2019 NFL Draft Profile: Jonah Williams

Jonah Williams

#1 Offensive Tackle by Football Addicts

Born: Dec 21st, 1997 (21 years old)
Height: 6’5
Weight: 301 Lbs
Position: Offensive Tackle
University: Alabama

About Jonah

Coming out of high school, Jonah was a 5 star athlete highly recruited out of California. Jonah Williams walked onto Alabama’s campus as an early enrollee and soon became one of the only true freshman to start for Nick Saban. He proved Saban right by being voted 2nd Team All-SEC and helped the Crimson Tide score an, SEC leading, 38.8 points a game. In 2017, Williams would move over to the left side of the offensive line and not skip a beat. He would go on to be a Unanimous All-American (2018), 2x First Team All-SEC, and win the Jacobs Blocking Trophy at the left tackle position. Alabama has another huge list of NFL prospects this year, and Jonah is the safest pick out of that bunch.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  As a freshman in college, Williams was quick to gain a reputation as a film junkie. A solid three year starter. Projects highly at both right tackle and guard if they want to move him inside. Jonah consistently shows off his quick feet, great base in pass protection, and never lets rusheers keep their hands on him. Williams is a powerful run blocker, and regularly pushes his defender from the line of scrimmage.

Weaknesses

Williams has questionable arm length, which makes him a liability to long, lengthy edge rushers. He doesn’t have the bend and athleticism of a player like Little, which might be an issue with the speed at the next level. I really would like him to show a bit more aggression at the point of contact with his defenders.

NFL Draft Projection/NFL Comp

NFL Draft Projection

There are plenty of franchises looking to bulk up their offensive line, specifically between picks 3 through 12. I believe the Jets will be selecting an offensive tackle, so they might look to trade down, but I currently have Jonah being selected 3rd overall by the New York Jets. Sam Darnold lead the NFL in turnovers, as expected, and adding Williams should help with that situation. He will also make it easier for the Jets to run the ball, taking pressure off Darnold.

NFL Player Comparison

Comparing offensive linemen is always an interesting concept. I think I was able to find a good one though, bare with me till the end and if you don’t like it, my Twitter is @tdashwebb42. Jonah Williams compares a lot to a recent drafts tackle, Laremy Tunsil. Like Tunsil, Williams dominated the SEC at left tackle but due to arm length, might have to learn inside at guard a few seasons in the NFL. They both are great pass blockers, and not bad at run blocking, just not a nasty run blocker.