Milton Williams

[n1997y]

I think the point of the tool is that if you are muting someone then you don't want to read what they have to say, which would include other folks' posts which quote that person. If you mute someone but still have to see their posts because people reply to them, it's not solving much for you. But I do understand your position.

Yes, plus thinking about implementing it I’m sure the way it is would be far easier than the way I want it. But hey it’s just Ian’s blood, sweat, and tears I’m asking for…

 

[reflexblue]

I'm just bored, i need training camp to start

 

[n1997y]

As much as the potential is there, Williams will have a lot of pressure on him. One concern is whether Williams is product of Fangio and/or surrounding players last year. He's been a rotational guy his entire career before 2024 with the Eagles and nobody has ever heard of him until the playoffs came around. They've used multiple 1st round picks on the DL to keep it that way with him.

Now he's the 3rd highest paid interior lineman per year, 3rd in fully guarantees and 6th in total guarantees. Like Trey Flowers was in Detroit getting one of the highest contracts for a DE at the time in 2019, he will be under a microscope in Boston.

Well the good news is, he is not exactly surrounded by duds here. Barmore, Young, and Landry will headline 3 other forces who will take a LOT of pressure off of William, or visa versa. If Williams become the focus of opposing OL's, the other good players on the Pats DL will see a LOT of single team protections.

Also we have a bunch of very young players who have a chance to develop into solid depth pieces over the course of the season. On paper at least, the Pats DL has a chance (along with the CB's) to be one of the 2 strongest units on the team.

Yes. When I read Rain’s post my immediate thought was that if he was the product of guys around him in Philly I’m not seeing reason for concern with the guys around him here. But I know Rain is always looking for clouds not silver linings. Personally I think our D this year is more likely to be gold than silver.

 

[Sect140]

As much as the potential is there, Williams will have a lot of pressure on him. One concern is whether Williams is product of Fangio and/or surrounding players last year. He's been a rotational guy his entire career before 2024 with the Eagles and nobody has ever heard of him until the playoffs came around. They've used multiple 1st round picks on the DL to keep it that way with him.

Now he's the 3rd highest paid interior lineman per year, 3rd in fully guarantees and 6th in total guarantees. Like Trey Flowers was in Detroit getting one of the highest contracts for a DE at the time in 2019, he will be under a microscope in Boston.

I sure do like how Eagles GM Howie Roseman builds his teams, it seems like his priority is always the O-Line and D-Line.

 

[Wozzy]

I sure do like how Eagles GM Howie Roseman builds his teams, it seems like his priority is always the O-Line and D-Line.

Always… Jalen Hurts in the 2nd round was solid value. He looks great because of his line. On a bad team he’d suck, he’d be slightly better Daniel Jones.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Always… Jalen Hurts in the 2nd round was solid value. He looks great because of his line. On a bad team he’d suck, he’d be slightly better Daniel Jones.

No way the win the Super Bowl without Saquan Barkley.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Yes. When I read Rain’s post my immediate thought was that if he was the product of guys around him in Philly I’m not seeing reason for concern with the guys around him here. But I know Rain is always looking for clouds not silver linings. Personally I think our D this year is more likely to be gold than silver.

I'm brining up a very possible scenario as he doesn't have the best track record. He was signed to be an anchor and leader of this defense - not to blend in with everyone else. He and Barmore will be relied upon to bring the heat upfront to allow guys like Landry, White and others on the edge to clean up.

I sure do like how Eagles GM Howie Roseman builds his teams, it seems like his priority is always the O-Line and D-Line.

Yeah he's done a good job and Saquan Barkley was an awesome signing which blindsided the Giants. Giants did the right thing letting him walk, but their evaluation of him was alarming. Very Curtis Martin esque in 1998.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I'm just board, i need training camp to start

Bored?

 

[Real fan 02]

As much as the potential is there, Williams will have a lot of pressure on him. One concern is whether Williams is product of Fangio and/or surrounding players last year. He's been a rotational guy his entire career before 2024 with the Eagles and nobody has ever heard of him until the playoffs came around. They've used multiple 1st round picks on the DL to keep it that way with him.

Now he's the 3rd highest paid interior lineman per year, 3rd in fully guarantees and 6th in total guarantees. Like Trey Flowers was in Detroit getting one of the highest contracts for a DE at the time in 2019, he will be under a microscope in Boston.

