2017 NFL Draft Pro Comparisons: The Edge Rushers

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) returns a fumble by Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (not pictured) for a touchdown as defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) trails the play during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) returns a fumble by Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (not pictured) for a touchdown as defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) trails the play during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

Tim Williams (Alabama)

One of the reasons Alabama made their late surge last season to win the national championship was the establishing of a dominant pass rush. Chief  among the names who made that happen was Tim Williams. The outside linebacker became a terror with his explosive first step and violent hands. If given any sort of leverage on the outside he would consistently blow past blockers to the quarterback. While limited as a run defender he tackles well and has the athleticism to drop in coverage.

Comparison:  Bruce Irvin

The linebacker who acts as a situational pass rusher. That is what Williams looks like. There is no doubt that he mirrors much of what Bruce Irvin became for the Seattle Seahawks. He would play linebacker in certain situations but became an edge rusher when the down and distance were right. Though he never produced a ton of sacks, he was a presence that other teams couldn’t ignore. It looks like Williams is made for that type of role.