Player: Defensive lineman Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
Pick: Round 1, 28th overall
Ht/Wt: 6-3, 334
Combine results: Completed only position drills
Quick Hits:
- In the Buckeyes' national championship 2024 season, Williams notched 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
- Williams had an 88.6 run grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking fourth among all FBS interior defensive linemen.
- Among all interior defensive linemen, he tied for sixth with 20 run stops, per Pro Football Focus.
View photos of defensive lineman Tyleik Williams.
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams plays against Maryland during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams, top, sacks Akron quarterback DJ Irons during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Akron 59-7. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue running back Devin Mockobee (45) is tackled by Ohio State's Tyleik Williams (91) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. Ohio State won 41-7. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams lines up during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 30-24. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Ohio State's Tyleik Williams runs the 40-yard dash during the school's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams participates in a drill during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, February 27, 2025 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams, left, tackles Minnesota running back Jordan Nubin (30) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) tries to block a pass from Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) celebrates sacking Akron quarterback DJ Irons during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Akron 59-7. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (91) celebrates in the second half of a NCAA college football game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Resume:
- Third-Team All-Big Ten (2023, 2024)
- 2025 National Champion with Ohio State
- 2023 Walter Camp Second-Team All-American
- 2021 All-American Freshman (ESPN, 247Sports, Pro Football Focus)
Expert analysis: "Drain-clogging run defender with violent first contact and nimble feet for impressive tackle production. Williams flashes an ability to play through or around the block. He physically dominates man-on-man matchups but inconsistent pad level and shorter arms hinder his double-team take-ons. — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"With his initial quickness, Williams can cross the face of blockers or create knockback with his ability to stack, find the football and detach. Aside from his physical capabilities, he has outstanding awareness to identify pre-snap clues and anticipate play design." — Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Twentyman's take: Williams was a two-year starter for the Buckeyes and a key contributor in the middle of their defense down the stretch in their National Championship run. What jumps out to me is his tackle production from the interior of the defensive line. The last two seasons he combined for 100 tackles, 18.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He's got a chance to be a contributor on early downs as one of the top run defending defensive tackles in the class. The Lions had the No. 5 run defense in the NFL last season, allowing on average 98.4 yards per game.
Bambini's take: Earning All-Big Ten recognition for all four years at Ohio State, Williams is a big-bodied defensive tackle that can get through blocks, explode through gaps and be a massive force in the run game. He'll have the opportunity to contribute to a highly-ranked Lions' run defense that limited opponents to just under 100 yards per game on the ground. He'll develop alongside veterans Alim McNeill, DJ Reader and the recently-signed Roy Lopez. Williams also provides some depth and youth among the interior defensive line with McNeill still recovering from an ACL tear.
What he had to say: "I'm just a disruptor. I make players, I'm not just going to hold blocks, I'm going to make plays. I'm a student of the game, chill, laid-back, and I love football. If you want a guy that's going to come in and work, choose me." — Williams in an interview with NFL Network the 2025 Combine
