Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Duke Williams (Nevada) - 2013 NFL Draft Pick #105 by BUF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Duke Williams - 2013 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Duke Williams
• Position: Safety
• College: University of Nevada
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 200 lbs

Overview:

Duke Williams was considered one of the more intriguing safety prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft. Coming out of the University of Nevada, he showcased a blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability that caught the attention of NFL scouts.

Strengths:

• Physicality: Williams displayed a strong physical presence in the secondary, often delivering hard hits and demonstrating an ability to play close to the line of scrimmage.
• Ball Skills: He had a knack for creating turnovers, evidenced by his ability to intercept passes and force fumbles.
• Versatility: Williams was capable of playing both safety positions and even had experience in covering slot receivers, which added to his value in a defensive scheme.
• Instincts: His football IQ allowed him to read plays effectively, making him a reliable option in both run support and pass coverage.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistency: At times, Williams struggled with maintaining consistency in his play, which raised concerns about his reliability at the next level.
• Coverage Skills: While he had the ability to cover, there were instances where he was caught out of position, leading to big plays against him.
• Injury History: Some concerns regarding his durability were noted, which could impact his long-term viability in the NFL.

Projection:

Heading into the draft, analysts projected Duke Williams as a mid-round selection, with the potential to develop into a starter in the right system. Teams looking for a physical safety who could contribute on special teams and in specific defensive packages were particularly interested in his skill set.