All it took was half a sack and encouragement from co-defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi in 2015 against Louisiana-Monroe to set off Tim Williams. Prior to the moment, he was a five-star prospect trying to find his role but afterwards—the Baton Rouge, La., native became one of the fiercest pass rushers under Nick Saban.
His size (6-foot-4, 252 pounds), hands and explosiveness off the edge guided him to 19.5 sacks, 28.5 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hurries in the last two seasons. Williams’ disruption was a catalyst behind Alabama’s 106 sacks, 56 turnovers (35 interceptions, 21 fumbles) and 15 defensive scores in 2015-16.
He received a late first-round grade after totaling 10.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in 2015, but decided to return to the University of Alabama for his senior year. In obtaining a second Southeastern Conference championship as pivotal contributor, Williams collected nine sacks and 16 tackles for loss.
According to CBS’ NFL Draft Tracker, he’s the 27th overall prospect and No. 3 outside linebacker in this year’s class. Regardless of rumors and reports of him having issues with drugs (marijuana), the need for an explosive edge rusher is in high demand for the upcoming draft.
Listed below is chart stating the top five NFL landing spots for Williams, including the ideal team that will select him. He’s projected to be taken within the top 15 to 20 picks, but could drop lower if possible.
| NFL Teams | Scheduled pick in first round |
| San Francisco 49ers | No. 2 overall pick |
| Indianapolis Colts | No. 14 overall pick |
| Baltimore Ravens | No. 16 overall pick |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | No. 30 overall pick |
| Atlanta Falcons | No. 31 overall pick |
Final Prediction: Baltimore Ravens
Former Tide linebacker C.J. Mosley will patrol the middle of Baltimore’s defense for years to come; however, it’s time for fresh blood on the outside. Terrell Suggs is about to enter his 15th NFL season and at 34 years of age, one can’t expect him to maintain at a high level.
Like Suggs, Elvis Dumervil is aging. Despite totaling three sacks in 2016, the ex-Louisville standout is 33 years old. The Ravens return Matt Judon to its roster for his second season, but it needs to draft more athletic pass rushers on the edge. Baltimore was tied for 24th in the league with 31 sacks a year ago.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
