OL John Williams could be unsung hero of Packers 2025 draft class
OL John Williams could be unsung hero of Packers 2025 draft class
Josh Sitton was the 135th overall pick for the Green Bay Packers during the 2008 NFL Draft. During his time at the University of Central Florida, Sitton started games at right tackle and both guard spots, showcasing the versatility that the Packers value in offensive linemen.
During his successful career with the Packers, Sitton started 112 games at guard, was an All-Pro player, and was a Super Bowl Champion. He is the poster child for what the Packers look for in offensive linemen. They value versatility and have had a lot of success drafting college offensive tackles and converting them to guards.
While he may never reach the heights of Sitton, John Williams, the 250th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, could be the next college offensive tackle that the Packers have drafted who could kick inside to guard.
"Left tackle, they announced him as a guard. It will be interesting to see. This is something they've done with Elgton Jenkins," NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said following the Williams pick on NFL Network. "It's what they've done with a lot of offensive linemen over the years...He can wash defensive linemen down the line of scrimmage. He has some power there...In pass protection, at times he can get narrow and struggle with speed. I think all these issues that he has can be alleviated to a degree with a kick inside to guard. They see the feet...get him some neighbors and he'll be fine."
A three-star recruit out of Illinois, Williams finished his career at Cincinnati with 27 starts at left tackle to his name. At 6-4, 322 pounds and with nearly 34-inch arms, Williams certainly looks the part. He has massive hands and will occasionally flash violence in them, although you'd certainly like to see them pop more consistently. He has a strong anchor against power. He has quick feet and the lateral agility to mirror in protection to protect the corner.
'He's got great length…Really, really, really smart,' Brian Gutekunst said during his press conference on Saturday following the draft. 'He's got the versatility to play left tackle and guard. He probably could play center because he's smart enough to. He's one of the few guys who can really play with full extension with his hands and is moving his feet at the same time."
In 2023, Williams gave up two sacks and 14 pressures. This past season, Williams gave up one sack and eight pressures.
"I think my pass protection has grown…If you watch the tape from 2023 to 2024, it's like a completely different player," Williams said during a conference call after getting drafted. "I think that's what's going to translate…Our offensive line coach Nic Cardwell has done a great job of implementing an NFL style for our pass protections."
The former three-star recruit shows adequate range as a run blocker. He works hard to stay engaged and steer defenders out of the way to open up run lanes.
Since taking over as general manager in 2018, Gutekunst has made it a priority to continuously invest in the offensive line. Including Williams and Anthony Belton, he's now drafted 16 offensive linemen, including Day 3 standouts like Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker.
Like Williams, Walker was a seventh-round pick and has started 32 games at left tackle for the Packers over the past two seasons.
While Williams may not earn an immediate starting role, Williams should be able to provide quality depth at four positions as a rookie. Getting a player like that late in the seventh round could prove to be tremendous value for Green Bay's offense.
"It' unusual for a guy that can play tackle and guard and play all four spots for you to be down there at that spot," Gutekunst.
The Packers needed to make it a priority to fortify the offensive line depth chart this offseason. With his potential four-position versatility, it could be mission accomplished with the selection of Williams in the seventh round.
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