Tag: Tyleik Williams

National Champion defensive player named NFL Draft fit for Vikings by PFF

The NFL Draft is just a few months away, and PFF has chosen perfect prospects for each team. Their choice for the Minnesota Vikings is a DT.

The 2024 season for the Minnesota Vikings was surprisingly successful, even if it ended on a sour note. At the start of the season, most analysts and football fans wouldn’t have predicted a 14-win season and playoff berth for the Vikings.

Still, that sour note lets the team and fans know that there’s still a lot of work to be done if the Vikings want to win a Super Bowl. That likely means that the team that takes the field in 2025 will look a lot different than the one we saw this past season.

Some of those changes awillcome through free agency. The Vikings figure to have a lot of salary cap space to spend, and they will likely have many holes that need to be filled, particularly on defense. But they won’t be able to fill all of those holes in free agency. That’s where the NFL Draft comes in.

The NFL Draft is still several months away, but with the Vikings eliminated from the playoffs, the full focus has turned towards the preeminent offseason event. In preparation for the NFL Draft, the team over at PFF has identified one “perfect” prospect for each team in the 2025 NFL Draft. For the Vikings, they have chosen former Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.

The Vikings certainly need to improve upon the defensive line that took the field in 2024. According to PFF, the team’s defensive line “consistently graded below average against the run,” and none of their defensive linemen had a pass rush win rate over 10%.

Williams isn’t likely to help the Vikings’ defensive line in the pass rush department, but he does figure to be one of the better defensive linemen in the class against the run. According to PFF, Williams graded positively on 29.1% of all run plays in 2024, which was good for fifth in the nation among defensive linemen.

The Vikings have limited resources in the upcoming NFL Draft, so it’s going to be important for them to use those resources wisely. Williams could come in and immediately play a big role in the Vikings’ defense, and should be available when the Vikings pick at 24th.

Breaking down Packers’ selections from Dane Brugler’s 2-round mock draft

Who did the Packers get in Dane Brugler’s first mock draft since the end of the regular season?

Now that the Green Bay Packers’ 2024 season is over, the offseason can officially begin.

Despite the Packers being one-and-done in the playoffs, this team might only be a few pieces away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Fortunately, one of the best draft analysts in the business, Dane Brugler of The Athletic, released a two-round mock draft to gauge what teams may be looking for in this draft cycle to improve their roster.

The 2025 NFL Draft is less than 100 days away and will be held in Green Bay for the first time in league history. With so much to look forward to regarding the Packers’ future, let’s see who Brugler has them taking in his two-round mock:

Pick 23: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

Brugler: “The Packers’ defensive line was disappointing this season, and the front office must balance the possibility of players already on the roster getting better against adding premium talent. If general manager Brian Gutekunst looks for an upgrade in the first round, Williams — and his disruptive nature — would make sense.”

Fit with the Packers: As Brugler mentioned, Green Bay’s defensive line play was underwhelming this season, especially along the interior. Kenny Clark’s production saw a significant dip, finishing with his lowest totals in tackles and sacks since his rookie season. Devonte Wyatt got off to a strong start but was less impactful during the second half of the season and battled multiple injuries. TJ Slaton, Karl Brooks, and Colby Wooden have been fine rotational pieces but nothing more.

Adding one of the best interior defensive linemen in the country could be an option. Throughout his time at Ohio State, Williams flashed an ability to play from different alignments along the D-line, finishing his college career with 132 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. The Packers need a three-down lineman, and Williams’ versatility could make him a great fit.

Pick 54: Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon

Oregon defensive end Jordan Burch brings down Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen as the Oregon Ducks host the Boise State Broncos Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.

Fit with Packers: Brugler decided to double-dip on defense through the first two rounds. Jeff Hafley exceeded expectations in his first season as the defensive coordinator, turning the Packers into a top-10 unit in total defense and scoring. However, one area where Green Bay’s defense fell short was consistently getting home with a four-man pass rush.

Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare failed to distinguish themselves after the Preston Smith trade. Rashan Gary was named to his first Pro Bowl but was far too inconsistent, failing to reach double-digit sacks for a sixth straight year. Former undrafted free agent Brenton Cox Jr. had his moments but might be best-suited for a backup role. 

Burch would bring some much-needed juice off the edge after breaking out with 8.5 sacks in 2024 while also proving to be an effective run defender. At 6-4, 291 pounds, Burch’s size and playstyle also align well with what Hafley looks for at the edge spot in his 4-3 defense.

13 players Packers could target with 23rd overall pick in 2025 draft

The Packers have the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 draft. Who could be some early targets to monitor?

The Green Bay Packers officially own the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The last time the Packers held the 23rd overall pick, the franchise selected Bryan Bulaga in the 2010 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Bulaga started at right tackle during Super Bowl XLV for the Packers.

After a disappointing end to the season, the Packers need Brian Gutekunst to put together another stellar draft class and it starts with finding an impact player in the first round.

Who could be available when the Packers are on the clock on April 24th? Let’s take an early look at the landscape.

Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

Williams is a roadblock against the run. He controls his gap and can peel off blocks to get his hands on ball carriers. The Ohio State defensive tackle has the tools to wreck the opposing team’s ground game.

Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

Scourton has an ideal frame and plays with a ton of power. He has a spin move that would make Dwight Freeney smile and will turn 21 in August. He finished his lone season at College Station with 14 tackles for loss, five sacks and 36 pressures.

Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

The Texas A&M defensive lineman has a unique blend of power and speed. He’s listed at 6-6, 290 pounds and would bring juice to Green Bay’s pass rush. He’s a player Jeff Hafley could move up and down the defensive line.

Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon

Oregon’s starting left tackle has an NFL frame and gave up one sack and nine pressures this season. He has the lateral quickness to mirror edge rushers and is a good athlete in space.

Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

The Michigan State transfer has bully power to drive offensive linemen backward. Harmon is quick out of his stance and finished this past season with 11 tackles for loss, five sacks and 55 pressures. He’s stout at the point of attack, with the power to shed and toss.

Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

The Alabama transfer finished this past season with four tackles for loss, three interceptions and 13 pass deflections. Amos has an ideal frame and a track background.

Shavon Revel Jr, CB, East Carolina

The East Carolina cornerback suffered a torn ACL in September. If it wasn’t for that season-ending injury, Revel would likely have been a Top 15 pick in the upcoming draft. He’s an athletic, lanky cornerback with the tools to lock down half the field.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Death, Taxes and Ohio State having an NFL-ready wide receiver in the NFL Draft. Brian Hartline deserves a raise. Egbuka is a detailed route runner and has sharp footwork. He’s adept at finding the open spots in zone coverage and has sticky hands. He’d quickly become Jordan Love’s best friend.

Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas

Jackson is a Gutekunst pass rusher through and through. He’s a power-packed edge rusher with an ideal frame. He’s a sledgehammer and finished this past season with 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and 35 pressures.

Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas

Last season Barron was one of the best slot defenders in the country. This season he’s shown that he can survive on the boundary. Barron led the SEC in interceptions (5) and added 11 pass deflections. He has the drive explosion to arrive before the pigskin and has wide receiver-like ball skills. He’s a physical downfield defender and stays balanced as a tackler.

JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

Standing at 6-4 and weighing 270 pounds, Tuimoloau looks like he was sent from central casting. Tuimoloau rushes the quarterback with power and has heavy hands.

Kelvin Banks Jr, OL, Texas

Banks finished his career at Texas with 42 starts at left tackle to his name. Banks has good range as a run blocker and has good movement skills. Some teams may view him as a guard. Given his athleticism, age (21 in March) and potential tackle-guard versatility, Banks could be high on Green Bay’s board.

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The Texas A&M transfer recorded 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and 35 pressures during his lone season at Ole Miss. He has excellent quickness and change of direction skills. Nolen has an explosive first step and could help bolster Green Bay’s interior pass rush.

Ohio State football issues availability report for Purdue Boilermakers

Ohio State football issues availability report for Purdue Boilermakers #GoBucks

Ohio State football kicks off against the Purdue Boilermakers at Noon ET on Fox and a defensive star has been listed as available on the most recent availability report. Defensive lineman, Tyleik Williams, went down with an injury against the Penn State Nittany Lions last weekend, but looks like he will be back and ready to go against Purdue.

The offensive side of the football has taken the biggest hit again this week as tight end, Will Kacmarek, and offensive tackle, Zen Michalski, both listed as out for another week. Obviously, offensive tackle, Josh Simmons, is out once again as he suffered a season-ending injury against the Oregon Ducks.

Overall the injury report is more good news than bad, as rumors have been swirling about the Williams injury being bad enough to keep him out multiple weeks. Whether he plays this week or not is still a question, but the fact his name is not listed on the injury report is exciting. The report is listed as follows:

Out

RB TC Caffey
TE Will Kacmarek
OT Zen Michalski
TE Jace Middleton
OT Josh Simmons
CB Calvin Simpson-Hunt

Ohio State star DL reportedly ‘available’ vs. Michigan State on Saturday

Ohio State will reportedly have one of its star defensive players “available” to play vs. Michigan State today

Ohio State will reportedly have one of its star defensive players “available” to play vs. Michigan State after missing last week’s game against Marshall.

ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel is reporting that Tyleik Williams will be “available” to return this week for the Buckeyes. Williams missed last week’s Ohio State win over Marshall with an undisclosed injury.

Ohio State boasts one of the nation’s top defenses and getting Williams back is not good news for the Spartans.

Kickoff between Michigan State and Ohio State is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be available exclusively via streaming on Peacock.

Click here to get all of your game day details for the Spartans-Buckeyes matchup.

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Ohio State football issues availability report for Marshall

Ohio State football issues availability report for Marshall #GoBucks

The Ohio State football team has released its availability report for its contest against the Marshall Thundering Herd and there appears to be some good news to share in regard to the starting offensive line, but bad news on the defensive line.