Valid points. What I'll say is.. Vrabel said he told Williams when he signed him that he going to see more than 45% of snaps.. Williams said he welcomes it and always wanted to be a full time player. As you mentioned about fangio... eagles play a wide 9 defense even before fangio got there. Roseman has done a masterful job with keeping the defensive front stacked. So the always have a bevy of guys to rotate and Williams was in the rotation. He had a great playoffs and superbowl so that helped his stock rise.. as most of us have.. the eagles are good team so they are on prime time all the time. When I did watch the eagles defense he was always noticeable and disruptive..

Did I forsee him back during the season as a top FA signing? No i didn't forsee that.

Vrabel knows intimately what his players can do and what he feels thier potential can be. Williams has big upside and he won't be playing with scrubs where he has to do it all.

 

[scott99]

Williams is an elite athlete with incredible measurables. At his pro day, at 6’3” 285, he ran a 4.61 and had a 38.5 vertical. Also did 34 reps on the bench press to show his strength. For those of you that like the 3 cone to show short area quickness, he ran a 6.96 three cone. Williams performance at the Super Bowl was phenomenal.

If both Barmore and Williams can stay healthy, the middle of the line can be a major strength, and either can move all over the line as well, so both are versatile.

 

[Real fan 02]

Williams is an elite athlete with incredible measurables. At his pro day, at 6’3” 285, he ran a 4.61 and had a 38.5 vertical. Also did 34 reps on the bench press to show his strength. For those of you that like the 3 cone to show short area quickness, he ran a 6.96 three cone. Williams performance at the Super Bowl was phenomenal.

If both Barmore and Williams can stay healthy, the middle of the line can be a major strength, and either can move all over the line as well, so both are versatile.

Barmore and Williams staying healthy is key. I like that Vrabel is focusing on depth on the front. With a week 14 bye this season and a 17 game schedule depth is of the Utmost importance. We have players at all 3 levels of the defense. Having the depth throughout the defense is what allows teams to stay competitive during the season.

 

[scott99]

Barmore and Williams staying healthy is key. I like that Vrabel is focusing on depth on the front. With a week 14 bye this season and a 17 game schedule depth is of the Utmost importance. We have players at all 3 levels of the defense. Having the depth throughout the defense is what allows teams to stay competitive during the season.

The key for this defense is the Dline. If they can provide pressure, that helps the secondary, which is good in its own right. I just want to see a fierce defense that plays very physical. Too many years the defense was reactionary, I want them to attack. I want them to play with urgency.

 

[Real fan 02]

The key for this defense is the Dline. If they can provide pressure, that helps the secondary, which is good in its own right. I just want to see a fierce defense that plays very physical. Too many years the defense was reactionary, I want them to attack. I want them to play with urgency.

Yes without a doubt. Interior pressure is what they will need to present. Edge rushers can be negated.. Interior pressure helps the edge guys.. when you have a line that can put pressure on the offensive line every down it makes if difficult on the Entire offense. Remember those Ravens teams? Rex Ryan Jets? Broncos?.. yeah they gave Brady problems because they had fierce pressure from their defensive front. We could never run the ball even against them. The nice rotation of guys will allow Barmore, Williams and white to be fresher in the fourth Quarters of games. Farmer, pharms, Tonga will all play integral parts in the rotation along with the studs.

 

[Real fan 02]

The key for this defense is the Dline. If they can provide pressure, that helps the secondary, which is good in its own right. I just want to see a fierce defense that plays very physical. Too many years the defense was reactionary, I want them to attack. I want them to play with urgency.

Adding that i highly agree.. no read and react defense.. attack and set the tone... I hated those pratricia defenses.. letting teams march between the 20s on you..

 

[scott99]

Yes without a doubt. Interior pressure is what they will need to present. Edge rushers can be negated.. Interior pressure helps the edge guys.. when you have a line that can put pressure on the offensive line every down it makes if difficult on the Entire offense. Remember those Ravens teams? Rex Ryan Jets? Broncos?.. yeah they gave Brady problems because they had fierce pressure from their defensive front. We could never run the ball even against them. The nice rotation of guys will allow Barmore, Williams and white to be fresher in the fourth Quarters of games. Farmer, pharms, Tonga will all play integral parts in the rotation along with the studs.

Tonga is massive. What a moose, and I mean that in a good way.

 

[Real fan 02]

Tonga is massive. What a moose, and I mean that in a good way.

Yes! I watched some clips on him guys a force in in the middle.. I wouldn't be surprised if he's playing more that 50%of the snaps.. he's a run stuffer and he push the line of scrimmage

 

[n1997y]

I'm brining up a very possible scenario as he doesn't have the best track record. He was signed to be an anchor and leader of this defense - not to blend in with everyone else. He and Barmore will be relied upon to bring the heat upfront to allow guys like Landry, White and others on the edge to clean up.

