Tyleik Williams Will Anchor an NFL Team’s Run Defense

Coming off an NFL Draft where just one interior defensive lineman was taken in the first round (Byron Murphy II), the 2025 Draft’s first round appears to be chock-full of athletes playing this position.

I’ve already given my reports on Michigan’s Mason Graham and Kentucky’s Deone Walker. So, for this week’s article, I’m turning to Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams. He’s listed high on the 2025 Consensus Big Board, but does his tape warrant the high projection?

Let’s dive into this prospect and what he brings to the table.

Why is Williams being graded so high?

The answer to this question isn’t exactly complicated. Williams is already an ELITE run defender. Little to no shortcomings show up on tape in terms of his run game. He possesses ridiculous strength, which he uses to toss linemen out of the way and make tackles. He can clog up multiple run lanes by himself and has the unique ability to “reset” the line of scrimmage. The lineman also makes his linebackers’ jobs significantly easier, commanding double teams and leaving them free to make a play.

Why not draft him?

As outstanding as Williams is against the run, he is a very raw prospect when it comes to pass-rushing. Many of his reps consist of using his power and explosiveness to bullrush an offensive lineman.

However, he appears to be missing other beneficial skills.

Aside from his ability to get off blocks, Williams lacks the variety of pass-rush moves needed for him to be considered a true threat to this aspect of the game. He very clearly has the potential, he simply needs the right NFL team to mold him into an unstoppable force.

Jaccoma’s Bottom Line

Can he help an NFL team win? – Yes.

Regardless of his raw talent, Williams is an elite run-defender and has untapped pass-rushing potential. He will start on an NFL team and bolster a D-line with his run-defense ability.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

#91 Tyleik Williams 6-foot-3, 327 pounds

Philip Jaccoma Jr.’s 2024 Summer Grade: Second-Round

Projected by 44.6% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of August 30, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Game film reviewed (2023): Indiana, Youngstown State, Western Kentucky, Notre Dame, Maryland, Rutgers, Michigan State, Minnesota, and Michigan

Elite strength at the point of attack. Great body control. Sheds blocks effectively. Can effectively handle double teams. Keeps his eyes up and tracks the running back well. High football IQ and clear understanding of the game and his role in it. Great use of heavy punches. Very raw pass-rusher. Can win with power at times but lacks variability in his moves, overall. Can be molded into a great pass-rusher. Demands attention from the O-line. Truly the heart and soul of a defensive line. High motor and love for the sport on tape. No injury history.

What to watch for in Williams during the 2024 college season

1. Pass-rush development
2. Consistency with leverage when pass-rushing
3. Continued success in run-defending

Philip Jaccoma Jr. is a junior at Rutgers University, pursuing a major in Journalism and Media Studies and a minor in Sports Management. As well as being an aspiring writer and draft analyst for FirstRoundMock.com, he is a sports writer for his school’s student newspaper, The Daily Targum, and a sports broadcaster and producer for WRSU-FM, Rutgers radio. To view more of Philip’s work, follow @PJaccoma on X.