Sylvester

Williams

Williams (6'2/328) projects as pure run-stopping depth on the interior of New Orleans’ trenches. He’ll compete with Malcom Brown, David Onyemata, and Taylor Stallworth for a top reserve role.

He’s participating in minicamp on a tryout basis. Williams made 14 appearances between Miami and Detroit last year. Wherever he ends up, he’ll be run-stopping depth.

Williams, 30 next month, was released by the Lions last week after they acquired Damon Harrison from the Giants. He’s a pure run-plugger at 6'2/328.

He was cut to make room for Damon Harrison, who the Lions acquired via trade on Wednesday. It is not a surprise as Williams had seen his snap share cut in recent games. The veteran will likely find a new home in the near future.

Pryce was a four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle and end with whom Elway played in Denver. “This guy is a little better than Trevor,” Elway said. “I tell you: I hope he has the career that Trevor had.” As a rookie, expect Williams to start at three-technique tackle alongside new nose anchor Terrance Knighton.

Williams (6-foot-2 5/8, 313) transferred from JUCO to play two years with the Tar Heels, starting all 25 games of his career. He logged 13.5 tackles for loss and six sacks as a senior. Described as a “hard hat, lunch-pail guy” by NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, Williams shows great burst off the line on tape. He ran a 5.03 forty at the Combine with a 1.72 ten-yard split and 30 reps on the bench. Williams will slide right in as a rotational tackle along with Kevin Vickerson and Terrance Knighton. It’s a nice value pick at a position of need for the Broncos.

That is, assuming Texas S Kenny Vaccaro doesn’t fall. Williams hasn’t generated as much buzz as some of the draft’s other defensive tackles, but has long been near the top of big boards. His selection would likely punch DT Jay Ratliff’s ticket out of Big D.

The Broncos think Williams can work his way into a starter’s role by Week 1, but beat writer Mike Klis expects it to be difficult for Williams to leapfrog Kevin Vickerson and Terrance Knighton over the summer. Vickerson proved to be a solid run stopper, while “Pot Roast” Knighton has good pocket-pushing skills. No matter who the “starters” are, all three players will see significant snaps.

Williams was one of just a handful of first-rounders yet to sign. The former North Carolina Tar Heel has been described as a “hard hat, lunch-pail guy” by NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, and he’ll slide right into the mix at defensive tackle with veterans Kevin Vickerson and Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton.

The 28-year-old has three years of starting experience, but was a liability against the run last season. Williams gets a fresh start in Tennessee, where he’ll compete with Austin Johnson to replace Al Woods at nose tackle