On the bright side, this will be the first contest in which we get to see the entire starting offensive line as today is the season debut of two-time first-team All-Big Ten interior offensive lineman, Donovan Jackson. But with all good news comes some bad, we have also been informed that starting defensive lineman, Tyliek Williams, will not be playing today.

The Thundering Herd isn’t exactly a powerhouse program and likely won’t be in the hunt for a Sun Belt championship either, so the absence of Williams shouldn’t scare Ohio State fans. The upsetting part is that Big Ten play kicks off next week and the Buckeyes have yet to have a clean bill of health heading into a game. The following is the rest of the availability report:

Out

  • RB TC Caffey
  • RB Rashid SeSay
  • DT Tyleik Williams

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Ohio State defensive lineman named preseason All-American

Ohio State defensive lineman named preseason All-American #GoBucks

The 2024 college football season kicks off in less than a week and we are getting the final push for preseason lists all week long. We are all aware of how talented the Ohio State football team is, but we are once again reminded thanks to the most recent Associated Press preseason All-American team.

Four Buckeyes made the first team with two more players on the second team making Ohio State the leader with six total players. One of the players named to the second-team is defensive tackle, Tyleik Williams. The defensive tackle is viewed as a potential first round selection based on his play from last season and most expect him to step his game up even further in 2024.

This Buckeye defensive line is shaping up to be one of the best in memory and it is a bit shocking to see Williams on this list, but not J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer.

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Three Ohio State players make Outland Trophy preseason watch list

Three more Buckeyes on a preseason watch list! #GoBucks

‘Tis the season of watch lists for college football, and we had two of them drop Tuesday. We saw four Ohio State players make the Bronko Nagurski preseason watch list, and that was followed up with three Buckeye football players making their way on the Outland watch list.

The Outland Trophy was originally handed out in 1946 by the Football Writers Association of America and is given to the best interior lineman in college football annually.

The Georgia Bulldogs lead the way with four players on the preason watch list, but Ohio State is tied with Alabama and USC for second place with three each. For the Buckeyes, offensive linemen Josh Fryar and Donovan Jackson, as well as defensive lineman, Tyleik Williams, are all appearing among the 75 names.

The Outland Trophy will be awarded on December 12 during the Home Depot College Awards show broadcast by ESPN.

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Four Ohio State players appear on Bronko Nagurski watch list

Leading all teams with four on the list! #GoBucks

The Ohio State football team lead all teams with four players appearing on the Bronko Nagurski watch list. The award has been around since 1993 and is handed out to the player judged to be the best defensive player annually.

Of the 75 players announced on Tuesday, Buckeyes Denzel Burke, Caleb Downs, JT Tuimoloau, and Tyliek Williams were included. Iowa and Georgia are tied for second with two players each on the list.

Downs, who is entering his sophomore season, transferred from Alabama as one of the best safeties in the country last season, while the trio of Burke (cornerback), Tuimoloau (defensive end), and Williams (defensive tackle), were a part of the group of players that decided to return for one more season rather than declare for the NFL draft. All are expected to be a big part of one of the best defenses in the country this season.

The Trohpy will be awarded by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club on December 9.

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Packers add to the DL in ESPN’s Mock Draft

Who did the Packers get in a 2025 mock draft?

The 2025 NFL Draft is 287 days away. The city of Green Bay will soon be the epicenter of the NFL universe. 

From now until Thursday, April 24, 2025, many mock drafts will be released. Matt Miller of ESPN recently released his first mock draft for the 2025 cycle and he has the Green Bay Packers adding to the interior of their defensive line with the mock pick of Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams with the 24th overall pick.

From Miller:

Green Bay has a solid group of outside pass-rushers, but the interior could be up for a reset with Kenny Clark potentially hitting free agency next spring. Second-year player Devonte Wyatt showed promise last season, but there’s room for Williams here beside him if Clark leaves. Williams’ burst off the snap pops at 6-2 and 290 pounds. He had just three sacks last season but has flashed impressive pass-rush moves and Round 1 upside throughout his career.

As Miller mentioned, Clark is set to be a free agent following the upcoming season along with TJ Slaton.

It would be somewhat surprising if the Packers don’t make it a priority to get Clark re-signed. He’s been around the block, yet is still only 28 years old. He’s a pillar for the team, not just the defense. 

 If the Packers are unable to lock Clark into an extension, the interior of the defensive line becomes a massive need. Clark’s potential departure would leave the Packers with Wyatt, Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden in the middle of Green Bay’s defensive line.

Enter Tyleik Williams. 

Williams has a nice blend of size, movement skills and strength. The Ohio State defensive tackle has a powerful upper body with the strong hands to jolt linemen backward and collapse the pocket. If he doesn’t get to the quarterback he has shown a knack for getting his hands up to knock down passes. Williams finished this past season with 22 pressures and three sacks.

The former four-star recruit has the strength to hold up at the point of attack and shut down running alleys. With a radar for the football, Williams has the lateral athleticism to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage and finished last season with 33 run stops. 

Regardless of what happens with Clark, the Packers would be wise to add another potential impact player in the trenches and Williams checks the boxes.