2019 NFL Draft: Implications of Kyler Murray going No. 1 overall

The Raiders are in obvious need of improvements in their pass rush after finishing dead-last in the NFL in 2018 in sacks by a considerable margin. They’d likely be disappointed to see both Bosa and Allen off the board by the time they pick, and would probably consider Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat here, but it would be tough to pass on Williams with the fourth pick.

Williams isn’t an edge rusher, but he’s still likely to have a big impact as a pass rusher from the interior. He had 8 sacks last season for the Crimson Tide, and was disruptive against the run and pass. He was impossible to block in one-on-one situations, and put together arguably the most dominant season in college football last year.

Williams won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman, and then solidified himself as one of the top prospects in this class with a strong combine performance. His power and agility were on full display.

Jon Gruden would be wise to go ahead and take the best player available with this pick. He’s got two more first round picks in his back pocket, along with an early second rounder, where he could draft an edge rusher.

Williams would immediately help the Raiders against the run and pass, and go a long way in providing a defensive identity for a team sorely in need of one.