Minnesota Vikings 2019 NFL Draft Profile: Jonah Williams

Jonah Williams is the type of offensive lineman that could help the Minnesota Vikings turn their offensive line woes around. But will the talented big man be on the board when the Vikings make their first-round selection?

Jonah Williams will be one of the more sought after offensive lineman in the 2019 NFL Draft. His technique and smarts will make his transition to the NFL fairly smooth. When it comes to being NFL ready, Williams is about as close you can get regarding offensive lineman.

He could be a guy that might come into Minnesota Vikings training camp in 2019 and earns a starting spot right off the bat.

Some teams have question marks on if he will play tackle or guard, but everything I see screams offensive tackle in the NFL. Yes, he could start his pro career at guard like many rookie offensive tackles have done. But long-term, I see him as a franchise right tackle.

Jonah Williams – OT (Alabama)

Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 301 pounds

Pros:

• Played both right and left tackle at Alabama
• Plenty of experience, three-year starter
• Light on his feet, moves quickly
• Extremely intelligent
• Technique well ahead of most tackles coming into the league
• Explosive when he gets his hands on opposing defenders
• Ability to play multiple spots along the offensive line
• Uses his hands to control defenders
• Will be ready to make an impact as a rookie starter

Cons:

• Arm length will be a concern for NFL teams
• Teams unsure if he will be a tackle or guard
• Not as quick off the edge as you would like to see
• Not as athletic as some of the other top tackles we have seen in years past
• Won’t overpower opposing defenders
• Needs to play with more of a chip on his shoulder, needs to get angry out there

Where he fits with the Minnesota Vikings:

With the current status of the Vikings offensive line, Williams would be welcomed with open arms. As of now, the Vikings starting tackles are Riley Reiff and Brian O’Neill. O’Neill greatly exceeded expectations and all signs point to him being a part of this offensive line for years to come.

Reiff still has three years left on his contract, but he did seem to take take a step back in 2018. He wasn’t horrible, but he just wasn’t great.

I could see Williams coming in and competing for a starting spot. Worst case is they bump him inside at guard for a year killing two birds with one stone.

They would be upgrading at the guard position and adding more depth at tackle. I would see the move inside as something temporary and eventually taking Reiff’s spot for good.

If Williams was to come in and just flat out outplay Rieff at tackle, then the Vikings will have a decision to make. But one thing is very clear, he would instantly upgrade Minnesota’s current offensive line.

Why he could fall:

Teams will be scared off by his arm length and ability to stop the outside pass rush. Others might see him as only a guard, which would most likely push him into day two on their boards.

Why he could rise:

Offensive tackles always see their stock rise as the draft approaches. Especially smart, experienced guys with good technique. It’s as simple as that.

NFL Draft Projection:

Right now, I see Williams battling to be the first offensive tackles off the board. What could help his case on making it to pick  No. 18 is the amount of crazy talent on the defensive side of the ball.

We are going to see some talented offensive player slide further than they really should solely be based on teams going for defensive players.

Projection: Middle of round one

(For more NFL Draft-related content from Matt Falk, head on over to SkolHole.com and check out his work.)