Tim

Williams

Baltimore’s No. 78 overall pick in ’17, Williams previously played with Packers big-ticket free agent Za’Darius Smith in M&T Bank Stadium. They’ll reunite in Lambeau, though Williams has notably struggled to breakthrough in his professional career. His ceiling is that of a reserve in Green Bay.

The No. 78 overall pick of the 2017 draft, 26-year-old Williams has frequently been a healthy scratch throughout his three-year career. He simply could never break through. Players with Williams’ draft pedigree typically get a second look, though Williams’ advanced age for a third-year pro is working against him.

With Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith gone, the Ravens have a big hole at outside linebacker. Williams, a third-round pick in 2017, and Bowser, a second-round pick that year, would be ready to fill it in a perfect world, but the duo has combined for 5.5 sacks in two seasons. Either player stepping up would be a big bonus, but the Ravens should look to a deep draft class to fill their need on the edge.

Williams has been on the field for 76 snaps this season, but the Ravens are getting multiple defenders back into the lineup this week coming off suspensions. This is the healthiest their roster has been to start the season.

Williams (6’3/244) was a situational pass rusher at Alabama, collecting 19.5 sacks over his final two seasons but rarely seeing the field beyond sub-packages. Exposures to Williams defending the run and dropping into coverage are limited. In Indy, Williams tested as a 49th-percentile athlete with 4.70 speed and below-par three-cone results (7.36). An impact part-time player in college, Williams’ NFL future is less certain. He has failed multiple drug tests, carries work ethic concerns, and is old-ish for a rookie, turning 24 later this year. If Williams gets his head on straight, he projects best as a third-down rusher and special teams help.

Williams broke the news himself on Instagram. Primarily a sub-package player at Alabama and on the old side for a rookie (24), Williams has work to do to become a three-down player, but he should at least be able to contribute as a pass rusher. The Ravens now have their entire draft class under contract.