Today is our fifth day doing the NFL Draft Review, where we examine each individual draft pick the Ravens made in the 2017 NFL Draft. We would have posted one yesterday, however there was more current and pressing news that had to be covered, so we moved this installment to today. If you’d like to browse through and read the previous draft pick reviews, there will be a list at the end of this article. On today’s Draft Review article, we are going to look at Tim Williams, the outside linebacker from Alabama, that the Ravens selected with the 78th pick overall, in the third round. This was actually their second third round pick, as they selected Michigan defensive end Chris Wormley just four picks prior. Williams is a solid player and a great pick for the Ravens. Today, we will be examining Williams’ skill set, and show his fit on the Ravens. We will also make predictions on his career, show college statistics, and then grade the selection by the Ravens.
Skill Set
Tim Williams is a monster pass rusher out of one of the toughest college football conferences in the SEC. He’s 6’3″, 244 lbs, a good size for an outside linebacker such as himself. Williams has size that allows him to make himself known on the field, and create pressure on quarterbacks and ball carriers. He has great pass rushing ability. At Alabama, his specialty was getting to the quarterback. He’s fast off the snap, and uses his quickness abilities to get around blockers. When he gets pressure, he tends to finish well. He makes the hit, and the tackle with ease. Williams is a pass rushing specialist, and excelled in it at Alabama.
Fit in Baltimore
Williams was the steal of the NFL Draft. Formerly projected to be a first round pick, Williams fell all the way to the third round amid some character concerns that many teams had. This is slightly discouraging, but the Ravens should be trusted in taking him. General Manager Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens have extensive ties to the University of Alabama, and they did their homework on Williams. In Baltimore, Williams will be able to succeed both on and off the field, setting him up for a career of success. In Baltimore, Williams will get extensive time as an outside linebacker rushing the pass. He and fellow rookie Tyus Bowser will get on the field often, and make their presence know. Williams will compete, and I would not doubt him starting for the Ravens in 2017. When he does start, he will be a big time contributor.
Predictions for Williams
Williams will be a big time contributor for the Ravens by the end of this season. He will go on into his second year and garner a double digit sack season, and become one of the leading pass rushers for the Ravens. By his third year Williams will transform into one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. He will make several Pro Bowls in his career, and become an essential part of the Ravens defense. I also believe that with the Ravens, Williams will become the man he needs to be, and become a huge part of the community, doing good for others. I don’t see the Ravens letting any character hiccups occur along the way.
College Statistics
2013 – (Freshman Year) – 3 tackles, 1 for a loss.
2014 – (Sophomore Year) – 5 tackles, 1.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks.
2015 – (Junior Year) – 18 tackles, 11.5 for a loss, 9.5 sacks.
2016 – (Senior Year) – 31 tackles, 16 for a loss, 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery.
Selection Grade
Baltimore selected Tim Williams with the 78th pick in the draft, a third round selection. Williams was graded to be a first round pick by many, including myself, so picking him up in the third round is an absolute steal of a draft pick. Williams should not have slipped all the way down into the third round, and the Ravens will not regret selecting him. Overall, I give this pick an A- grade. Excellent value and great player, he will do great things in Baltimore.
