Once again, offensive line is a need for the Detroit Lions. There’s a strong possibility this position gets addressed in the first round.
Franchise offensive tackles don’t come around often. Owning the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have a chance to get one.
The crown jewel of all offensive lineman is Jonah Williams. As a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide, he’s started every game (44) possible. His freshman season was the only year he played right tackle. From then on, he played left tackle.
Three straight appearances in the College Football National Championship game and one win (2017) helped Williams prove just how great he is. Players like himself were the foundation of those playoff teams. Without him, I’m not sure the success of Bama’ is the same.
Picking apart Williams’ game is boring if you’re trying to find any flaws. There aren’t many. Watching film of him just dominate the competition is a sight to behold. Footwork, movement, hand placement, you name it, all the tools of a franchise tackle are there.
Following in the footsteps of former Cleveland Browns left tackle and future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, Williams wears the same jersey number (73). Based on evaluating the talent, the comparisons are strikingly similar.
Great offensive lineman understand technique and angles. Although athleticism helps, smarter plays better. This cerebral approach allows players to overcome physical deficiencies against longer, bigger, faster, stronger opponents.
Plenty of individuals don’t see Williams as a tackle due to shorter than ideal (33 5/8 inches) arm length. 34 inches is the standard and luckily he’s not far off that mark.
Not a physical specimen or overly athletic by any means. 6-foot-4 and 302 pounds isn’t impressive size for any offensive lineman nor is the physique.
Despite the few negatives, Williams demonstrates rock solid play on a consistent basis. Pass protection is stellar and sticks with defenders like a house of mirrors. Run blocking is brilliant and serves up more pancakes than an IHOP.
There’s belief from scouts that he’d succeed more at guard rather than on the outside. That transition isn’t easy. The former unanimous All-American and All-SEC pick is expected to succeed at any position he gets the opportunity to play in the NFL.
As for the Detroit Lions, an immediate need at right guard has opened up after the release of T.J. Lang. With doubts of current starters at tackle for the long-term future, Taylor Decker (left) and Rick Wagner (right), a succession plan seems necessary. Jonah Williams fits both scenarios and would significantly help this franchise.