With the 141st pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Arkansas tight end D. J. Williams.
Williams measures in at 6-2, 245 pounds. He posted a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, 20 bench-presses, 4.51-second 20-yard shuttle and a 33.5″ vertical leap.
Before reading this preview on D.J. Williams, the Packers fifth-round pick, watch this E60 story about Williams’ journey to the NFL. It’s amazing and will have you cheering for Williams even if he never plays a down for the Packers.
Are you back? Ok good. Dry your eyes and continue reading about Williams on the football field. He looks like a good
one.
College Highlights
Williams set an Arkansas tight-end single-season record with 61 catches as a sophomore. He only caught 32 passes the following season because he says he focused on refining his blocking skills. Everything came together his senior season when he caught 54 passes, blocked well and was named the John Mackey award winner as the nation’s top tight end.
Analysis
Williams is undersized but has continued to persevere both in life and on the football field. When he needed to overcome a bad family situation, he did it. When he needed to become a better blocker, he did it. When he needed to put it all together his senior season, he did it.
Some analysts think Williams might end up playing fullback in the NFL. Given the Packers infatuation with stockpiling multiple fullbacks and tight ends, seeing Williams line up in front of James Starks or Ryan Grant wouldn’t surprise me one bit. Perhaps Williams could free up Tom Crabtree to focus exclusively on being a tight end instead of occasionally lining up in the backfield. Or maybe both Williams and Crabtree will take snaps at tight end and fullback. Either scenario will be interesting to watch play out.
Many analysts also rave about Williams’ hands. Doug Farrar from Football Outsiders tweeted that Williams has some of the best hands in the draft. With Jermichael Finley set to become a free agent after this season and the Packers lapses in short-yardage situations, Williams should have an opportunity to establish a role in his rookie season.
After being drafted by the Packers, Williams said that his size has never held him back and he’s not going to let it hold him back in the NFL. Given how Williams hasn’t let anything hold him back in life, I believe him.
Video
Adam Czech is a a freelance sports reporter living in the Twin Cities and a proud supporter of American corn farmers. When not working, Adam is usually writing about, thinking about or worrying about the Packers. Follow Adam on Twitter. Twitter .
——————
LOVE IT! MM’s decision for the game day rosters just became a lot easier. Hall and Johnson are now expedable. Would either of them ever be active ahead of williams? i doubt it, but time will tell.