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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after CFP Semifinals

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) smiles after a play during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) smiles after a play during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Edge. Alabama. Tim Williams. 11. player. 15.

The New Orleans Saints really fell off the table at the end of the season. After looking like a potential playoff team, the Saints folded and it was mostly due to their lack of defense. Clearly, it’s time to improve that side of the ball.

Tim Williams keeps improving his draft stock by each passing game and this is even after his arrest on gun charges earlier in the year. He may have had some off-field issues, but those have been resolved and teams are beginning to notice his impressive ability to rush the quarterback.

The senior is listed as a linebacker at the collegiate level, but he could be used in blitzing situations at the professional level. He can be an elite edge rusher but he is an extremely raw player. He needs to develop as a complete player against the run and pass instead of being known as a guy who can get to the quarterback and not much else.

On the season, Williams has 29 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Those numbers won’t blow anyone away, but he’s still developing as a prospect and that intrigues some scouts. He’s nowhere near as good as he can be.

If he’s drafted as a linebacker, he needs to improve in coverage as well, but he’d be a dynamite pick by the Saints in the first round — and a project.

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