NFL Scouting Combine 2015: Leonard Williams Solidifies Himself as Draft's Top Player?
ByWhile the most popular discussion at the 2015 NFL Combine was Winston vs. Mariota, USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams' impressive effort was relatively overlooked.
In multiple mock drafts, Williams is widely believed to be a top-five pick in a top-10 that may be shaping up to include several defensive ends, defensive tackles and outside linebackers. With the second overall pick, the Tennessee Titans may be keying in on Williams instead of waiting to see which QB is taken first overall.
In terms of size, Williams is prototypical, comparing similarly to J.J. Watt and Ndamukong Suh, arguably the NFL's best defensive end and defensive tackle, respectively.
According to Bleacher Report, Williams ran the 40-yard dash in about five seconds flat, which was about a full stride slower than Watt's. Further, his physical and positional drills further proved his supreme athleticism. He also reportedly performed with a shoulder injury, which kept him out of the bench press.
Comparing him to the likes of Watt and Suh would be unfair to Williams, however, since those are lofty expectations to say the least. Mike Mayock, of NFL.com, compared Williams to Richard Seymour, according to the Titans' official website.
"I compare him to Richard Seymour, who is one of my favorite five-techniques (3-4 DE) of all time," Mayock said. "Richard Seymour could play up and down the line of scrimmage in any front - three-man front, four-man front, it didn't matter. He could play every single position and that's who I think Leonard Williams is, a guy with versatility who is gifted. He can play outside, he can play inside and it doesn't matter. He's scheme diverse. Any team at the top of the draft will be looking at him."