Texas Tech cornerback Rayshad Williams is a big-bodied, physical secondary defender in the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams showcased a nose for the football as a Red Raider, totaling 24 pass breakups across three seasons. Williams recently participated in the Hula Bowl and has been invited to the inaugural Big 12 Pro Day.
Williams recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his week-long experience at the Hula Bowl, his outstanding size for the position, which teams are showing interest in his services, the Big 12 Pro Day, and more.
JM: You recently participated in the Hula Bowl. What do you think you proved to NFL decision-makers in attendance?
Rayshad Williams: I think I definitely proved that I can play cornerback at the next level. Entering the process, there were some questions about me maybe moving to safety because I’m a big-bodied player (6-3, 215). I’m definitely a cornerback though. Scouts saw that at the Hula Bowl. I received a lot of good feedback at boundary corner. I can play the position at a high level.
JM: You’re listed at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. You have outstanding size and strength to play boundary corner. How do you use it to your advantage?
Rayshad Williams: I like getting my hands on guys early in the rep. I’m a bigger and longer guy than most of my opponents. I have the length to play through a receiver’s hands at the catch point. Size puts me in the right spot.
Even with those bigger receivers that can match my size, teams don’t throw them a lot of jump balls when I’m in coverage. Size definitely gives me an intimidating factor.
JM: Which teams did you meet with face-to-face throughout the week?
Rayshad Williams: I met with a lot of teams during that week. Off the top of my head, I met with the Packers, Cardinals, 49ers, Bears, and Dolphins at the Hula Bowl. I met with the Jets and Seahawks as well.
JM: You have great ball skills. You have 24 passes defended at Texas Tech. What is it about your game that led to that ball production?
Rayshad Williams: I watch a lot of film. I’m a player that’s willing to put in the work behind the scenes. That’s where that comes from. I watch a lot of extra film. I have a great understanding out there of how my opponent plays and what routes they like to give him. I pay close attention to down and distance. I’m always working on my technique. I have a high football IQ.
JM: You’re going to be a participant in the upcoming Big 12 Pro Day on March 28. What an interesting development that could eventually have a massive impact on the pre-draft process. What are your thoughts on conferences holding individual NFL Combine-like events?
Rayshad Williams: It’s pretty much like its own NFL Combine. It’s a great opportunity. Every team from The Big 12 is going to be in attendance, as are all of the draft-eligible prospects. We’re expecting a great turnout.
We’re going to compete under that setting. There’s going to be a special competitive edge. It’s going to be a lot of fun to be surrounded by athletes from your conference. I’m looking forward to the athletic testing. It’s definitely going to feel like its own NFL Combine. It won’t be as televised as the combine is, but it can grow every year. That’s the vibe we’re getting. I’m looking forward to participating.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time. Why should a team use one of their picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on Rayshad Williams?
Rayshad Williams: I’m an all-around player. I love football. I’ve been playing this game since I was a little kid. I’m going to put my best foot forward every single day. I’m coming in to be different. I have high expectations for myself. I want to carve out a name for myself.
I’m a team-first player. I plan on being extremely productive.
