Summary

Dorian Williams was drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Round 3, (pick 91) out of Tulane. Williams was a centerpiece of Tulane’s defense, finishing his collegiate career with 230+ total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 6 interceptions, and 20+ passes defended. He earned First-Team All-AAC honors and played a key role in Tulane’s Cotton Bowl victory during its historic 2022 season. In the NFL, Williams has contributed as a rotational linebacker and core special teams player, seeing expanded defensive snaps as injuries and packages dictated. Through the 2024 season, he has logged 100+ tackles, flashes in coverage, and consistent special teams production. Coaches and teammates praise Williams for his work ethic, intelligence, coachability, and team-first mindset, viewing him as a high-character professional with ascending upside.

Strengths

• Athletic Range: Sideline-to-sideline speed and closes space quickly in pursuit. Experience as WILL linebacker and sub-package defender.

• Coverage Ability: Comfortable matching backs and tight ends with effective zone awareness. Reads route combinations and run keys efficiently.

• Tackling in Space: Generally secure finisher with good angles. Plays fast and with urgency and contributes on special teams.

• Developmental Trajectory: Continued improvement with increased reps.

Weaknesses

• Play Strength: Can be displaced by offensive linemen at the point of attack. Best utilized in space rather than as a true MIKE.

• Block Shedding: Needs more consistent hand usage versus climbing guards.

• Interior Run Defense: Better in pursuit than downhill take-on situations.

• Processing vs. Misdirection: Can hesitate against complex run-action looks. More coverage-solid than turnover-creating.

Outlook

Williams is an excellent fit for Buffalo’s modern, nickel-heavy defensive structure, which values speed, coverage flexibility, and special teams excellence at the linebacker position. He profiles best as a WILL linebacker and sub-package defender, where his range and coverage instincts can neutralize backs and tight ends while limiting exposure to power run schemes. His special teams value ensures a steady game-day role even when defensive snaps fluctuate, and he has proven to be an important band-aid in times when starter Matt Milano has had to miss snaps due to injury. Looking ahead, Williams projects as a high-floor rotational linebacker with starting potential depending on development in strength and block deconstruction. While he may never be a traditional downhill enforcer, his speed, intelligence, and coverage skills give him every-down viability in the right usage. As his comfort level and physicality continue to grow, Williams has the tools to become a reliable defensive contributor and long-term piece within Buffalo’s linebacker rotation.