Tyleik Williams

Tyleik Williams, Ohio State, DT, 6027, 334, Sr.

Draft Profile

Frankly: (To Be Added)

Overview

Williams offers rare athleticism for his position and projects as a three-down defensive tackle with significant upside if his pass rush continues to develop. His explosive power and nimble footwork make him a versatile option who can anchor against double teams or penetrate gaps with equal effectiveness. Flashes of dominance against top-tier competition suggest a ceiling as a potential game-wrecker on the interior. While early-game snap management may be necessary to address conditioning concerns, his disruptive potential as both a run defender and pass rusher is undeniable. Ideally suited as a 3-technique in an even front, Williams’ quickness and strength will thrive in a system that allows him to attack. His physical transformation and steady growth during his time at Ohio State indicate that Williams is far from reaching his full potential. With explosive interior defenders in high demand, Williams presents a high-floor prospect with Pro Bowl upside, provided he maintains his conditioning and expands his pass-rush arsenal.

Background

Williams’ journey from a 360-pound freshman to a 327-pound force at Ohio State reflects his dedication and relentless work ethic. A native of Manassas, Virginia, Williams broke a 19-year-old shot put record in high school, hinting at the raw explosiveness he would bring to college football. Arriving at Ohio State as a four-star recruit, he made an immediate impact as a Freshman All-American with 5.0 sacks despite limited snaps. Over four seasons, Williams developed into one of the Big Ten’s most disruptive interior linemen. His breakout 2023 season included 53 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and Second-Team All-American recognition. In 2024, despite missing two games, he added 46 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Across his collegiate career, Williams logged 137 tackles (27 for loss), 11.5 sacks, and a scoop-and-score touchdown. His ability to align across multiple techniques from 0-tech to 5-tech made him a chess piece for Ohio State’s defensive schemes, solidifying his status as a versatile and impactful player.

Scouting Report

Pros: Williams’ athletic profile earned him a spot on Bruce Feldman’s Freak’s List, showcasing a rare blend of size and explosiveness highlighted by a 1.62-second 10-yard split at over 300 pounds. His raw power routinely overwhelms centers, driving them back with a devastating bull rush. Williams’ advanced hand usage, particularly his violent punch-and-release move, enables him to shed blockers effectively in the run game. Despite his size, he maintains exceptional balance through contact, allowing him to close gaps and redirect running lanes. His lateral agility stands out on stretch plays, where he keeps his shoulders

Cons: Despite his physical gifts, Williams struggles with maintaining consistent pad level, particularly when fatigued, which often allows blockers to gain leverage. His pass-rush arsenal is limited beyond his bull rush, as he has yet to develop reliable secondary moves or counters. His below-average arm length hinders his ability to consistently disengage from blocks once offensive linemen gain inside control. There are lingering conditioning concerns, as Williams’ performance noticeably dips during extended drives or late-game situations. Additionally, his aggressive pursuit of penetration sometimes leaves him susceptible to misdirection plays, which can exploit vacated interior gaps.

HISTORY — From College Profile