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Report: Colts Had a Private Workout with Alabama’s Tim Williams

By Luke Schultheis

Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) hits Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) on the head during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) hits Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) on the head during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to NFLDraftInsider.com’s Jared Tokarz, the Indianapolis Colts are among the teams that have already held a private workout with Alabama outside linebacker Tim Williams.

The 6’3″, 244 pound former Crimson Tide standout is widely regarded as one of the best pass rushing prospects in this year’s draft class:

Williams is coming off a season in which he recorded 9.0 sacks, 31 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles in 14 games. As a result of his exceptional play in 2016, Williams earned 2nd-Team All-America and SEC honors respectively.

In his 4-year collegiate career, Williams finished with 20.0 sacks, 57 tackles, 30.0 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles in 34 games.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL.com draft guru Mike Mayock has him ranked as his 2nd best ‘edge rusher’, and he’s drawn comparisons to some of the game’s best recent ‘sack specialists’ (via Pro Football Focus):

"NFL player comparison: Elvis Dumervil, Baltimore RavensDumervil has been one of the better pass-rushing threats in the league since entering the NFL, and while he mainly fills a pass-rush-only role for Baltimore, there’s still tremendous value in that. Williams can slot into that role for a defense while he grows into a more complete defender.Bottom line:Williams is something of a gamble given how few snaps he has played throughout his college career, meaning there is ultimately more projection than other prospects on the edge. Worst case scenario, though, he can be a pass-rushing specialist and should cause opposing offenses problems from day one."

While Williams at an undersized sub-250 pounds won’t be confused as a ‘run-stopper’ at the next level, he’s shown that can be strong enough at the point of attack to at least hold his own.

Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Tim Williams participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Tim Williams participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

However, any team that selects Williams likely knows that they’re getting a pure pass rusher with natural moves in his repertoire.

It’s getting after the quarterback that is Williams’ calling card, even if he’s limited to a situational pass rusher in the professional ranks (where he can still be plenty effective and make an impact).

If not for character concerns and so-so NFL Combine measurables, Williams would assuredly be a Top 15 pick in this year’s NFL Draft based on his film, production, and the eyeball test.

Nevertheless, he’s projected to be anywhere from a mid-late first round pick to even falling into the early 2nd round.

There’s no question that the Colts could use a young projectable pass rusher, who can make an immediate impact for their much maligned defense.

Next: Report: Colts Have a Visit Scheduled with Alabama’s Reuben Foster

It’s worth noting that the team signed two outside linebackers, Jabaal Sheard and John Simon, earlier this offseason, but while each player can offer some pass rush, they’re considered more ‘energy and effort’ players off the edge than a pure pass rusher like Williams projects to become.

From that standpoint (and if his character concerns check out), Williams could make quite a deal of sense for the Colts–it’s just a matter of exactly when come draft weekend.

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