Justin Williams

Turbo-charged off-ball linebacker prospect with physical traits and athleticism to become a high-major difference maker. Possesses a lean, athletic build with ample frame space. One of the most impressive "on the hoof" prospects at the 2024 Under Armour All-America Game. Explosive athlete with a strong track and field profile and excellent combine testing data. Bouncy, twitched-out athlete in space and plays with more strength than listed size suggests. Limitless pursuit range. Almost never out of a play because of sheer athleticism. Effortless speed. Hard to evade in space because of acceleration rate and gear-changing ability even when opened up at full tilt. Flashes power in his hands. Can drop the hammer in the hole on a lead blocker or ball carrier. Hand strength translates to hard-to-make drag-down tackles in space as well. Productive defender. Volume tackler with high junior-year TFL and sack numbers, especially for an off-ball linebacker. Downhill speed and physical traits could lead to intriguing blitz / rush option in certain packages. Devours space when closing as a blitzer. Early-career safety snaps should raise the floor on coverage ability. Route anticipation and play diagnosis are at times a bit delayed. A tad high cut physically, keeping the hips higher and occasionally compromising tackling technique. Still developing consistent arriving power against bigger skill players, but that should come with continued physical development. One of the nation's top defensive prospects in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Fits any and all defensive schemes because of sheer athleticism and playmaking ability. Projects as a potential Power Five impact player with NFL Draft high-round traits.

More Evaluations

• Evaluated 06/21/2023 Gabe Brooks 247Sports Scouting Analyst Read