and his production at Michigan State he’s viewed by multiple draft analysts as a Day 3 selection. Defensive tackle isn’t a “glamour” position like edge rusher, which is loaded with top prospect in this draft class, which is likely impacting Williams’ draft prospects as well.

Williams (6'4/308) posted the 10th-fastest 40 run among the interior defensive line group. He profiles as a potential Day 3 selection for the draft, with NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein a fan of his versatility. Zierlein would like to see him expand on his arsenal of pass-rushing moves, as well as add strength, once Williams hits the NFL.

This may not seem like lofty praise, but football is hard, and there are plenty of very good football players that won’t be drafted this April. He was a solid contributor for the Spartans all four years, and Zierlein notes that he has the versatility to play up-and-down the line. He also notes that the 6-foot-4, 303-pound lineman is slow off the ball, and lacks the “twitch” you’re looking for in a defensive tackle. "[Williams’] bull rush generates pocket push and might translate, but he needs to keep adding strength and counters to diversify his rush plan, Zierlein writes in his overview. “He’s a backup-caliber interior defender worthy of a Day 3 selection.”

Williams (6'4/300) played in all 12 games for the Spartans racking up 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, 33 assisted tackles, and 16 solos. This isn’t a very surprising announcement, but it’s still a positive for Michigan State’s 2019 season.

The Spartans will be without top defensive tackle Malik McDowell for the first half against BYU, so their depth at the position might be a bit suspect against the Cougars. BYU is averaging 200 yards on the ground per game.