2022 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Sam Williams -

2022 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Sam Williams
Position: Edge
School: University of Mississippi
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 265 pounds
Stats

Pass Rush

Hell on wheels from the edge. From the snap, the prospect uses that first step to gain the advantage. Next, with his arm length and flexibility, he attempts to rip under the shoulder pads of the blocker. With a strong coach and his talent palette, Williams could incorporate a swim and spin move.

Run Stopping

Williams brings good effort to the run. He anticipates holes and cutback lanes, closing on the ballcarrier before the hole full opens up. Additionally, chasing down plays backside, you see the aggressive, downhill nature of the Ole Miss standout.Now, he will need to break down quicker versus misdirection.

Tackling

With his ability, at times, Williams will use the arm/hand swipe to attempt the tackle. While this technique does generate fumbles, as the six forced fumbles can attest, a stronger tackle base must be formed. Straight on, especially towards the quarterback, the prospect swarms and envelops the target. As a result, no extra yards or ability to get the ball away exists.

Speed/Athleticism

Outside of the elite rushers at the very top of this draft, not many possess the blend of attributes. First, let’s discuss the speed/explosion. If he isn’t exploding off the ball, the former Rebels closes down, erases daylight on the ballcarrier. As mentioned, we discussed the nimbleness of dipping the shoulder. Furthermore, the asset of dropping into coverage. Williams does sport an interception in coverage. He elevated to make the snare and secured the turnover.

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Red Flag

In July 2020, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department (MS) arrested Williams on sexual battery charges. Ole Miss suspended him indefinitely Two months later, authorities dropped the charges and Ole Miss reinstated Williams. Now, many of us aren’t lawyers. However, we still have no idea regarding the particulars of the case. Yet, teams need to do a thorough, deep background check on this prospect.

Raiders Fit

Behind Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue, the Raiders lack quality depth. Granted, Malcolm Koonce displayed flashes of potential. However, how will he fit with the incoming regime change? As a rotational player that makes the league minimum, his spot could disappear. Meanwhile, Carl Nassib could sit on the roster based on the exorbitant contract. Nassib counts 6.6 million dollars in dead cap money. In contrast, a player like Williams should at least intrigued the Raiders between late on Day Two. Provided that his background check and subsequent interviews hold up, Las Vegas finds itself with a high ceiling. Blessed with crazy arm length and a lightning first-step, Williams would provide insurance in case either starter falls to injury. If they remain healthy, Willimas will learn from two of the league’s best. On the field, right now, Williams is as green as an unripe pear. However, with his athletic traits, a season of turning him loose in passing situations could only help the Raiders.