2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ian Williams DT, Notre Dame

Ian Williams – DT #95 – Notre Dame

6-2, 301lbs Senior

Stats:

2007 – 45 Tackles, 19 Solo, 1.5 TFL, 0 Sacks

2008 – 40 Tackles, 18 Solo, 2 TFL, 0 Sacks, 1 PBU

2009 – 39 Tackles, 14 Solo, 6 TFL, 0 Sacks, 1 PBU, 1 INT

Pros:

His run defense and his instincts are what stick out most about Williams. He uses his hands and arms well by being able to keep blockers away from his frame, uses a good punch, and gets his arms up in passing lanes. Gets a good jump on the snap. He’s impressive at shedding blocks and making tackles on the rusher. He’s also a sure tackler.

Cons:

As you can tell by his sack numbers, he isn’t much of a pass rusher, but that’s also knowledge from watching him play. Even though he’s quick for his size, Williams doesn’t get to the quarterback often. He gets swallowed up by double teams and rarely gets through them. He’s only a two down player, taken out on passing downs.

Thoughts:

He seems to be a little out of place playing nose guard for the Irish since his strength is his quickness, not his pure strength. Williams doesn’t overpower blockers, but he does just well enough to take on double teams and allow his teammates to make plays. I don’t think he’ll be able to play nose guard in the NFL, but 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 defensive tackle seems more right for him.

Projected Round:

I’ve seen Williams projected to the third round, in the seventh round, and spots in between. I’m at a happy medium on him. I think that since he’s basically only a two down player now, that he’d have a fourth round value on him. If he can improve against the pass he could get into the third round.