When anyone thinks of some of the greatest linebackers at Alabama to ever play the game of football, some names that pop are C.J. Mosley, Derrick Thomas and Woodrow Lowe. Tim Williams could possibly go down as one of the greatest linebackers coming out of Alabama along with Reuben Foster.
The NFL Draft is coming up next week, and it’s going to boast a lot of talented athletes. Williams will be one of the most looked at players this year, but the troubles of his past may keep him being a first round draft pick.
Per Bleacher Report, NFL teams said, “they don’t fear” Williams being a version of Randy Gregory whom was a second-round pick two years ago after he failed a drug test at the NFL Combine.
Although Williams has failed many drug tests and his substance abuse issues are serious, many scouts predict that Williams will be selected by a NFL team and he’ll turn from his ways. On game tape, Williams is like the big brother racing his little brother to go get the last slice of pizza, and fighting over who got to the box first at the table. In reality, his ferocity dominates everything in front of him and allows him to take what is his.
There’s not a lot of weaknesses in his game, as he will get the attention of many NFL coaches on draft day.
He hits with attitude and has a personality that’s endearing to teammates. Defensive guru’s will definitely like that he uses great pad leveling when leveling a defender, he’s fast on his first step, has a nasty spin and swim move, and overall loves the game of football. The Lions, Buccaneers and Dolphins are in need of a linebacker.
Williams would be a good fit for the Buccaneers defense, as it finished 23rd overall last season in defensive ranking. The team allowed 117.2 rushing yards per game (22nd) and 250.8 passing yards per game (22nd) from opponents.
The Buccaneers are trying to get back to their glory days just like 2002, and the coach has being doing a fine job piecing the team together. The team finished 9-7 overall (4-2) in the NFC South, and will look to build upon that this year. Now that the offense is pretty solid, it’s time to find some linebackers and more ends that can get to the quarterback and cause problems. Williams would bring great leadership to a Buccaneers’ defense that is in a rebuilding process and is hungry for success.
Michael Cannady is an intern for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter at: @mike_can21
