Leonard Williams
USC, DT/DE
Height: 6.5
Weight: 302
40yd: 4.97
Age: 21
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Athleticism: B-
Flexible and athletic for a defensive lineman. Lacks great initial quickness off of the snap, but is a field fast player who is impactful nonetheless. Very good closing burst in pursuit and moving upfield. Shows good change of direction and flexibility. Overall, an extremely fluid athlete to play any position along the defensive line and is even effective playing from a two-point stance.
Pass Rush: B+
Showcases an excellent blend of power and athletic ability, along with developing instincts rushing the passer. Flashed the ability to bend the edge and run the arc as a 4-3 defensive end, but is best suited to play inside as a three-technique. Has good strength, leverage, and hands to bull rush and routinely collapses the pocket. Disruptive even when he is unable to secure the sack. Has the beginnings of a pass rush arsenal and has used a swim move and spin move, but doesn’t yet put moves together. Arrives with bad intentions when he is able to get to the quarterback. Sells out trying to tip passes with elite length, but doesn’t consistently eliminate passing windows.
Run Defense: A-
Power and athleticism are again apparent when playing the run and has shown the ability to consistently disrupt plays in the backfield. Able to shoot gaps and knife through creases. Has very good stack and shed ability. Rarely gets moved off of his spot or turned out of his gap responsibility. Quick to shed with his hands and engulf ballcarriers. Able to hold his ground against double teams. Needs to do a better job of protecting his lower half from cut blocks. Could become a dominant player in this regard with improved technique.
Technique: C+
Technically is still a work in progress, but has been extremely successful nonetheless. Has improved a great deal since 2013 and since the beginning of the 2014 season. Has violent hands and packs a powerful punch. Consistently is able to extend and control blockers with his hands as a pass rusher and disengage as a run defender. Overall pad level is average to above average, but has superior length and height which can make winning leverage battles more difficult. Is a powerful, explosive tackler, but misses too many despite long arms. Has some trouble securing elusive runningbacks and will whiff when forced to make plays in space.
Intangibles: A
Great energy and passion, displaying a passionate work ethic on the field. An energetic and fiery competitor who rarely quits and wins with effort when natural ability is not enough. Very good effort in backside and downfield pursuit. Gives consistent effort on almost every down. Has good instincts and has quick mental processing. Is able to sniff out screens and is always in position to make plays in the running game. Has the instincts and vision to cut off running lanes and find the ballcarrier. Snap awareness needs improving. Could stand to reel in his emotion at times, which can lead to penalties for celebration and retaliation.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: After making big strides throughout the 2014 season, Leonard Williams has cemented himself as the number one prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft. Prior to the season, Williams graded out as a late first round prospect but showed a lot of improvement in terms of his technique and overall effectiveness on the field. Williams is an extremely versatile player who can play in almost any scheme and can play nearly every positon along the line, which he did at USC. Has the ability to be a game-changing, franchise player along the lines of J.J. Watt or Gerald McCoy.
Comparison: Gerald McCoy
Grade: 9.7 (Rare Talent)
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