Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: S Evan Williams, Oregon
The Las Vegas Raiders have turned their attention to the 2024 NFL Draft, looking for talent at all positions to improve the team.
The Raiders showed improvements on defense in the second half of the season, looking like one of the best defenses in the NFL under new permanent head coach Antonio Pierce.
Now that Pierce has taken over full-time, the Raiders will look for players who fit the system and culture he is building in Las Vegas.
One of those players could be Oregon safety Evan Williams. A Fresno State transfer, Williams spent the last season of his collegiate career with the Ducks.
Williams concluded his career with 308 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, five and a half sacks, 14 passes defended, and four interceptions. He was named Second-Team All-Pac 12 in 2023.
Williams was impressive in his only season for the Ducks, posting 82 total tackles and four and a half sacks. However, he was not invited to either the Senior Bowl or Shrine Bowl. He will have to test well athletically at his Pro Day if he wants to improve his draft stock.
The Las Vegas Raiders could add Oregon's Evan Williams to their secondary through the 2024 NFL Draft.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
That should not be difficult for him, as he may be one of the best athletes in the draft class at safety. He has a tall, lean build with some muscle and moves incredibly well. He can flip his hips to change direction and cover receivers downfield stride-for-stride.
Williams is also efficient at playing the run, using his long, athletic frame to cover ground and make tackles against ball carriers. He is also a good coverage safety, allowing just one touchdown in 464 coverage snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
While he is a solid tackler, Williams tends to take poor angles to the ball carrier. He thrives better as a zone defender than a man coverage defender, which may make teams wary of drafting him and playing him significantly.
Williams is currently projected to be a fifth or sixth-round selection, so if the Raiders are looking to add depth to their secondary, they could add Williams, who has the potential to outplay his projected draft positioning.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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