2017 NFL Draft: Why are People Worried About the Pittsburgh Steelers Drafting Tim Williams?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of a pass rusher in the 2017 NFL Draft and may find a valuable one on Day 2.
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After inviting Tim Williams for a pre-draft visit, meeting with him at the 2017 NFL Combine, watching him at Alabama’s Pro Day, and bringing him in for an official pre-draft workout, it’s clear to say the Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in the Alabama product.
There are two parties to the Tim Williams debate. Those who believe he’s a comparison to Jarvis Jones, being a liability both on, and off, the field. Then, there are those who believe he’s the perfect pass-rushing linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Me? Well, I’m on the side that thinks Williams is a steal come Day 2. He’s got his issues and could very easily turn into a bust in the NFL. But how often do you consider a third or fourth-round pick a bust?
He has a lot to work out and may never have the football knowledge to be anything more than a pass rusher for the Steelers. He’ll have to work out the off the field issues and become more of a leader and find himself with less stupid penalties during games.
There is a list that Williams need to address before he’s ready for the NFL, we all know it. That doesn’t mean you don’t take a chance on him, though. Pittsburgh is probably going to draft another edge rusher in the first-round. Meaning, Williams comes in with position battle expectations only. He doesn’t need to start, and if he never makes it, it doesn’t put too much of a damper of Pittsburgh’s plans.
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In his only two real seasons with Alabama, Williams compiled 18.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss. Pretty impressive for a third-round pick from one of the greatest college football teams of all-time. Just another example of why there’s no reason to be worried about the move.
Look at it like this, what does Pittsburgh really need in this draft? A quality edge rusher, Ben Roethlisberger’s protege, Le’Veon Bell’s backup, a secondary player, and another wide receiver.
They’ll take care of the edge rusher in the opening-round. Will take either a quarterback or secondary player in the second. In the third, they’ll either add the position they passed on in the second-round or draft Tim Williams. Then, they’ll use their second, third-round pick to select the remaining of the three; Williams, a QB, or the secondary. From there, they have two spots to fill with three picks left.
There is no reason to panic of the Steelers wanting Williams. He works out that’s great, he doesn’t they don’t lose much for him. A third-round pick is worth a lot, but not when you’re already a Super Bowl contender. Pittsburgh is in a position to gamble and if they want to place their bet on Williams then so be it.
No matter what side you’re on, think of it realistically. Drafting Williams is a risk/reward selection with significant upside. Yes, he can be a wasted pick, but if he works out, he’s one of the biggest steals in the draft.
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Let the Steelers take a chance. They’re in position too, and if it works out, they’ll make their defense twice as good as they wanted to.