PJ Williams OT SMU | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
PJ Williams OT SMU
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| SUB-POSITION: Left/Right Tackle | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 10/27/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 5.20 seconds (63%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.7 DOB: 05/04/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SUB-POSITION: Left/Right Tackle | |
| Last Updated: 10/27/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 5.20 seconds (63%*) | |
| Age: 20.7 DOB: 05/04/2004 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 80.6 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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73% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Pass Blocking: |
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82% |
| Run Blocking: |
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74% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#270
Position rank:
#55
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| College Games: 27 College Snaps: 1286 | ||
ESPN RATING: 86/100
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247 RATING: 97/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cade Mays - Tennessee |
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89% |
| Caedan Wallace - Penn State |
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89% |
| Nick Saldiveri - Old Dominion |
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89% |
Draft Profile: Bio
PJ Williams has taken an unconventional path to becoming an NFL Draft prospect. The Dickinson, Texas product began his football career on the defensive line before transitioning to offensive tackle as a sophomore in high school, where he earned three consecutive first-team all-district selections. His athletic versatility shone through as a dual-sport athlete, averaging 12.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game as a senior basketball player while dominating the gridiron.Originally a highly-touted four-star recruit who signed with Texas A&M, Williams saw action in just one game before transferring to SMU. His 2023 campaign with the Mustangs showcased his adaptability, as he appeared in 12 games with four starts at left tackle while also filling in at guard when needed. The 6'5", 318-pound lineman logged 862 offensive snaps in his redshirt freshman season.
Williams' prep career was decorated with accolades, including Under Armour All-American honors and a Class 6A second-team all-state selection by the Texas Sportswriters Association. He helped lead Dickinson High School to an undefeated district record his senior year and multiple playoff appearances, establishing himself as the ninth-ranked overall recruit in Texas.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional arm length and wingspan provide natural advantages in pass protection, allowing him to control defenders before they can engage his frame
- Demonstrates impressive lateral mobility for his size, consistently reaching the second level with fluid movement and connecting with moving targets in space
- Basketball background translates to superior foot quickness and balance, particularly evident in his ability to mirror defenders in pass protection
- Shows natural power at the point of attack, generating consistent movement in the run game when he maintains proper leverage
- Versatility to play multiple positions along the offensive line, having worked at both tackle spots and guard during his collegiate career
- Quick first step off the snap allows him to establish initial positioning advantage against both speed and power rushers
- Frame carries significant room for additional muscle mass without compromising his athletic traits, suggesting substantial physical development potential
- Demonstrates competitive toughness and adaptability, stepping into multiple positions with minimal practice time when called upon
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Technical refinement needs significant development, particularly in hand placement and timing when engaging defenders at the point of attack
- Tendency to play with high pad level diminishes his natural power advantage and leaves him vulnerable to bull rushes in pass protection
- Limited experience with only one full season as a starter raises questions about his readiness to handle NFL-caliber defenders consistently
- Must improve anchor strength against power rushers, as he can get walked back into the pocket when caught with suboptimal leverage
- Pass protection technique occasionally relies too heavily on athletic ability rather than sound fundamentals, leading to recovery-based protection
Scouting Report: Summary
Williams profiles as a developmental tackle prospect with significant upside due to his rare athletic traits and frame potential. His quick feet and natural movement skills suggest a future as a zone-blocking tackle, where his ability to reach landmarks and operate in space can be maximized.The raw technical aspects of his game will require patience and dedicated coaching at the next level. His experience filling in at guard demonstrates scheme versatility, but his height and length make him best suited for tackle long-term. His background as a multisport athlete and rapid development curve from his position switch in high school suggest a player who can absorb coaching and make technical improvements quickly.
Early in his NFL career, Williams will need time to develop before being thrust into a starting role. His athletic ceiling and frame potential make him an intriguing day three selection who could develop into a starting-caliber tackle by year three with technical refinement and strength development.
How other scouting services rate PJ Williams (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
397.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
71.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.