Vikings Prospect Player Card: Connor Williams | OT | Texas

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Apr 25, 2018
Image courtesy of Vikings.com

As the NFL Draft approaches, Vikings Territory is taking a look at prospects that may interest the Minnesota Vikings. Since it’s evident the team would like to add a long-term offensive line starter at some point in the early rounds, let’s examine the players who could fit that mold.

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  • School: Texas
  • Position: OT
  • Projected round: 1-2
  • Age: 20

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  • Height: 6-5
  • Weight: 300 lbs.
  • Arm: 33″
  • Hand: 10 1/2″

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  • Bench press: 26 reps of 225 pounds
  • 40-yard dash: 5.05 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 34 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet, 4 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.83 seconds
  • 20-yard shuttle: 4.63 seconds

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Vikings Interest: 9/10

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  • Connor Williams is only 20 years old. He’ll be 21 years old when the 2018 season begins.
  • Williams has the reputation of being a hard-worker with high character.
  • Athleticism stands out for a prospect of his size.
  • Watching his tape, Williams at times makes playing left tackle look easy.
  • Similar traits to Lane Johnson, who had a strong season for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
  • The former Longhorn was a Vikings top-30 invite.
  • Williams could start the 2018 season at right tackle for the Vikings.
  • Has the talent to start immediately at right tackle and eventually kick over to the left side, where he has the most experience.
  • Had three different offensive line coaches at Texas – a new one every season he was a Longhorn. That would seem to explain some of the “inconsistencies” scouts saw on this year’s game tape.
  • He’s a fantastic pass blocker. In five games started in 2017, Williams allowed one sack and four QB pressures.
  • He performed very well at the combine, showing off his athleticism and footwork.
  • Williams is Pro Football Focus‘ second-ranked tackle in the draft.

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  • According to his NFL.com draft profile, his 2017 season was an outlier – in a negative way.
  • Scouts noted inconsistencies in Williams’ year-to-year performance.
  • Will need to maintain blocks better at the next level.
  • With arm length concerns, Williams doesn’t have an ideal wing span for a tackle.
  • He doesn’t have experience playing the interior line positions.
  • Suffered a knee injury during the middle of the season that didn’t require surgery. The injury kept him out seven weeks.
  • Did not play in Texas’ Bowl Game to prepare for the NFL Draft.

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Bottom Line:

Williams is an enticing offensive line prospect with the potential to be an average-to-great NFL starter.

Potential OL starters:

LT Riley Reiff – LG Nick Easton – C Pat Elflein – RG Mike Remmers – RT Connor Williams

More Prospects: