Williams, a 6-foot-3, 329-pound defensive tackle with 2.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss, is ranked 8th among defensive tackles by ESPN.

In the world of college football, the transition from a standout defensive player to a first-round NFL draft pick is often influenced by a mix of natural talent, coaching, and physical development. One player who epitomizes this blend of attributes is Williams, a massive defensive tackle who played for the Ohio State Buckeyes. At 6-foot-3 and 329 pounds, Williams possesses a rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism that makes him an intriguing prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. His impressive college career, marked by 2.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss last season, has earned him a spot as the 8th-ranked defensive tackle by ESPN, cementing his place as one of the top prospects in the draft.

In this article, we will break down Williams’ career at Ohio State, his potential as an NFL player, and what makes him an ideal fit for teams looking to add a dominant presence to their defensive line. We will also explore the strengths that make Williams one of the most intriguing draft prospects in 2025, as well as what his future in the NFL could look like.

Williams’ College Career: The Rise of a Defensive Force

Williams’ journey to being one of the top-ranked defensive tackles in the country began long before he ever suited up for Ohio State. Hailing from a high school football program known for producing elite talent, Williams was a standout in his senior year, showcasing a combination of size and agility that made him a sought-after recruit. Despite being a dominant force in high school, he was relatively under the radar compared to some of the more well-known recruits of his class. But once he made it to Ohio State, it became clear that Williams was a special talent.

In his freshman season with the Buckeyes, Williams quickly made a name for himself as a disruptive force on the defensive line. While he didn’t rack up the same eye-popping numbers as some other top recruits, his presence on the field was undeniable. His size allowed him to clog running lanes, while his strength and ability to shed blockers gave him a chance to disrupt passing plays. By the time he entered his sophomore year, Williams had firmly established himself as a core piece of Ohio State’s defensive line, drawing the attention of NFL scouts and analysts alike.

His breakout came in the 2023 season, where Williams began to truly show his potential as a pass rusher. His 2.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss weren’t the highest in the nation, but they were impressive given his size and role on the defensive line. Defensive tackles in his position are often tasked with occupying blockers and shutting down running plays, but Williams’ ability to generate pressure on the quarterback added another element to his game that would prove invaluable in the eyes of NFL teams.

What set Williams apart during the 2023 and 2024 seasons was his continued improvement in key areas of his game. While his raw stats didn’t necessarily tell the whole story, scouts began to notice his quickness and flexibility for a player of his size. This was a testament to his coaching at Ohio State, which helped refine his technique and allowed him to become more than just a space-eating presence in the middle of the defense. By the end of his junior year, Williams had developed into one of the top defensive tackles in college football, with NFL scouts frequently mentioning him as a potential first-round pick.

Physical Attributes: A Unique Blend of Size and Speed

At 6-foot-3 and 329 pounds, Williams is undeniably a massive player, and it’s easy to see how his size allows him to dominate on the field. His physical stature alone would make him an appealing prospect for teams looking to add a player who can occupy blockers and control the line of scrimmage. However, what truly sets Williams apart is his underrated quickness, something that is rare for a player of his size.

Defensive tackles, especially those who play in the middle of the line, are often expected to be powerful and tough against the run. While Williams excels in these areas, it’s his ability to get quick penetration into the backfield that makes him stand out. His ability to use his size and speed to his advantage enables him to shed blockers and create pressure on the quarterback. This skill is particularly valuable on passing downs, where having a quick, disruptive defensive tackle can force a quarterback to make rushed decisions, resulting in either a sack or an incomplete pass.

NFL teams are always looking for players who can create disruption at the line of scrimmage, and Williams’ combination of size and quickness gives him the tools to excel in this area. His ability to not only hold his ground but also burst off the line of scrimmage and get into the backfield gives him a significant advantage over other defensive tackles in the draft. This unique blend of attributes is one of the reasons why Williams is ranked as the 8th-best defensive tackle by ESPN and has garnered significant interest from NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive lines.

Untapped Pass-Rushing Potential

Although Williams is primarily known for his run-stopping ability, one of his most intriguing qualities is his untapped potential as a pass rusher. While he had a solid 2.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss during his last season at Ohio State, there’s a feeling that his pass-rushing abilities are still in the early stages of development. Williams has shown flashes of being able to penetrate the pocket and disrupt plays, but it’s clear that there is room for improvement.

For NFL teams, the potential for Williams to develop into a more complete pass rusher could be one of the biggest selling points. As the NFL increasingly values the ability to create pressure from the interior of the defensive line, having a player like Williams who can develop into a dominant pass rusher is an attractive proposition. Many of the league’s top defensive tackles, such as Aaron Donald and Chris Jones, have transformed their teams with their ability to sack the quarterback, and Williams has the tools to follow in their footsteps.

If Williams can continue to develop his pass-rushing moves, refine his technique, and increase his overall sack production, he could become one of the top interior pass rushers in the NFL. This would not only elevate his own game but also make him a more versatile and valuable player for whatever team selects him.

What Williams Brings to an NFL Team

Williams’ selection in the 2025 NFL Draft will likely be seen as a high-value pick for whichever team decides to draft him. His massive frame, combined with his ability to disrupt the run and generate pressure on the quarterback, gives him the potential to be an immediate contributor at the next level. Teams that prioritize defensive line depth, especially those that run 3-4 or 4-3 schemes, will find Williams to be a natural fit.

One of the key aspects of Williams’ game is his ability to play in multiple defensive schemes. Whether it’s a 3-4 defense, where he can line up as a 3-technique defensive tackle, or a 4-3 defense, where he can play as a defensive tackle or nose guard, Williams has the versatility to excel in various roles. His combination of power, quickness, and size makes him a valuable asset to any defensive coordinator looking to create mismatches up front.

Furthermore, his leadership and experience at Ohio State will be important for an NFL defense looking to develop a young, talented defensive line. Williams has already proven that he can handle the physical demands of the college game, and his work ethic and commitment to improving will be key assets for him as he transitions to the NFL.