Nov. 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Mi., USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is pursued by Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (91) during the first half of Saturday's NCAA Division I football game at Michigan Stadium.
Tyleik Williams DT Ohio State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Tyleik Williams DT Ohio State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| SUB-POSITION: DT 3-TECH | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 02/19/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.68 seconds (99%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.0 DOB: 02/24/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SUB-POSITION: DT 3-TECH | |
| Last Updated: 02/19/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.68 seconds (99%*) | |
| Age: 22.0 DOB: 02/24/2003 | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 86.8 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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81% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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70% |
| Pass Rush: |
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70% |
| Run Defense: |
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93% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Mid
Overall Rank:
#41
Position rank:
#14
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| College Games: 48 College Snaps: 1540 | ||
ESPN RATING: 83/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 94/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Jefferson - LSU |
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74% |
| Devonte Wyatt - Georgia |
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68% |
| Ruke Orhorhoro - Clemson |
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65% |
Draft Profile: Bio
A fascinating study in physical transformation, Tyleik Williams arrived in Columbus tipping the scales at 360 pounds before reshaping his body into the explosive 327-pound force we see today. The Manassas, Virginia native's journey from self-admitted "fat" freshman to Walter Camp Second-team All-American speaks volumes about his dedication to the craft. Williams' athletic background – including breaking a 19-year shot put record in high school – hints at the raw power that would later terrorize Big Ten offensive lines.After flashing early promise as a Freshman All-American with 5.0 sacks in limited action, Williams steadily expanded his role over four seasons in Columbus. His progression included a breakout 2023 campaign where he racked up 53 tackles and 10 tackles for loss, earning Second-team All-American honors. He followed that up with a solid 2024 season, posting 46 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks despite missing two games. Over his collegiate career, Williams amassed 137 tackles (27 for loss), 11.5 sacks and a memorable scoop-and-score touchdown.
The former four-star recruit who initially had his sights set on Alabama before landing with the Buckeyes evolved into one of the Big Ten's most disruptive interior defenders. Beyond the raw numbers, Williams' versatility to align anywhere from 0-technique to 5-technique made him a chess piece in Ohio State's defensive scheme, logging over 1,500 snaps across 48 career games.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Made Bruce Feldman's Freak's List - ranked #66. He wrote "6-6, 272-pound Zach Harrison at the top of that list, having once run a 10.7 100 meters, but Williams is one to really keep an eye on. His burst gets him on the list this year. His 10-yard split of 1.62 is an amazing time for a 300-plus pounder."
- Brings the kind of raw power that shows up in the weight room and on tape - consistently walks back centers with a devastating bull rush
- Shows advanced hand usage in the run game, particularly with a violent punch-and-release move that leaves blockers stumbling forward
- Maintains exceptional balance through contact despite his massive frame, allowing him to redirect and close running lanes
- Displays impressive lateral agility when working down the line on stretch plays, keeping his shoulders square while moving in space
- Brings legitimate scheme versatility with experience at multiple techniques - can two-gap or penetrate based on assignment
- Demonstrates natural feel for reading blocking schemes and locating the football through traffic
- Brings an alpha dog mentality to the interior - plays with visible nastiness and seeks to physically dominate opponents
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Still battling consistency with pad level - will pop up out of his stance and lose leverage advantage, particularly when fatigued
- Pass rush arsenal remains a work in progress beyond the bull rush - needs to develop secondary counters when initial surge stalls
- Below average arm length limits ability to consistently control and shed blocks once offensive linemen get into his frame
- Shows some signs of previous conditioning concerns - performance can dip noticeably in extended drives
- Can get too aggressive pursuing penetration and leave interior gaps exposed against misdirection
Scouting Report: Summary
The team that drafts Williams is getting a rare athlete for the position who brings legitimate three-down potential if his pass rush continues developing. His combination of explosive power and nimble feet makes him a scheme-versatile defender who can anchor against doubles or shoot gaps with equal effectiveness. The flashes of dominance against top competition hint at his ceiling as a potential game-wrecker on the interior.While Williams may need early down/early game snap management as he continues building his stamina, his upside as a disruptive force is undeniable. His ideal NFL fit is as a 3-technique in an even front where his quickness and power can be unleashed, though he's shown he can hold up at nose tackle when needed. Look for Williams to make an immediate impact as a run defender while his pass rush skills catch up to his athletic gifts.
The complete physical transformation and steady progression at Ohio State suggest Williams is just scratching the surface of his potential. In a league where explosive interior defenders are at a premium, he projects as a high-floor prospect with Pro Bowl upside if he can maintain his conditioning and expand his pass rush repertoire.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
Tyleik Williams percentiles vs other Defensive Tackles (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Tyleik Williams (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
38.7
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
11.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.