Yeah he's done a good job and Saquan Barkley was an awesome signing which blindsided the Giants. Giants did the right thing letting him walk, but their evaluation of him was alarming. Very Curtis Martin esque in 1998.

I haven’t studied Williams’ past career. But I’m sure the Patriots staff members that signed him did, in depth, and saw sufficient justification for signing him.

I’m very interested to know what failings you see in his track record?

 

[WhatJustHappened]

Pat's lost the 2 SBS to the Gmen... because of what?
UP THE MIDDLE PRESSURE, once Neal got hurt it was over.

 

[TheRainMaker]

I haven’t studied Williams’ past career. But I’m sure the Patriots staff members that signed him did, in depth, and saw sufficient justification for signing him.

I’m very interested to know what failings you see in his track record?

I've already explained my concerns in a prior post. Nobody had heard of him until the playoffs rolled around. He was a rotational player his entire career because he had Cox and Hargrave in front of him. So what did the Eagles do when Cox was getting older and Hargrave approaching FA? They go back to back 1st round picks on DT. If they thought Williams could be that next guy, they would've spared at least one of those picks. Williams was still 3rd in snap counts behind the 1st round picks until 2024.

I've also mentioned in a prior thread how Williams had absolutely no business being paid more than Barmore who has proven to be a better/more productive player while missing a full season and other games. And the only reason Barmore hasn't complained is because he knows the uncertainty of his health. Had he played and played well last season, the Pats wouldn't have overpaid for Williams. He's also being paid a contract more than Tom Brady ever got in NE. So yeah, he's going to be under the microscope soon.

In the end, the games will decide who is right.

From the article:

"I fully understand that the salary cap has increased considerably over the years, but this was probably a significant overpay for a guy who has never even made a Pro Bowl, and the Panthers were lucky to avoid it."

"Williams is a good player, but he is not exactly a star. Perhaps he is being overrated by his strong Super Bowl performance. Or maybe his contract was merely a product of what was a rather weak NFL free-agent class overall."

"Whatever the case may be, Carolina should consider itself very lucky that it did not pay $26 million annually for a player who registered a 43.1 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024."

Panthers dodge huge bullet by avoiding massive free agent overpay

The Carolina Panthers thought they had Milton Williams, until they didn't. Williams spurned the Panthers for the New England Patriots, signing a gargantuan four

www.si.com

 

[Huckleberry1]

I've already explained my concerns in a prior post. Nobody had heard of him until the playoffs rolled around. He was a rotational player his entire career because he had Cox and Hargrave in front of him. So what did the Eagles do when Cox was getting older and Hargrave approaching FA? They go back to back 1st round picks on DT. If they thought Williams could be that next guy, they would've spared at least one of those picks. Williams was still 3rd in snap counts behind the 1st round picks until 2024.

I've also mentioned in a prior thread how Williams had absolutely no business being paid more than Barmore who has proven to be a better/more productive player while missing a full season and other games. And the only reason Barmore hasn't complained is because he knows the uncertainty of his health. Had he played and played well last season, the Pats wouldn't have overpaid for Williams. He's also being paid a contract more than Tom Brady ever got in NE. So yeah, he's going to be under the microscope soon.

In the end, the games will decide who is right.

From the article:

"I fully understand that the salary cap has increased considerably over the years, but this was probably a significant overpay for a guy who has never even made a Pro Bowl, and the Panthers were lucky to avoid it."

"Williams is a good player, but he is not exactly a star. Perhaps he is being overrated by his strong Super Bowl performance. Or maybe his contract was merely a product of what was a rather weak NFL free-agent class overall."

"Whatever the case may be, Carolina should consider itself very lucky that it did not pay $26 million annually for a player who registered a 43.1 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024."

Panthers dodge huge bullet by avoiding massive free agent overpay

The Carolina Panthers thought they had Milton Williams, until they didn't. Williams spurned the Panthers for the New England Patriots, signing a gargantuan four

www.si.com

You get paid what the market allows you to get paid. And it’s simply not true that “ no one” knew who Williams was before the playoffs, plenty of people who pay attention to football knew who he was. Was he a household name, probably not, but that doesn’t mean he was a no name either. He’s a very good player, that’s why it took a bidding war to get him, and he’s got plenty of help on the Patriots DL to allow him to have a good season.