Evan Williams, SAF, Oregon
Size:
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 200 pounds
Arm Length: 30 1/8"
Hand Size: 10 1/8"
Accomplishments:
Second Team All-Pac-12 (2023) • Second Team All-Mountain West (2022)
“Evan Williams is an undersized nickel defender who offers outstanding instincts and toughness, but lacks the top-end NFL traits to develop into an every-down impact player.”
Strengths:
Instincts
Toughness
Short-area quickness
Concerns:
Length
Speed
Missed tackles
Film Analysis:
Evan Williams is an experienced defender, starting for all five seasons he played in college. Williams played his first four seasons at Fresno State, where he was one of the best players on his team and in his conference. He was the heart and soul of the Bulldogs' defense and earned multiple All-Conference honors. After his senior season at Fresno, Williams transferred to Oregon where he would play his final year of college.
Williams is a versatile player, as he has experience at nickel and both safety spots. Williams is an undersized player who lacks top NFL strength, speed, and length. Williams is a very instinctual football player who has a nose for the football.
In the run game, Williams is quick to diagnose runs and triggers downhill with urgency. He plays with outstanding energy and temperament and will chase plays from the backside or from down the field. He is an extremely tough and physical player who will never shy away from contact. With that said, Williams misses a ton of tackles as he fails to break down before engaging the ball carrier and lacks the strength to bring down bigger backs one-on-one. He takes inconsistent angles at times and his aggression will lead to over-running in pursuit which leaves open cut-back lanes.
In the passing game, Williams' instincts show very well in zone coverage. He can read route patterns and the eyes of the quarterback, allowing him to get a jump on the route and make plays on the football. A very smooth and fluid mover, Williams can mirror in and out of breaks, open his hips, and run down the field when covering vertically. He flashes excellent ball skills and is a threat with the ball in his hands. He’s best underneath where his quickness and anticipation allow him to gobble up quick-hitting routes.
He lacks the speed and range to ever be a true center fielder and he will struggle to stay connected on cross routes over the middle of the field. Additionally, Williams is at a severe disadvantage at the catch point as he struggles to win position due to a lack of length and strength.
Overall, Williams has the instincts, toughness, and versatility to carve out a role at the next level, but lacks the needed physical tools to ever be a reliable NFL starter.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Written By: Brentley Weissman
Exposures: Washington (2023), USC (2023), Colorado (2023)
