The Kansas City Chiefs have just a few weeks left to finalize their draft boards. Kansas City would not surprise anyone by beefing up the trenches with some of its selections. Defensive tackle remains an area of need. The Chiefs could be looking to add a few different play styles and abilities to that spot, if possible.
Will K.C. find someone to stuff the run? Can the Chiefs perhaps add someone who impacts things in the pass rush? Either way, more depth is necessary for Kansas City’s defensive tackle room going forward. That includes the next few years beyond 2025.
One option the Chiefs may have on their board is Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams. He just enjoyed a National Championship run with the Buckeyes. Now, Williams will look to find his ideal landing spot amidst a deep defensive line draft class.
What kind of positives stick out from Williams’ game? How may he fit in the Chiefs’ defense?
2025 NFL Draft Profile – Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Notes
- Age: 22 (when drafted)
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 334 pounds
Positives
Williams is a superb gap-plugger. He shoves offensive linemen to the side. At the same time, he does a solid job of eating space by getting a low center of gravity and remaining low at the point of attack. When he is at his best, Williams can swallow up inside runs and hold ball carriers to a minimal gain up the middle.
Williams can add an advantage for himself with his size and strength. For instance, Ohio State had him run several twists toward defensive ends. But also, his ability to sidestep both guards and centers develops from his play strength and swift footwork.
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Rarely, if ever, does he get pushed back because he is too high or off balance. Moreover, Williams plays under control in more ways than one. He does not get too far up the field and remains in his landmarks when needed. Also, Williams will look to read and react after blockers give him a tell with their technique. This sets up Williams for a chance to adjust in the midst of a rep.
Overall, the Ohio State defender routinely displayed good angles to the football. This not only slowed down running backs, but it forced passers to roll out or hold onto the ball before releasing it. Williams’ solid angles to the ball also showed up when he was attacking in pursuit down the field or past the line of scrimmage.
Negatives
Williams will not offer the most explosiveness off the line of scrimmage. His lower half can be stiff at times. This can allow opponents to wall him off while forcing him to change directions earlier than he wants.
The Ohio State defensive tackle has a minimal pass-rush profile at this point in his football career. His set of pass-rush moves and hand counters is not extremely vast. He will look to swipe blockers to the side more often than not. Williams can be a one-trick pony with that move.
In addition to the lack of moves, Williams can be late to landing his punches against the pass. The hand timing results in him constantly having to fight pinpoint hand placement of opposing offensive linemen. In turn, Williams will have to work to regain leverage on pass-rush reps from time to time.
Even as a run-stuffer, there are still instances where Williams struggles to finish tackle attempts. He can whiff by coming in too high or too low. Finding that exact strike zone to bring down defenders can be hit or miss. Faster running backs can occasionally force him into making an early lunge, allowing them to bounce it outside after making him miss. He needs more consistency.
How would Tyleik Williams fit in Chiefs defense?
Williams could offer a skill set for Kansas City that it lost in Derrick Nnadi. With Nnadi departing in free agency, the Chiefs must find a gap-plugger and run-stuffer. Mike Pennel can still be relied upon to make stops inside. However, Williams can rotate in with a similar capacity.
All told, Williams can still push the pocket as a pass-rusher with his current abilities. He would be able to take on stronger blockers and match them with pound-for-pound power. If that occurs, Williams can help open up other opportunities for other Chiefs pass-rushers. And if Kansas City were to add him on draft weekend, this regime would be high on his mix of heavy hands and impressive movement skills.
