Tyleik Williams from Ohio State would solve one of the bigger needs on the 49ers roster
Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz tweeted defensive tackle Tyleik Williams from Ohio State has an upcoming meeting with the San Francisco 49ers. Williams is projected to go in the late first or early second rounds.
Williams is sub 6’3”, but weighs 334 pounds. His arm length is in the 67th percentile, but his wingspan is in the 27th percentile. Williams is a nose tackle through and through. Williams played more snaps on a per-game basis than you’d anticipate a 330-pounder would. From Week 7 on, Williams played at least 40 snaps in each of Ohio State’s games.
At Ohio State, he came off the field. When Williams did get a chance to consistently rush the passer, he’d occasionally win, but more often than not, he did not look like a player with a plan to rush the passer. Williams boasted a pass rush win rate that was slightly above average.
Williams does not move like a human who weighs 334 pounds. His play strength resembles a sumo wrestler. Williams consistently resets the line of scrimmage and will forklift a guard out of the way if need be. But he’s far more than your typical nose tackle who eats up space. Williams has high-level first-step quickness, is aware of finding the ball, and, best of all, is the one usually making the play. His run stop win rate was in the elite tier.
Williams led his position in tackles for loss per game. He had more production as a pass rusher in 2023 as a junior. He pressured the quarterback at a higher rate, and when he didn’t get there, he found a way to deflect four passes.
My primary concern would be Williams maintaining enough stamina in an NFL game where he’d be an effective three-down player. The talent is there, and he’d solve one of the 49ers’ biggest issues at No. 43. Will he be conditioned enough to play 40 snaps at the NFL level? If so, Williams is a no-brainer for the Niners in the second round.