Scouting The Draft, Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

It seems strange to be scouting back on the line after spending so long looking at the cornerbacks. One player that doesn't get too much attention from Jets fans is probably Dan Williams from Tennessee. I guess having Kris Jenkins coming back, and Pouha showing how good he can be this season, the need inside on the line doesn't seem quite as important as it once did. However if Dan Williams is sitting there at 29, and I doubt very much that he will be, we at least have to take a look at him. Especially with concerns about Kris Jenkins durability.

I did look/ask around to see whether we had talked to Williams at the Senior Bowl, and couldn't find any confirmation of this, when Dan Williams was asked which teams he had met with during the week, he rolled off an impressive list of teams in the lower portion of the draft. The exception being the Kansas City Chiefs, who were likely thinking more with their 2nd round selection than the first. If he started dropped in the first to the mid 20's range, there may be a possibility that the Chiefs jump up from the 2nd. I don't know what the Chiefs defensive line depth is like, so will leave that at just a possible hypothetical.

Other teams mentioned were: Green Bay Packers (can't see it with Ryan Pickett and 2009 first round selection B.J Raji), San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos and the New Orleans Saints

Career Stats

2005- (RS)

2006- 6 games played, 2 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack

2007- 14 games, 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks

2008- 12 games, 48 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks

2009- 13 games, 70 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks

Career Awards & Achievements

2009 All SEC Bowl Team Selection

2009 All SEC First Team (AP, ESPN)

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So what does Dan Williams do well?

Dan Williams is your prototypical two gap run stuffer. He is a big wide body who can play as a DT in a 4-3 or the 0 technique in a 3-4. Has a lot of power, especially in his lower body, his legs are bigger than a lot of players chests, and he uses them to get a nice push. Can take on double teams which allows linebackers to get through with less contact. Has a nice quick burst, gets leverage quickly and has a low centre of gravity which enables him to stand his ground. Is excellent against the run, protects the middle of the line, and ie he gets his hands on you, he will ride you to the ground. He uses his body weight to bring players down quickly. He has very solid instincts and awareness, recognises the play and moves to the correct point to give his team the best chance to snuff it out. Has brute strength and uses the bull rush well to decrease the pocket size. Won't astound you on the stat sheet, but he does what a NT needs to do, and that's occupy blockers.

What does Dan Williams need to work on?

Can be incredibly inconsistent and looks to take certain plays off. His motor has been criticized in the past as he wears down later in the game. When he gets his hands on you, you won't go far, but getting the hands on you has sometimes been a problem, doesn't always use his hands to get off the blocks. His pass rushing skills are limited, uses the bull rush well, but really doesn't have much else, won't offer that much in pursuit on a consistent basis. Has nice initial burst but then lacks game speed, if he gets held off can quit on the play. Not exactly athletic in the Kris Jenkins mould. Consistency and effort as well as stamina are the main problems I see.

Final Word

Dan Williams will be a solid player at the next level, maybe he can develop some more skills to disrupt the pass game, but could come in and hold his own against the run straight away. I don't really see that much of a need for him on our team at the minute, with Jenkins returning, and more importantly to me the development and progress of Pouha. Jenkins is always liable to go down, so to have a guy like Pouha ready to step in is vital. I like Dan Williams as a player, but I just don't think we have the need at the position, and playing against bigger, faster and stronger lineman in the NFL, his motor worries me. Likely a low 20's selection, but I don't think we will go in this direction.

Highlights currently unavailable

My order of preference for prospects we have looked at so far:

1) Perrish Cox

2) Jared Odrick

3) Brandon Graham

4) Golden Tate

5) Kyle WIlson

6) Donovan Warren

=6) Patrick Robinson

7) Damien Williams

8) Dan Williams

9) Dominique Franks (Only if we traded down with the first pick)

10) Taylor Mays

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