How Dan Quinn can give the Cowboys their best pick of the 2022 NFL Draft
Despite being drafted in the second round, Ole Miss edge rusher Sam Williams looks like a second-round gem for the Dallas Cowboys. Aside from the obvious need, he has the skills and traits of another first round player that fell. In that same regard, that's two years in a row the Cowboys have landed a […]
Despite being drafted in the second round, Ole Miss edge rusher Sam Williams looks like a second-round gem for the Dallas Cowboys. Aside from the obvious need, he has the skills and traits of another first round player that fell.
In that same regard, that's two years in a row the Cowboys have landed a defensive player with first round potential in Round 2 (Trevon Diggs, Kelvin Joseph). Considering that Williams plays one of the most important positions, it's even better.
35 games played.
134 total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 22 sacks and six forced fumbles.
Combine Numbers and Measurements:
6'4" 261-pounds
33 1/8" arms
9 7/8" hands
32.5" vertical
10 1/4" broad jump
4.46 40-yard dash (2nd best)
But these are just stats and athletic traits. The way he plays on the field is evident. He is explosive off the snap, can set the edge in run defense and can bully offensive tackles. Williams even uses his pass rush techniques to break off blocks.
Why didn't he get drafted in the first round? From a technical standpoint, he might be powerful and fast but doesn't often show a lot of flexibility. Being as athletic as he is, he needs to develop the ability to bend more often to avoid being a one-dimension edge.
There's also the off-field concerns. Williams was suspended from the Ole Miss in 2020 after being charged with sexual battery. He rejoined the team after the charge was dropped. Even still, with the NFL cracking down on these types of offenses, it was a bigger factor into his drop. But not to drop too far out of the first.
Make no mistake, either. This is a Dan Quinn Pick. He worked with Williams at the Ole Miss Pro Day and was a Dallas Cowboys official invite.
Quinn has a history of taking talented defensive players and getting the best out of them. You can see his admiration for the player, below:
Quinn's tutelage, along with Williams' natural abilities as a player, will go a long way in shaping the young man's future and will be a big reason why he could end up as the Cowboys' best pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys needed to take an edge and they needed to do so early. DeMarcus Lawrence is getting older, Dante Fowler's on a one-year deal, Dorance Armstrong is coming off a career year but isn't a full-time Randy Gregory Replacement, and Chauncey Golston is a rotational player who's primary job is run defense. Williams is a welcomed addition.
Ironically, the last time the Cowboys took an edge with off-field issues with first-round tape on round two, they landed Gregory. It's possible they have Randy Gregory 2.0.
He has all the talent, size and skills you want from an edge. If he can put it all together with this coaching staff, he will be special.
Featured image via Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
