Leonard Williams
Summary
Leonard Williams was selected in Round 1 (#6 Overall) in the 2015 Draft out of University of Southern California (USC). Williams is a powerful, versatile defensive lineman with strengths in run defense, interior pass pressure, and scheme flexibility. He must continue to develop a more diverse pass-rush arsenal and maintain consistent effort, but he remains a key contributor capable of impacting games at multiple spots on the defensive line.
Strengths
Versatility along the defensive line: Williams can play both as a defensive end in a 4-3 and as a defensive tackle in 3-4 or hybrid fronts, allowing flexibility in schemes.
Power and size: He combines elite size with functional strength, making him a formidable run-stopper and a disruptive force against interior linemen.
Pass-rush ability from multiple alignments: Williams can generate pressure with both power and speed moves, particularly on early downs. He has recorded double-digit sacks in a season, demonstrating interior and edge pressure capability.
Experience & football IQ: Multiple years in the NFL give him knowledge of schemes, technique refinement, and situational awareness.
Durable frame for an interior lineman: Despite injuries earlier in his career, he has generally maintained good availability as a starter.
Weaknesses
Inconsistency in pass-rush moves: Williams can rely too heavily on his physical tools rather than refining a wider array of techniques and counters, which can limit effectiveness against elite offensive linemen.
Motor and effort lapses: There have been stretches where he is less consistent, particularly late in games or against top interior competition.
Explosiveness vs. smaller, quicker guards: While a power rusher, Williams can struggle when facing highly agile interior linemen due to slightly slower initial burst relative to elite speed rushers.
Limited elite edge speed: While versatile, he is not a true long-speed edge threat, so his effectiveness is strongest in power-oriented rush situations.
Fit & Outlook
Leonard Williams fits best as a versatile interior defensive lineman who can rotate between defensive end and tackle, particularly in 4-3 or hybrid fronts. In Seattle’s defense, he provides a combination of size, power, and interior pressure, making him an important piece for stopping the run and generating early pass-rush disruption. Moving forward, if he continues to refine his technique and maintains consistency, he projects as a high-impact rotational or starting lineman capable of affecting games both against the run and in generating interior pass pressure. His floor is a reliable starter; his ceiling is a dominant interior defensive presence when fully engaged and healthy.