NCAA Scouting - Player Profile:
Chris Williams, OT
by Sam Monson
5/3/2008
 
You hear it all the time; dominant college tackle, doesn't have the footwork for the next level. Or how about the guy that has the footwork to kick outside, or to move to the left side of the line. The art of pass blocking in the NFL is often one of footwork, and that's something not too many people appreciate. Scouts go crazy over the rare O-lineman who shows outstanding footwork despite his monstrous frame.
 
This year, Chris Williams is the guy that has them all talking. Called by many the best OT in Vanderbilt history, Williams is the first player in team annals to earn All-SEC honours since 1984. He manned the left tackle position in the toughest, and fastest conference in the nation, yet consistently earned winning blocking grades, and allowed just two sacks over the last two years, one every 779 snaps.
 
At Catholic High School in Louisiana, Williams guided one of the best teams in the state to a 10-2 record and the district title as a senior. He enrolled at Vanderbilt in 2003, but did not see any major playing time until 2005, spending the previous two years on the scout team.
 
As soon as he took over the left tackle spot full-time he excelled, earning second team All-SEC honours. After his time at Vanderbilt, Williams continued to impress with strong showings at the Senior Bowl, and the Scouting Combine which has seen his stock continue to carry him into first round contention.
 
What we like about Williams
 
Williams has the prototypical size (6'6, 315lbs), wingspan, and footwork to be an NFL left tackle, and that's a position that may be as hard to fill as any in the NFL. Teams will love the athletic skills that he brings to the table. He's a natural athlete and bends well at the knees which makes him a better player in pass protection than he is in the run game. Has played against elite competition and help up well, both in the SEC, and during the Senior Bowl week. He also has a lot of potential for improvement, both in terms of developing strength in an NFL conditioning program, and in terms of coaching up his technique, which is already pretty good.
 
Williams is one of only a couple of prospects in this draft with the athleticism, size and footwork to play left tackle in the NFL, and with the position being so important, that is likely to see him rise into the first round, and as high as need dictates.
 
Question marks about Williams
 
Williams isn't as strong as he could be. At 6'6 and 315lbs, his frame is far from bulging with muscle, and he could comfortably add some power through muscle without losing anything in his athleticism. He appears more of a finesse type of blocker, and will need to use his strength and size better at the next level to shock defenders and drive them off the ball. Will also need to improve his play in the run game at the next level.
 
Highlight of his college career
 
During his senior campaign Chris Williams and the rest of the Vanderbilt Commodores pulled off an upset by beating South Carolina, 17-6. The win came over the SC side when they were ranked #6 in the nation.
 
Other snippets

• Williams went to the same Louisiana High School as Warrick Dunn

• Williams has a twin sister

• Williams compares closely to D'Brickashaw Ferguson as another OT prospect better in pass protection than the run game.

• Potential good fits: New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos.