Why the Bills Cannot Pass Up on Jonah Williams

With the NFL Draft coming up in less a week, the Buffalo Bills‘ clock is also winding down. There have been many speculations on who the Bills may draft with the number nine pick. Names like Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver, Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, and Florida offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor have all been names that have come up. Although these prospects could be the name called on draft night for the Bills, they may not be the safest pick. If available, Alabama offensive tackle Jonah Williams may be the best and safest option to the Bills.

Williams came to Alabama as one of the top recruits of the 2016 class. Williams secured the starting right tackle position his true freshman season. Since then, Williams has not missed a start; even after transitioning to left tackle his sophomore season. He has been a Unanimous All-American, a two-time first-team All-SEC selection, winner of the 2018 Jacobs Blocking Trophy, and helped pave the way to a National Championship and two SEC Championships.

For the most part, Williams’ write up makes the mouths of scouts drool. However, there has been concern regarding his arm length. His arms measure at 33 5/8″, which is below average for most tackles in the league, which is also why some scouts see him as a guard at the next level. His versatility at multiple positions helps prove that reasoning.

Although some favor a position change, Williams is by far best suited as a tackle. His comfortability at the position along with his fluid footwork assures he can translate the same way he played in college.

He looked more comfortable in his pass sets at left tackle in his final year and he has the tools necessary to counter bigger, longer edge defenders despite a lack of ideal size and length for the left tackle spot.

• Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

The Bills are a team who has been an offensive line-needy for a while now. Despite a few key free agent signings this offseason, a young tackle, with the potential to develop into a franchise tackle, should be the right pick.

As of now, the Bills have four tackles on their roster: left tackle Dion Dawkins, Connor McDermott, Ty Nsheke, and LaAdrian Waddle. Jake Fisher and Jeremiah Sirles are also capable of playing tackle. Among those names, Nsheke is the frontrunner to win the starting job. He received a ton of credit for above-average play while stepping in for Washington Redksins All-Pro tackle Trent Williams. However, Nsheke is 33 years old and will be 34 in October. 

Jonah Williams will be a solid pick for the Bills if he is available at pick 9.