2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Leonard Williams

Oct 11, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. The Trojans defeated the Wildcats 28-26. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Scouts’ Take

Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBSSports.com said of Williams, “An exceptional talent, boasting a rare combination of size, easy athleticism and raw power to go along with a passion for the game. Impressive initial quickness, lateral agility, flexibility and balance to penetrate gaps and attack on stunts. Very long arms which allows him to keep blockers form latching on.

When the game come as easy as it appears to come to a player like Williams, it’s easy to nit-pick technique and consistency. Williams, like most taller defensive tackles, struggles at times with leverage. He gets his hands into passing lanes but needs to show more awareness and hand-eye coordination to make those big mitts weapons.”

Lance Zlerlein of NFL.com said, “Supremely gifted interior lineman with athleticism and elite power. Lined up just about everywhere along the line at one point or another. Able to jolt offensive lineman with powerful hands and is extremely hard to redirect for and offensive lineman once he gets going down hill. Showed intriguing potential as pass-rushing end in space.

Is a little bit late out of his stance off the snap. Must learn to fire out hands as weapons. Slow to transition from run-stopper to pass-rusher when teams throw on first down. Pad level rises and legs straighten out as a pass-rusher. Hasn’t learned to set up offensive linemen or string together moves yet. Doesn’t always play up to capability and pursuit is lacking when the play heads away from him.”

Next: My Take