6’1” – 246 lbs. – 4.66
POSITIVES:
- Possesses an adequate combination of height and bulk; also has long 32 ¾” arms.
- On tape, looks a bit thinner than his Combine weight, but proved he could carry it.
- Patient with his reads; generally solid gap discipline, pursuit angles versus the run.
- Solid technique tackler who wraps and continues driving his feet; avoids risky hits.
- Looks good versus blockers; some pop on contact, avoids being knocked around.
- When engaged, is able to anchor and use his long arms to make tackles off blocks.
- Comfortable making zone coverage drops, riding backs/tight ends through zone.
- Has some experience covering in the slot, looks capable versus short/intermediate.
- High-motor player who gives great effort, often pursues plays out to the sidelines.
- Tough; played through a hand injury which required a cast during the 2013 season.
NEGATIVES:
- Will need to continue filling out frame to hold up on the inside of a 3-4 defense.
- Lacks the consistent strength to stop opposing runners in their tracks on contact.
- More explosive in short area than fast in straight line; doesn’t match timed speed.
- Occasionally ends up overrunning his gap and being sealed out of the play vs. run.
- Can get a bit too aggressive at times and commit to run against play-action passes.
- Tools make him look like a possible 4-3 “Sam” ‘backer, but lacks ideal size/bulk.
- Wasn’t asked to blitz with much frequency, didn’t look particularly good doing it.
SUMMARY:
An athletic, downhill linebacker who looks thin on tape but who weighed in at a respectable 246 pounds at the Combine, with impressive workouts at that weight, Williamson likely solidified a place on the third day of this year’s draft. Although he is an aggressive, physical downhill player whose ability to jolt blockers on contact and impressive hand-use allows him to disengage from blocks well, he is probably best suited inside in a 4-3 defense rather than a 3-4, although he does have the frame to bulk up to 255 pounds or so. In coverage, he usually made spot-drops, but has some experience in the slot; while he’s not quite as rangy there as his timed speed would indicate, he does look comfortable and reasonably technically-sound with his footwork and balance. With some work in the weight room, Williamson could become a solid contributor.
