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Connor Williams, Texas: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns tackle Connor Williams (55) in action against the Oklahoma Sooners during Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns tackle Connor Williams (55) in action against the Oklahoma Sooners during Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Texas’ Connor Williams is a big-bodied and highly athletic offensive tackle prospect eligible for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Connor Williams features the ideal frame for a NFL left tackle. He has good bulk, thick lower half and excellent arm length. Williams also features good movement skills and the athleticism needed to stick at left tackle in the NFL.

This is a well-rounded prospect who can open holes in the running game and protect the quarterback. His run blocking ability is directly linked to his hand usage. Williams routinely gains inside hands with the strength to latch.

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He makes it difficult for defenders to disengage and purse the football. Williams does a good job keeping his legs moving once engaged. This helps him generate a solid push off the line of scrimmage. His athleticism and use of angels give him the ability to also fit a zone-blocking scheme.

Williams is an aware player who quickly recognizes when to move from one block to another. He routinely helped spring long runs with his blocks made down field.

As a pass blocker, Williams is still a bit of a work in progress. Texas’ passing game featured a lot of quick throws which didn’t ask Williams to maintain his blocks. The NFL features more traditional concepts with require longer periods of protection for the quarterback.

This is going to be an adjustment for Williams. However, his combination of quick feet and strong hands will allow him to quickly adjust. Williams has the change of direction ability and balance to handle any pass rush attack.

However, he could clean up his technique in order to improve his overall play. Williams keeps his hands down at his side in pass protection. This is a wasted movement which requires him to raise his hands in order to engage the defender.

He gets away with it in college, but NFL pass rushers will use this to their advantage. Williams also needs to sit in his stance with more consistency. There are times where he gets his shoulders out in front of his feet thus hurting his balance.

The biggest take away is that Williams is a very strong prospect who could be a top-10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He features the athletic profile and measurables that NFL evaluators look for in a left tackle. His stock will only improve as he cleans up some of the inconsistencies in his technique.

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