The Baltimore Ravens used the 94th overall pick on Missouri Southern State defensive tackle Brandon Williams.
While the Ravens have spent the offseason upgrading and revamping the front seven, nose tackle has been a position that hasn’t been attended to.
Haloti Ngata will likely assume full-time nose tackle duties next season, but the team lacked talent behind him. With Terrence Cody as Ngata’s backup in the middle of the defensive front, the team needed to add some depth.
The addition of Williams not only fills the need at nose tackle, but he was also one of the most talented players available when the Ravens made their selection.
Prior to January’s Senior Bowl, Williams was a rather unknown prospect. However, a dominant performance during the practices at the Senior Bowl put him on the radar.
Throughout the draft process, he garnered second-round attention, so getting him at the end of the third round is a tremendous value pick.
The 6’1 behemoth stands at 335 pounds and is an ideal three-technique tackle in the NFL.
While he did attend a lesser-known school, he still managed to be a three-time All-American selection, which is impressive at any level. In 2012, he recorded 16.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and forced five fumbles. Of course, his statistics will take a serious hit as he graduates to tougher competition, but he is an impact player who can contribute as a rookie.
He displayed the capability to get leverage on opposing linemen at the Senior Bowl, and plays with consistent physicality in addition to having a mean streak.
Williams will likely just be used in a rotational role as a rookie and as long as Ngata is on the team, but with uncertainty behind Ngata, Williams could experience plenty of playing time this season.
He’s a talented lineman with the capability of making an impact for the Ravens. However, he’ll likely be exclusively used at nose tackle. He isn’t versatile like Ngata – who can play any of the three defensive tackle positions – but he’s a welcomed depth addition who is certainly capable of contributing in both run and pass situations.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/rIpo1xF7IhI[/youtube]
