2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round
15. Colts: Tim Williams, Outside Linebacker
Top Needs: RB, OT, ILB, OLB
The Indianapolis Colts defense showed up as the sixth-worst in opponent-adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play and seventh-worst in Defensive Rushing NEP per play. Dwight Freeney left in free agency and Robert Mathis has his NFL AARP card; enter Alabama pass-rusher Tim Williams.
Williams’ get-off on the snap is possibly the best in the class. He has the speed to succeed outside, and quickness to break his counter inside of the offensive tackles. In fact, his spin Williams is developing as a run defender and has some off-field concerns, but his ceiling is one of the highest in this group if he reaches it.
Williams has averaged 25 total tackles, 9.8 sacks, and 14.3 stuffs over the last two years, and has created pressure on 26.1 percent of his snaps over his three-year career (according to PFF). This is an incredible get for a team in need of action against opposing offenses.