Top 10 Players Who Need to Have a Good NFL Combine

Nov 29, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) celebrates against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Leonard Williams, Defensive End, USC Trojans

When you talk about positions that matter at the NFL Combine, defensive end is at the top of the list. Historically, the NFL Combine has been a great judge of success for people at this position. And by the way, the same doesn’t hold true for linebackers, which requires more intangibles. But back to the point, Leonard Williams.

Williams is possibly a bit of an in-between guy who could be more cut-out for defensive tackle at 6’5″ 300 pounds, and while he is a great run stopper, his ability to rush the passer is a serious question. To be fair, he did register 7 sacks on the year, but he needs to prove with his size that he can be quick and mobile while lining up at defensive end. If not, he’ll fall and be a late tackle taken in the draft.

Williams needs to prove what he can do through his 40-time, shuttle, and position drills. His vertical is important as well because, despite his 6’5″ frame and lining up at end, he only knocked down 3 passes all year, but he at least did have an interception in the first game for what it’s worth. Strength is not much of a question unless he falls apart during the other drills, which will mean he needs to prove his strength in order to show that he could at least make it as a good tackle.

Remember, Williams’s 7 sacks could be skewed as well because he plays in a conference that allows for ample opportunities to sack the quarterback given that offensive lines in the Pac-12 are weak and they throw it all the time in that conference. So yes, you can’t just plug in the tape to judge this guy.

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