When the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft rolls around, I bet a lot of GMs will be talking about Oklahoma offensive tackle Daryl Williams. He’s a big man with a low center of gravity to help pave the way for ball carries and lock defenders into place. He can use his massive size and strength to a huge advantage, which projects nicely to the right tackle position in the NFL.
His work when it comes to pass protection is a bit of a different story though. That bulk and ability to root don’t come in handy when trying to be agile and quick with your feet, which is why most teams like likely look at Daryl Williams solely as a right tackle or a possible interior offensive lineman. He does react quickly to the snap, so he may play well at guard even though he’s never assumed that role at the college level.
Daryl Williams has a history of success at Oklahoma that spans his 4 year collegiate career. With no major character concerns and a proven desire to better himself, a team will likely get a starting caliber right tackle in the third round of the draft if his projected status relays to the real 2015 NFL Draft. Personally, I see him as a great value pick starting as early as the beginning of the third round.
Oct 11, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive tackle Daryl Williams (79) in game action against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl. Oklahoma beat Texas 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Combine Measurables:
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 327 pounds
- Arm Length: 35″
- Hand Size: 9 3/4″
- 40 Yard Dash: 5.34 seconds
- Bench Press: 27 reps
- Vertical Jump: 26″
- Broad Jump: 97″
- 3 Cone Drill: N/A
- 20 Yard Shuttle: 5.15 seconds
Draft Projection
Daryl Williams is currently the #105 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is their #11 ranked offensive tackle in the draft class. They project him to be a late third to early fourth round draft pick.
NFL Player Comparison
- NFL.com: N/A
- CBSSports.com: Phil Loadholt, Minnesota Vikings
Fit For The Vikings
Minnesota could be looking for a swing tackle in the 2015 NFL Draft. However, Williams is a bit limited in what he can do for the team as he doesn’t look to project well at all to the left side.
My Take
A team looking for a solid run blocking offensive tackle could have themselves a gem in Daryl Williams. However, he doesn’t fill a position of need for the Vikings and he can’t assume multiple spots on the offensive line, I can’t recommend the Vikings have him on their draft board until round 5. And that’s a shame, because he’s going to make some team very happy.
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