Dorian Williams Complete NFL Draft Profile (Intangibles Make Up for Concerns Around Tulane Linebacker)

Tulane linebacker Dorian Williams is headed to the 2023 NFL Draft following a terrific 2022 season which capped off three straight years of solid production. A team captain with plus intangibles, being undersized and having played in the MAC could ding his draft stock even though he checks plenty of boxes.

Here's everything you need to know about Dorian Williams heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

Dorian Williams Draft Stock & Mock Draft Projections

Mock draft sources accurate as of 4/25 NFL.com, ESPN, CBS, Walter Football, Sporting News.

Projected Draft Round: Round 3 (2), Round 5 (1), Round 6 (1), Undrafted (1)
Projected Team: Commanders (1), Lions (1), Patriots (1), Dolphins (1), Undrafted (1)

Dorian Williams Scouting Report

Williams is a team captain with an athletic build and impressive production. He moves like a big box safety, demonstrating bursts to the football and open-field fluidity. Williams may lack the size and strength needed for NFL take-on duties near the line, but he can compensate by improving his ability to slip blocks and stay ahead of the blocking scheme. His coverage potential and special teams background make him a likely Day 3 selection, fitting into a backup role as a Will linebacker.

Williams is a three-year starter who plays with adequate instincts, proper knee bend when engaging blockers and is skilled at sifting through traffic to identify ball-carriers. He is a wrap-up tackler in the hole and has a springy burst in open-field pursuit. His fluidity in zone coverage and man cover talent are noteworthy. However, he can be slow to anticipate a runner's lane choice and may struggle with control and leverage when scraping to the football. His point-of-attack strength and skill set are below average, and he can be swallowed by blocks on the second level.

Despite these weaknesses, Williams has the talent to be a sideline-to-sideline playmaker. He has the build of a defensive back but hits like a linebacker, displaying a muscular build, long arms, and good overall athleticism and speed. His instincts and anticipation can be streaky, but he has excellent awareness in zone coverage. While he may have inconsistent hustle, only adequate change-of-direction ability, and difficulty with balance in the open field, he is a gifted athlete with a lot of raw potential.

Athletic and able to cover a lot of ground, Williams has shown tremendous progress in his game over the past three seasons. He is fast to the sidelines and sells out on blitzes. He's disciplined with coverage assignments and has an explosive closing burst when bearing down on plays. Williams might have a thin frame and struggle with getting blocked, but he has consistently demonstrated his value on the field.

Overall, Williams profiles as a classic versatile linebacker in a 4-3 system, offering the ability to cover backs and tight ends in the passing game while also contributing in run defense. With an upside and steady progress in his game, he is a draftable prospect who could make an impact in the NFL.

Dorian Williams NFL Draft Prediction

Toughness, intensity and leadership stand out as intangibles for Williams, and while those are obviously traits that all NFL teams value, there may be one head coach more singularly obsessed than others with that kind of makeup.

Dorian Williams is a Dan Campbell kind of player. It helps that Williams looks like a plus fit in the Lions defense, and that they have a ton of draft capital to pull the trigger if he falls a bit.

Prediction: Detroit Lions (Round 5, 152 overall)

Check out more NFL Draft Coverage from The Duel:

Dorian Williams NFL Combine Results

Dorian Williams Tulane Stats

Dorian Williams Tulane Highlights