Quinnen Williams
#1 Defensive Tackle by Football Addicts
Born: Dec 21st, 1997 (21 years old)
Height: 6’3
Weight: 295 Lbs
Position: Defensive Tackle
University: Alabama
About Quinnen
I have to admit, it took me awhile to put this prospect over Ed Oliver, but by Week 8 I had fallen in love with what I had seen from Quinnen Williams. He carries himself in a way that brings a smile to your face, not cocky, but confident enough to be himself with everyone he speaks with. Williams was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama with his 2 brother who also play football. This soon to be Crimson Tide legend actually was committed to Auburn originally before flipping to rival Alabama. To the Crimson Tide’s avail, Quinnen would go on to win the Outland Trophy, and be voted as an All American, and First-Team All SEC in his only year as a starter. In 2018, Williams recorded 71 total tackles, 19.5 for loss, and 8 sacks, basically tripling his production from the year before.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Williams is the most explosive defensive tackle in this draft class. He combines his explosiveness with a great technique, and is dominant enough to create a pass rush and plug run gaps when needed. When I watch his film, he is always looking to hit his offensive lineman, and looks for contact at the line of scrimmage. Williams posses a high football I.Q., especially for just a redshirt sophomore, and almost knows where the ball carrier wants to go before the snap. He has 4.8 speed, and uses it to his advantage, making him a huge tackle for loss monster. Off the field Quinnen shows that he can handle the media, and is personally one of my favorite people to watch during the interview process.
Weaknesses
There are very few weaknesses based off his game tape. He only had one year as a starter, and was originally an edge defender before this season. With that being said, he is a little “underweight” for the position, and may struggle to keep the weight he needs to at the next level. You can sometimes see this on very few plays throughout the year where he just will be lost in the mix.
NFL Draft Projection/NFL Comp
NFL Draft Projection
If we are talking a pure talent stand point, no team needs included, Quinnen Williams could be the 1st overall player in the draft. Every team in the NFL could use a Quinnen Williams on their team, which makes me project him as a top 5 pick this coming April. He would be the best defensive tackle on all of the teams in the top 5, but I think the Raiders (4th) would be my favorite place for him to be drafted. Gruden has taken a lot of heat for trading Khalil Mack, and Quinnen Williams should take a lot of heat off the coach.
NFL Comparison
There are a lot of comparisons to Aaron Donald do to his “smaller” frame, and athletic passing rushing ability. I can go a little more realistic and say a slightly shorter Malik Jackson. Jackson is a seemingly overlooked defensive tackle that still can get after the quarterback as well. Though Jackson does stand 6’6, I believe comparing Williams to a back to back Defensive MVP is just foolish.