USC DL Leonard Williams declares for the NFL Draft
By Peter Smith
#USC junior DL Leonard Williams will enter the NFL Draft.
— TrojanSports.com (@USC_Rivals) December 29, 2014
The USC Trojans have announced that Leonard Williams, the premier defensive lineman in the country, has declared for the 2015 NFL Draft. Williams is a heavy favorite to not only be the first defensive lineman to be picked in this year’s draft but could go as high as the second overall pick to the Tennessee Titans.
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Williams could play as a defensive tackle in an even front as a 3-technique or he could play a 5-technique defensive end in a odd front. Listed at 6’5″ 300lbs, Williams is still just 20 years old and will not turn 21 until minicamps start up for the 2015 season. Williams finished his final season at USC with 48 solo tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 pass deflections and an interception in 13 games.
Tennessee in particular could pair him with their extremely talented, but unheralded Jurrell Casey and give them something to really build an identity on defense with under Ray Horton. If the Titans go in a different direction, the Jacksonville Jaguars have the next pick and while their defensive line has been arguably the most promising area of the team and dominated in some games, Williams gives them another extremely talented defensive lineman that could be an impact player and continue to improve that defense.
Short of something unforeseen happening, Williams is barely going to have time to settle in for the draft before he gets picked and he has the potential to be a big time player for years to come at the next level.