Again I am writing about Arkansas players because that is what I know. I am not giving them great marks across the board. I am trying to be unbiased and give an honest assessment of how their abilities will translate to the NFL, and today's piece on Arkansas Tight End D.J. Williams is no exception.
As a 6'2" 245lb Tight End you wouldn't think that D.J. Williams would be as intriguing an NFL prospect as he is. The guy's game is not perfect, he is undersized, needs to work on his blocking, will not outrun all NFL DB's like Vernon Davis, and does not make a ton of "highlight reel" grabs. He brings with him 3 years experience in Bobby Petrino's pro style offense that deployed him all over the field. What else does he bring? Versatility, rough life experiences that have made him mature beyond his years, and a team first mentality that makes him a "must have" for NFL teams. His resume is thick with awards such as:
**The John Mackey Award - Given to the best Tight End in 2010
**1st Team All SEC in 2008 & 2010
**2010 Disney Spirit Award Winner - Given to college football's most inspirational figure
D.J. Williams had a rough upbringing, his father was a drug abusing, alcoholic, physically abusive man who terrorized Wiliam's family until he was able to sneak away with his mother and sister. Williams watched numerous times as his abusive father (currently in jail) nearly killed his mother, and when they finally fled to a local Dallas area shelter, they were told it was still to dangerous and to get farther away, so to Little Rock they went. You can read the details of the story right here, and more about how great of a person he is right here, and I suggest you do, as it is an amazing story and these guys tell it much better than I ever could. The best thing to come out of this story is what D.J. is doing now to help other people that are in abusive relationships or anybody needing help. He uses his fame and his story to help people through community outreach programs ranging from Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club, Children's hospital, and attends elementary schools to mentor kids with fellow teammate Ryan Mallett. His easy going and approachable attitude allow him to make an impact anywhere he goes.
Enough about what made him what he is today, what can he do for your team on the field? The tight ends in the NFL today that I can compare him with are Dallas's Jason Witten and the Redskins Chris Cooley. I know, I know, Jason Witten is a 6'6" potential Hall of Fame tight end, and Chris Cooley is a guy that deserves Pro Bowl consideration every year. When I say that Williams game reminds me of theirs, its because he is a tight end that in the NFL will probably be used more as an H-Back; a tight end that is used in motion a lot, will line up in the backfield using his shorter stout frame to get solid leverage on D-linemen and linebackers when run blocking. Yes, he will need to work on his blocking skills, but a guy with his team first mentality and work ethic should have no problem picking it up. The other part of his game that reminds me of Witten and Cooley is that he works the field like a seasoned veteran, finding holes in zone coverage and sitting down in the open spots; while not incredibly athletic (neither are Witten or Cooley) he is extremely effective in the short passing/screen game where he will make a guy or two miss and turn a short gain into a 1st down. He has great soft hands and while he will not make the acrobatic catches, he will catch almost everything thrown to him useing his body to shield defenders from the game (just like Witten). And you want durable? Then he is your guy!
D.J. Williams, if put in the proper system will be an elite contributor at the next level, and I think that someone will trade up to grab him at the end of the 2nd or the beginning of the 3rd, if he is not snatched up early to middle 2nd round. No matter what system he is in, he will make plays, but to truly maximize his unique potential and gifts, he needs a creative offensive mind or a team that employs versatile tight ends. Teams that come to mind for me are: Indianapolis Colts (he would be a more versatile Dallas Clark but they don't need a TE), New England Patriots (even though they are set at TE for years to come), Houston Texans (again fairly set with Owen Daniels), Arizona Cardinals (they need a short to intermediate threat for whoever their QB of the future is), St. Louis Rams (Bradford needs more weapons, and face it not even I know who their TE's are). I am sure there are many other teams that could use him, but these are the ones that jumped out to me.
Not only will D.J. Williams make an impact between the white lines on Sunday's for whatever team is lucky enough to draft him, he will become an instant leader in the community and locker room, and provide valuable help for children and families in need. In 5 years, I see D.J. Williams as being labeled one of the biggest "steals" of the 2011 draft, on the field, and just as importantly for the community that drafts him.
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