Minnesota Vikings: 10 best fifth round draft picks of all time
By Adam Carlson
7. Tony Williams, DT – 1997
At first glance, there’s a chance you read this name as Troy Williamson. But there is absolutely no chance anyone would the former first-round bust with Tony Williams, a 6’1 and 292-pound defensive tackle.
A pass rushing and solid tackling big man out of Memphis, Williams needed to earn time on the field. His rookie year, he only played in six games and started two as a backup where he had 12 combined tackles.
His role gradually increased over his four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, starting 12 games for the team during each of the 1999 and 2000 campaigns. In those two seasons, he racked up nine sacks, earning five in 1999 and four in 2000.
While he would later go on to become a starter for the Bengals, Williams finished his career with Minnesota earning 126 combined tackles (92 solo) with ten sacks, two passes defended, and two fumble recoveries.