Jason Williams: Possible Pats LB Prospect

[VJCPatriot]

This kid has incredible athleticism and has decent size to build upon, 6-1 241 lbs. If he came to the Pats I'd expect them to try him out at ILB. There's been a lot of buzz on Williams lately, and he's a guy I could see in round 3 coming in and upgrading the team's speed on defense. Here are some links to get the info rolling.

Combine/Proday Results
Bench Reps: 26 Vertical: 39
20yd Split: 2.59 Broad Jump: 10'9"
10yd Split: 1.49 20yd Shuttle: X
3 Cone Drill: X

OLB, Jason Williams, WesternIllinois - Mile High Report

Patterson employs a 3-5 scheme where he lined up Williams in a variety of different positions. He would line up above a tackle, off the edge, or in a stunt in an A or B gap, a center guard gap, or a guard/tackle gap. Patterson sees Williams' transition to the next level as an edge rusher standing up, or an OLB in a 3-4 alignment as a pass defender and run support. Williams agrees with the coach that a 3-4 system would suit him at the next level. "The last 3 years here we played a 3-3-5 [defense], it was a modified 3-3-5 where we have two stand up 3 techs [technique]. [We use] a Sam [Strong side], and a Will [weak side] backer. I kind of think I would be utilized best in a 3-4 since I'm so used to coming off the edge already in our blitz scheme here at Western," explains Williams.

Football.com

The Patriots also had Williams in for a visit according to Reiss.

Patriots to host LB Jason Williams on pre-draft visit - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

Oh this might interest Box. The Eagles are keeping a close eye on Jason Williams. They have snaked some pretty good linebackers in the past.

Now, a guy who was not invited to the combine could come off the board as early as the third round. What is boosting him is teams that run 4-3 and 3-4 schemes are interested. He's got instincts, tackles well in space and is smart. We spotted Bucs linebackers coach Joe Barry at Northwestern where 17 teams were represented with some scouts saying they were there for the sole purpose of watching Williams. Philadelphia is also believed to be interested as NFL.com reported that Eagles linebackers coach Bill Shuey was in Evanston. When more than one-third of the league is checking you out, something good is bound to happen.

One hot linebacker: DuSable grad Williams has 10 pre-draft visits - Inside the Bears

 

[BradyManny]

Good stuff. I found a nice youtube video about him...unfortunately now I can't seem to find it. Had an interview w him and his coach and clips of him in practice.

I think this guy sounds like he fits inside with us. I dunno if he could be an every down SILB or not, but he, like Guyton, might pay dividends on passing downs. Sounds like he can contribute in coverage or rushing the passer.

 

[maverick4]

I've noticed his name pop up a few times as a good value or sleeper candidate.

 

[dryheat44]

He's a productive guy, but his lack of height definitely works against him at ILB.

 

[BlackFrancis]

He's a productive guy, but his lack of height definitely works against him at ILB.

Mayo isn't much taller than Williams, FWIW. The Patriots haven't had a tall ILB since Vrabel was switched back.

The 10 yard split time is completely ******ed, though it was only from a pro day, so he could have been running downhill.

 

[VJCPatriot]

He's a productive guy, but his lack of height definitely works against him at ILB.

Well he's an inch shorter than Mayo and the same height as Patrick Willis and Tedy Bruschi, so I don't think it will make much of a functional difference.

 

[maverick4]

He's a productive guy, but his lack of height definitely works against him at ILB.

And Tedy Bruschi is how tall?

 

[dryheat44]

All I'm saying is lack of height works against ILBs. Many times you can see them struggle to find ballcarriers behind the linemen. Yes, Tedy Bruschi is under 6'2". Mayo is probably about the same. I didn't say it couldn't be done, especially when we're dealing with Pro-Bowl talent.

I don't think Jason Williams is a Pro Bowl talent.

I've said it before, Scott McKillop was the best defensive player I saw this past year. The sad fact is that he's undersized for our scheme, is going to really struggle taking on guards and fullbacks, and as a result is off my draft board, although I think he's a Pro-Bowl MLB waiting to happen, a la Zach Thomas.

 

[VJCPatriot]

All I'm saying is lack of height works against ILBs. Many times you can see them struggle to find ballcarriers behind the linemen. Yes, Tedy Bruschi is under 6'2". Mayo is probably about the same. I didn't say it couldn't be done, especially when we're dealing with Pro-Bowl talent.

I don't think Jason Williams is a Pro Bowl talent.

I've said it before, Scott McKillop was the best defensive player I saw this past year. The sad fact is that he's undersized for our scheme, is going to really struggle taking on guards and fullbacks, and as a result is off my draft board, although I think he's a Pro-Bowl MLB waiting to happen, a la Zach Thomas.

I really find it odd that you take a guy off your draft board for an inch difference in height from Mayo. McKillop's another interesting 2nd day prospect. Measures in at 6'1 244lbs. By most reports he also had a good combine and pro day showing. I just wish he was a bit faster and more agile. I think Williams is a better bet as a coverage ILB.

Scott McKillop*|*Pittsburgh,*ILB*:*2009 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

Both Maualuga and Laurinitis 'only' measure in at 6'2 btw.

 

[dryheat44]

I really find it odd that you take a guy off your draft board for an inch difference in height from Mayo. McKillop's another interesting 2nd day prospect. Measures in at 6'1 244lbs. By most reports he also had a good combine and pro day showing. I just wish he was a bit faster and more agile. I think Williams is a better bet as a coverage ILB.

Scott McKillop*|*Pittsburgh,*ILB*:*2009 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

Both Maualuga and Laurinitis 'only' measure in at 6'2 btw.

And neither are first day picks on my board...although not because of height.

 

[VJCPatriot]

And neither are first day picks on my board...although not because of height.

I also rate them as 2nd day picks. But I thought you said you specifically dropped them because of that one inch lack of height.

He's a productive guy, but his lack of height definitely works against him at ILB.

I've said it before, Scott McKillop was the best defensive player I saw this past year. The sad fact is that he's undersized for our scheme, is going to really struggle taking on guards and fullbacks, and as a result is off my draft board, although I think he's a Pro-Bowl MLB waiting to happen, a la Zach Thomas.

At least that's the impression that I got. If you'd like to amend that impression and it was a misunderstanding that's fine.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

While we're on the subject, here's an old Sporting News list of Linebackers...

Sporting News - Your expert source for MLB Baseball, NFL Football, NBA Basketball, NHL Hockey, NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball and Fantasy Sports scores, blogs, and articles

2009 NFL Draft : Linebackers Who May Fill A Void

Mar 20, 2009 01:34 PM

 

[MetalBleachers]

Good stuff. I found a nice youtube video about him...unfortunately now I can't seem to find it. Had an interview w him and his coach and clips of him in practice.

I think this guy sounds like he fits inside with us. I dunno if he could be an every down SILB or not, but he, like Guyton, might pay dividends on passing downs. Sounds like he can contribute in coverage or rushing the passer.

Can't find the link, but I believe the video you're talking about is on Williams' Western Illinois player page.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Are you talking about this one?

YouTube - Jason Williams: 2008 Buck Buchanan Award Candidate