Selecting National Champion defender would allow Harrison Phillips to thrive outside of nose tackle

Defensive line is a really important spot for the Minnesota Vikings to attack this offseason. While they were second in defending the run, they struggled mightily in generating an interior pass rush. While a penetrating 3T is going to be the priority, finding a nose tackle so Harrison Phillips can kick out and play more […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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ARIZONA CARDINALS: Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (91) celebrates a sack against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Defensive line is a really important spot for the Minnesota Vikings to attack this offseason. While they were second in defending the run, they struggled mightily in generating an interior pass rush.

While a penetrating 3T is going to be the priority, finding a nose tackle so Harrison Phillips can kick out and play more of a 4i. However the Vikings choose to address it should make an impact during the season.

The latest installment of our SKOL Search series focuses on a very popular name in NFL Mock Drafts for the Vikings in Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams

Tyleik Williams

  • Ohio State
  • Height: 6026
  • Weight: 334
  • Class: Fourth-year Senior
  • Recruiting info: 4-star recruit in 2020 class per 247 Sports
  • Stats: 136 tackles (56 solo), 28.0 TFLs, 11.5 sacks, 10 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble, 1 touchdown
  • Games watched: Oregon 2024, Penn State 2024, Texas 2024

Strengths

  • Sturdy: Williams is not a player that can be moved easily. He stands his ground and holds his gap with ease. He matches being sturdy with solid power in his hands to knock back blockers.
  • Double Teams: Williams does a great job against double teams, especially sensing when they are coming. Does a really good job dipping his leg to anchor in against them.
  • Awareness: One thing Williams does really well is keeping his eyes up and understanding what's going on in front of him. He tracks the ball well and pursues relentlessly.

Weaknesses

  • Leverage: While he's really good at attacking double teams, Williams can get taken advantage of. He gets stood up a little too much at the point of attack and loses the leverage battle.
  • Length: With just 32" arms and under a 79" wingspan, Williams struggles to keep blockers out of his chest. In turn, it can prevent him from disengaging from blockers.
  • Hands: Williams may have the proper amount of power in his hands, but he struggles to place them properly.

Overview

TraitGrade

Quickness/Penetration

15.2/20

Power

8.6/10

Pass Rush Moves

7.6/10

Counters

7.4/10

Leverage

7.6/10

Tackling

8.5/10

Size/Length

8.0.100

Run Defense

8.8/10

Awareness

8.6/10

Grade

80.3 Second Round Grade

Williams is a really talented run stuffer on the defensive line. He is stout and powerful while having plus awareness in always knowing where the football is. He would pair really nice with a penetrating 3T who can rush the passer.

If the Vikings want a nose tackle who doesn't rush the passer much, Williams is their guy. However, that's not what the Vikings need on the interior of the defensive line. They need pass rushers. Now, if Williams somehow slides to pick 97, he would be worth the pick. However, I doubt he makes it that far, as he could potentially sneak into the first round.

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