Tyleik Williams is a large defensive tackle for Ohio State. Williams may have been the best run-stuffer on the Ohio State National Championship team. Williams could be one of four Buckeye defensive linemen drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. Projections have him going as high as No. 17 to the Cincinnati Bengals or as low as No. 24 to the Minnesota Vikings. Williams is a 6-foot-3, 327-pound player from Virginia. Do you think a run stuffer would be good on your NFL team?
Tyleik Williams Statistics
Tyleik Williams is a defensive tackle hailing from Manassas, Virginia. A star at Unity Reed High School, he was a four-star recruit and the No. 4 ranked senior in Virginia, so Ohio State recruited him well. Williams made an immediate impact for the Buckeyes, earning Freshman All-American honors and recording 5.0 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. In his collegiate career, Williams played in 45 games amassing 37 career tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks.
His blend of unique physical traits combined with his consistent performance made him a key player on Ohio State’s defensive line. His contributions have been recognized with honorable mention All-Big Ten honors for two consecutive seasons, though being named an All-American eluded him in college. The decision of Williams, along with a host of his teammates, to return for another year at Ohio State instead of entering the 2024 NFL Draft shows commitment and will be attractive to NFL teams.
NFL Strengths
Williams will likely stuff the run in the National Football League for years to come. He has the ideal size and skillset to thrive as a professional. It may be a bit boring to select a defensive lineman in the first round of the National Football League draft, but Williams is a good one. Here are his strengths according to NFL Draft Buzz:
- Made Bruce Feldman’s Freak’s List – ranked #66. He wrote “6-6, 272-pound Zach Harrison at the top of that list, having once run 10.7 100 meters, but Williams is one to really keep an eye on. His burst gets him on the list this year. His 10-yard split of 1.62 is an amazing time for a 300-plus pounder.
- Powerful upper body allows him to control offensive linemen at the point of attack and maintain separation.
- Quick first step that enables him to generate significant momentum off the snap.
- Effective bull rusher, using leg drive and core strength to collapse the pocket.
- Consistently uses active hands to engage and disengage blockers effectively.
- Versatile enough to play various positions along the defensive line, from nose tackle to defensive end.
- Strong enough to handle double teams and minimize movement at the line of scrimmage.
- High football IQ with good instincts for reading plays and maintaining gap discipline.
- Relentless motor, continuously fighting through blocks to pursue the ball carrier.
Williams is hoping to get drafted with his fellow Ohio State defensive lineman. There is little doubt Ohio State will have a bounty drafted.
NFL Weaknesses
Williams is a bit unsung but has relatively few weaknesses. A physical limitation may hamper him as a professional. Here are his weaknesses according to Draft Buzz.
- Inconsistent play: shows flashes of dominance but can also be prone to mistakes.
- Tends to rise too high out of his stance, which can compromise his leverage.
- Shorter arm length limits his ability to fully control and disengage from blockers.
- Needs to expand his repertoire of pass-rushing moves to be more effective.
- Lateral agility and quick direction changes are areas where he can improve.
Conclusion
Williams, though unsung, will make some NFL team who drafts him happy. He is going to stuff the run as a professional for a long time. His few weaknesses are mostly coachable, and it is not wise to be concerned with his shortish arms.
