IDP Spotlight - DL Kevin Williams, Minnesota Vikings
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Posted 8/24 by Shawn Culcasi, Exclusive to Footballguys.com
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Culcasi's Thoughts
With the 7th overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings select...
It didn't quite work out that way, as the Vikings were skipped twice on their
way to drafting Kevin Williams #9 overall, but their eye for talent turned out
to be dead on.
Explosive and athletic, those are the terms best used to describe the 6'5 311
pound defensive lineman from Oklahoma State. He possesses excellent quickness,
lateral movement and natural pass rush ability that makes him an ideal fit as
an under tackle, bringing back memories of John Randle for Vikings fans. Forced
to learn both the tackle and end positions during his first NFL season, Williams
thrived, finishing the year as their best defender with a performance to match.
During week 17, when Minnesota was knocked out of the playoffs on a last second
touchdown pass, Williams did all that he could with six solo tackles, three
sacks and an interception. A sign of things to come?
Consistency issues arose as he was switched between end and tackle, but he
proved to be a better fit on the interior and will be allowed to concentrate
inside this year, although we could still see him pop outside during passing
downs. This has the makings of an elite defensive line, much of which will be
keyed on Williams' development. With rookie Kenechi Udeze expected to start
from day one and Kenny Mixon's situation a little unclear, the Vikings will
rely heavily on Williams and fellow tackle Chris Hovan for leadership and stability,
and they are both the type of players who should deliver.
Ted Cottrell joins Minnesota as their 4th defensive coordinator in four years,
bringing in a system that calls for a strong push from the defensive tackles.
Less time at defensive end for Williams could see his sack total drop from the
10.5 he produced as a rookie, but as the centerpiece of this unit he'll be given
an ample amount of opportunity to make plays.
Positives
- Athletic, quick and explosive in a very imposing 6'5 311 pound package.
- A year under his belt and the ability to concentrate on one position should
cure the inconsistency that plagued him during his rookie season (under three
solo tackles in eight games).
- This is turning into a very talented Minnesota Vikings defense. The additions
Udeze and Antoine Winfield this year should open space and provide time for
Williams to make plays.
Negatives
- One of the issues heading into his rookie year was that he needed to fine-tune
his technique. He can be neutralized when he comes off the line too high.
- Arrested for a DUI last November. The charges were eventually dropped to
careless driving, but the negative attention needs to be avoided. Minnesota
Vikings in general have had a hard time staying "within the law"
of late, so Williams will have to buck that trend.
- As a rule, defensive tackles don't produce as well as defensive ends, limiting
his potential in the eyes of many.
Final Thoughts
If I were a Minnesota Vikings fan I'd be very excited about the upcoming season
and future of my team. They definitely have an eye on building a defense to
match their potent offense. Whether or not it all comes together in 2004 is
yet to be seen, they're relying on quite a bit of youth but seem to have enough
of a veteran mix to keep the kids from runnin' wild. On the verge of greatness,
Kevin Williams should be a cornerstone for many years with atypical production
from his spot at under tackle.
Quotes from the IDP Spotlight Message Thread:
To view the entire thread, click here: DL
Kevin Williams, Minnesota Vikings
grady:
"I am all over the place on Kevin Williams. It is clear that he is capable
of putting up big numbers. Just take a look at his week 17 performance last
year: 6 solos, 2 assists, 3 sacks, and an INT. The problem is that he is slated
to play the NT role this season. He will be the space eater and Chris Hovan
will play the UT role and get to rush the QB. I don't think his great week 17
is a sign of things to come, but I do think he will be a solid DL3 for your
team".
Projections
Source |
Solo
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Asst
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Sacks
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INT
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PD
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FF
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FR
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FntPts
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Aaron Rudnicki |
40
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13
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7.5
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0
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3
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2
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1
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78.0
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Shawn Culcasi |
44
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12
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11.5
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1
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5
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2
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0
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97.5
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Spotlight Consensus |
40
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15
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6.0
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0
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3
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-
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-
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68.5
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IDP Scoring System
1 pt per Solo Tackle
0.5 pt per Assisted Tackle
3 pts per Sack
4 pts per Interception
1 pt per Pass Defensed
2 pts per Forced Fumble
2 pts per Fumble Recovery
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