NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota

Green Bay Packers NFL Draft prospect profile: TE Maxx Williams

Player Information:

Maxx Williams, TE Minnesota
6-4, 249 pounds
Hometown: Waconia, MN

STATS

NFL Combine:

40 yard: 4.78

Bench: 17

Vert: 34.5″

Broad: 117″

Shuttle: 4.37

News and Notes:

Before reading this NFL draft profile of University of Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams, check out this video of Williams leaping over defenders in the Citrus Bowl.

Doesn’t watching that make you want to add an extra “X” to your name? Or at least see what Williams would be able to do with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback? This kid will only be 21 years old come draft time. If the Packers take him, he could turn out to be a Randall Cobb type of player at tight end.

 What they’re saying about him:

  • NFL.com: “Pass-catching, move tight end with straight-line play speed and an ability to stretch defenses deep. Williams comes from NFL bloodlines and has the self confidence often found in a former player’s son, but he needs to improve his route running in order to become a more complete receiving threat. “
  • CBSSports.com: A prospect just scratching the surface of his potential, Williams owns the all-around skill-set that fits all 32 NFL teams with the ability to line up inline, in the backfield or as a flex option out wide. Although not yet a detailed route runner, he has above average top-end speed for the position with a great feel for throws away from his body, making a number of “wow” catches (and runs) on his college film. Williams is young and needs seasoning, but he has NFL pedigree and projects as a mismatch nightmare with the versatile traits to be equally effective as a pass-catcher and blocker.

Video:

 

Video Analysis:

  • I see a ton of straight-line speed, raw athleticism and great hands. Might be one of the better athletes in the draft.
  • Speed and athleticism alone won’t cut it in the NFL. Williams will have to develop as a route-runner and and find ways to get open when he simply can’t outrun or outjump somebody.
  • All out, all the time. You don’t get a slower gear with Williams. When he goes, he goes hard and he doesn’t care who gets in his way.
  • Go back to the first video I posted and watch Williams leap over that first defender. I could watch that all day.
  • You could even line Williams up as a flex-fullback and see if you can get him in space on a screen. I wouldn’t want to get in his way if I were a defensive back.

If drafted by the Packers

It might take a few years, but Williams’ ceiling is high. He’s got hands like Richard Rodgers, the athleticism of Jermichael Finley and the cocky attitude of Jermey Shockey. In a weak year for tight ends, Williams really stands out, but I still think he’d stand out even if he had more competition among his fellow tight ends entering the draft. I still can’t stop thinking about what Williams could develop into with Rodgers as his quarterback. Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams and Williams would be tough to handle.