As you should know by now, our attention has now shifted to the 2016 NFL Draft as it relates to the prospects. From now until the draft takes place, we hope to profile as many draft prospects as we possibly can for you. Most of these player profiles will be centered around prospects the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have interest in.
Looking at tight end Bryce Williams in another prospect profile today.
#80 – Bryce Williams/TE East Carolina: 6’5/7 260
The Good
– Obviously imposing size and knows how to use it to his advantage, long arms and big hands (33 1/4, 9 5/8 respectively)
– Tough, physical player, and a difficult player to drag down after the catch
– Will show soft hands and the ability to pluck the ball away from his body
– Versatile, lined up everywhere on the field, asked to do a lot in that offense and speaks to his football intelligence
– Smart player who understands man/zone rules as a receiver
– Down to Earth guy to talk to, likeable personality, a humble individual
– Not a proficient blocker but gives effort and has room to be refined and become better
– Productive senior season, came on strong with the opportunity
The Bad
– Slow, lethargic runner in basically all of his motions, straight-line or change of direction
– Build up speed player, lacks explosion out of a three-point stance, and top speed isn’t very good
– Struggles mightily to change direction, far from a natural separator and will have to resort to winning with his size, boxing out smaller players, than creating actual space
– Lapses of concentration, struggled in Senior Bowl practice catching the ball cleanly, too many drops
– Needs refinement as a run blocker, drops eye level on contact and will fall off blocks
– More explosive off his right foot than his left foot
– Only one year as full-time starter
Bio
– 18 career starts, 2015 only year as full-time starter
– 2015: 58 catches, 588 yards, 4 TDs
– Prior to 2015: 38 catches, 447 yards, 9 TDs
– Three-star athlete in high school, basketball and an accomplished hurdler with at least one trip to states
– Cousin is Brooks Williams, NFL tight end in late 70s/early 80s, most notable time came with New Orleans Saints
– Transferred from Marshall for a better opportunity to see playing time
Tape Breakdown
Williams was a great guy to talk to at the Senior Bowl.