Raiders Draft Profiles: Quinnen Williams

Quinnen Williams, Alabama

Height: 6’3” / Weight: 285 lbs

Projected Round(s): 1 (Top 5)

Positives

Outside of Joey Bosa, Quinnen Williams is the name most are discussing as a top of the draft target who may not make it to the Raiders at four. But if he did, there are plenty of reasons to consider drafting the defensive tackle out of Alabama. An exciting combination of size and quickness, Williams is big enough and strong enough to take on double teams and impact the run game. But he also has a great first step and burst that allows him to be a factor in the passing game as well. But perhaps his most exciting skill is how he uses his hands. One of the reasons offensive linemen have struggled against Williams this year is because they can almost never get a hand on him to deliver a solid block. Williams is strong and uses his hands well to keep himself disengaged and ready to make a play.

Negatives

As always, when you’re talking about guys at the top of the draft, you kinda have to nitpick a little bit when discussing the negatives and the same is true with Williams. Perhaps the biggest “knock” is that he is seen by some as a one year wonder who is young and could struggle at the next level. He’s a redshirt sophomore who didn’t do a ton last season before breaking out big time this season. Has room to improve as a pass rusher and needs to develop better counters if his first pass rushing move is stifled.

Why He Fits

Sure, the Raiders just drafted two defensive tackles last season, including one who was seen as a top ten talent in Maurice Hurst. But at the end of the day, if a guy like Williams falls to you, it’s hard to pass up on a player like that. The Raiders defense was a massive liability last season and despite the presence of Hurst and P.J. Hall, the Raiders have to seriously consider adding a guy as talented as Williams should he fall to the number four pick.

That or they could consider a trade back if the price is right.

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