If one was looking for a National Football League team to have common ground with the University of Alabama, then look no further than the Baltimore Ravens.
A franchise known for defense, Baltimore has produced leaders like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs among others that have led the organization to two Super Bowls in its history.
Since becoming head coach of the Crimson Tide in 2007, Nick Saban has prided his program on being exceptional defensively. With a multitude of national champions, All-Americans and draft picks secured on that side of the ball, there is no need to wonder why Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh is high on former Tide star Tim Williams for next season.
Williams, a third-round pick of the 2017 draft, posted six tackles as a rookie but he knows he’s capable of much more. The quick-twitched edge rusher punished quarterbacks during his final two years at Alabama – helping the team obtained 106 sacks, 226 tackles for loss, 150 quarterback hurries and a College Football Playoff national championship in 2015.
Individually, Williams compiled 19.5 sacks, 28.5 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback pressures in both seasons combined. He earned the respect of being a feared pass rusher and after posting a 40-time of 4.68 seconds at the NFL Combine, Baltimore knew it had to pull the trigger on him.
While the team went through minicamp Wednesday, Harbaugh singled out Williams and fellow outside linebacker Tyus Bowser as guys that have stood out this offseason – according to a report from Ravens’ staff writer Ryan Mink.
“They’ve both done very well,” Harbaugh said. “I’m not afraid to say that I’m expecting big things from both those two guys.”
He’s the ageless wonder now, but Terrell Suggs will slow down at some point. Despite the rise of Matt Judon and Za’Darius Smith entering a contract year, there is an opportunity for Williams to prove his worth. As it continues to get its offense in order with Joe Flacco at quarterback, Williams will be plotting his moment in becoming a household name for the Ravens defense.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
