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The Denver Broncos did themselves, and Von Miller, a huge favor Thursday night when they selected defensive tackle Sylvester Williams 28th overall. That's because Sly Williams' interior pressure will make Von Miller's life a whole lot easier.
When Von Miller's life is easier, scary things happen.
Basic Info
1st Team All-ACC Defense
- Height: 6'3
- Weight: 313 lbs
- College: North Carolina
- 2012 Sacks: 6
- 2012 Tackes: 42
- 2012 Tackles for Loss: 13.5
Background
After two years of dominate play in junior college, Williams stood out and was picked up by North Carolina.
Williams only played high school football his senior year. Having no college offers, he went and worked making radiators. Yes, he was making radiators.
A year after doing that job, he realized it sucked and he needed to get back into football, so he walked onto the Coffeyville Community College football team. After two years of dominate play in junior college, Williams stood out and was picked up by North Carolina.
Strengths
Finally, a defensive tackle that can collapse the pocket.
Sly Williams lived in the backfield at North Carolina
It has been since the days of Trevor Pryce that the Broncos have had a defensive tackle that could get to the quarterback. Sly Williams lived in the backfield at North Carolina, tallying six sacks and 13.5 tackles for a loss during the 2012 season alone.
Williams will provide that missing component to the Denver defense, interior pressure. When the quarterback has to rush out of the pocket due to Williams' overwhelming pressure, Von Miller will be waiting to welcome Mr. QB.
He is as huge as he is explosive
His swim move constantly made offensive linemen look silly as he rushed right on by them.
According to his Sport Science video, Sly Williams' thighs are about as big as Darren Sproles' waist. However, he doesn't let his weight hold him down. Williams is extremely explosive off of the snap. His swim move constantly made offensive linemen look silly as he rushed right on by them.
He's just getting started
Williams could turn into a perennial pro bowler.
Despite only playing football since he was 17, Sly Williams produced at a high level in college. Williams is a day one starter, but he ceiling doesn't stop there. With great coaching, hard work, and some experience, Williams could turn into a perennial pro bowler.
Weaknesses
Just a tiny bit older than you'd like
In November he will turn 25.
Since he spent a year after high school making radiators, Williams is older than most first rounders. In November he will turn 25. However, the bright side is that he has low miles on his tires since he only started playing at the age of 17.
Explosive, but sometimes unguided
When rushing the passer he can get over zealous in pursuit and miss the sack.
Williams is extremely explosive off of the snap, but sometimes he can get stuck on his blocks. When the ball carrier goes by he has a hard time disengaging to make the tackle.
When rushing the passer he can get over zealous in pursuit and miss the sack. Williams' body is so big that he sometimes has difficulty redirecting himself to the ball carrier.
Fun Facts
The last time the Broncos picked a defensive tackle in the first round (Trevor Pryce), they won the Super Bowl.
Sly Williams wears number 92. A number which recently became available for the Denver Broncos.
Bottom Line
...opposing quarterbacks will have no where to hide
The Broncos got themselves a fine first round pick and didn't have to sacrifice any additional picks in the process. Paired up with Terrance Knighton or Kevin Vickerson, Denver will have a lot of beef on their defensive line.
Denver now has the ability to rotate talented defensive tackles throughout the game to help keep the big boys fresh. This is a tactic that has lead the New York Giants, and other great defensive teams, to major success.
If the Broncos can get an adequate replacement for Elvis Dumervil, opposing quarterbacks will have no where to hide.
A lot of the weaknesses Williams has will get ironed out with better coaching.
Are you excited for this pick Bronco Country? Let me know what you think in the comments!