Thomas Williams (USC) - 2008 NFL Draft Pick #155 by JAX
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Thomas Williams (2008 NFL Draft)
Player Profile:
- **Name:** Thomas Williams
- **College:** University of Southern California (USC)
- **Position:** Linebacker
- **Height:** 6'1"
- **Weight:** 225 lbs
Overview:
Thomas Williams was a versatile linebacker with a notable collegiate career at USC. Known for his athleticism and tenacity, Williams played a key role in the Trojans' defense and showcased his skills during his time in college. His pre-draft analysis highlighted several strengths and areas for improvement.
Strengths:
- Speed and Athleticism: Williams possessed good straight-line speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and pursue plays effectively.
- Versatility: He was capable of playing multiple linebacker positions, which added value to his draft stock as teams looked for flexible defensive players.
- Physical Play: Williams was known for his aggressive tackling style and ability to shed blocks, making him a reliable run defender.
- Experience: Playing for a prestigious program like USC, he faced top-level competition, which helped him develop his skills against high-caliber offenses.
Areas for Improvement:
- Consistency in Coverage: While he showed flashes of ability in pass coverage, there were concerns about his overall consistency in this area.
- Injury History: Williams had a few injuries during his college career that raised questions about his durability at the professional level.
- Technique Refinement: Scouts noted that he could improve his tackling technique and overall awareness on the field.
Draft Projection:
Thomas Williams was projected to be selected in the later rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft. Teams valued his potential as a special teams contributor and depth linebacker, but concerns regarding his coverage skills and injury history may have affected his draft position.
Conclusion:
Williams was seen as a player with the potential to develop into a solid contributor at the next level if he could address his weaknesses and stay healthy. His experience at USC and physical playing style made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps.